2009 BMW 3-Series
by Jim Prueter -04/2009

The Ultimate Driving Machine gets a face-lift

For 2009 BMW’s most popular vehicle gets a fairly extensive face-lift that we’re guessing is only apparent to loyalists and followers of the brand. Visible changes include a new front bumper with redesigned air intakes; the grille loses its eyebrows and the hood is sculptured with two noticeable creases.

Side mirrors are sculpted to coordinate with the hood creases and the tail lamps have a new illumination pattern. Inside, all remains the same. However, material quality has been upgraded to help cheer up the otherwise staid look and feel.

The only drivetrain change is the addition of a diesel engine offering, the 330d, that produces a healthy 265-horsepower and yields an estimated 36 miles per gallon.

The 3-Series is offered in a dizzying array of 16 models in a range of sedans, coupes, convertibles and wagons, with different engine and transmission choices, rear-wheel and all-wheel drive. The least expensive 328i sedan starts at $33,600 and the highest priced M3 convertible has a base price of $66,500. No hybrid version of the 3-Series is offered.

We tested a 328i xDrive Sedan (x designation is for all-wheel drive) with a six-speed manual shifter and a base price of $43,125, including destination and handling charges.

Buyers have a choice of twelve exterior colors; all but red, white or black cost an additional $550. Leatherette (vinyl) upholstery is standard; the real stuff costs $1450 as a stand-alone option or $2650 when included in the Premium Package bundled with Bluetooth system, lumbar seat support, auto-dimming interior and exterior mirrors and universal garage door opener. Buyers also get a choice of aluminum or two different wood interior trims. BMW’s six-speed Steptronic automatic transmission ($1325) is optional on all models. Total MSRP is $43,125 with no options or packages.

Standard features included the 3.0-liter 230-horsepower inline six-cylinder engine, hill descent control, 16-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, heated power mirrors, manual adjustable front seats, tilt/telescopic steering wheel column, cruise control, power trunk release, rain-sensing windshield wipers, AM/FM stereo CD/MP3 player audio system, power moonroof, and “one-touch” power up/down windows.

The 3-Series has always been a car for those who love to drive. Handling is agile with a ride that is on the firm side and driving dynamics that are close to perfection. The 3-Series is not a sports car, but an entry-level luxury sports sedan. The xDrive pushes most of the power to the rear wheels and is excellent for negotiating winter roads with confidence.

Long a favorite among those who test cars and write reviews, many consider the 3-Series the benchmark in this class. It’s about as close as you can get to sports car driving dynamics while driving a sedan. However, in our annual list of AAA Top Picks, we gave the edge in this class to the excellent Infiniti G37, followed closely by the second-place 3-Series. Other excellent performers in this class include the Lexus IS, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and the Cadillac CTS.

The engine and transmission are fantastic, with good acceleration response, precision shifting and superb brakes. We prefer the manual shifter to the automatic because it is so enjoyable drive.

Inside, the 3-Series is a tight fit both up front and in the back seat, especially for taller drivers. One is quickly reminded that the 3-Series is still a compact car and one of the overall smallest vehicles in the class. Front seats are firm yet extremely comfortable with excellent support and ample manual adjustment. Power seats come with the Sport Package ($1350) but to get them heated you need to purchase the Cold Weather Package ($1000), which also includes folding rear seats.

Standard safety equipment includes dual front and seat-mounted front side-impact airbags, full-cabin curtain-type head protection airbags, active headrests, dynamic stability control and antilock brakes. The 3-Series earned 4 out of a possible 5 stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in front crash tests and the highest possible 5 stars in side impact crash tests. It earned the highest “Good” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in frontal offset and side impact crash tests.

Overall, the 3-Series is a near-perfect sports sedan with excellent vehicle dynamics, and a refined engine and transmission, making it one of the best driver’s cars on the market today. It has long been a favorite of auto enthusiasts and those who seek its upscale image.