2010 BMW 3-Series: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

The 2010 BMW 3-Series is largely unchanged. These premium-compact cars come as 2-door coupes and convertibles, as well as 4-door sedans and wagons. Convertibles have a power-retractable hard top. The 3-Series model lineup consists of the following: entry-level 328, top-line 335, and high-performance M3. Depending on body style, the 328i comes with rear-wheel drive or with BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive. It's powered by a 230-horsepower 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine. Also depending on body style, the 335i is available with rear-wheel drive or AWD. Those models are powered by a turbocharged 300-horsepower 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder. The rear-drive 335d has a 265-horsepower 3.0-liter turbodiesel inline 6-cylinder that is emissions legal in all 50 states. M3 models use a 414-horsepower 4.0-liter V8.

All BMW 3-Series gasoline engines team with a 6-speed manual transmission. Optional on the 328i and 335i and standard on the 335d is a 6-speed automatic. The M3 is available with a 7-speed dual-clutch automated manual that behaves much like an automatic. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and front-side airbags. Head-protecting tubular side airbags are standard on all but convertibles. Convertibles have rollover bars designed to deploy from the rear headrests if sensors detect an impending tip.

Cars with the optional navigation system get BMW's iDrive that uses a console knob to control entertainment, navigation, communication, and other functions. Available features include steering-linked xenon headlights, BMW's Active Steering that quickens steering response at low speeds, rear-obstacle detection, adaptive cruise control, and BMW Assist service with a wireless cell-phone link.

COMPETITION

Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium-Compact Cars are similar in size but more expensive than Compact Cars. Premium Compacts have more standard equipment and an upscale image when compared to Compact Cars.

Our Best Buys in the Premium-Compact Car class are the BMW 3-Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Our Recommended pick is the Audi A4.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Audi A4 (S4), Lexus HS 250h, and Lexus IS. The Audi A3 gets a diesel engine for 2010.