2010 BMW 3 Series Preview

Summary

With a freshening and introduction of the diesel engine for 2009, the 3 Series for BMW should likely see no major changes. Available in 2 door coupes or convertibles and fully functional 4 door sedans and even an offering of a wagon the 3 series has trim styles sure to please any consumer in the market for this type of luxury automobile. With options abound and significant styling, the 3 series is surely worth a look for the 2010 model year.

Full Preview 2010

The 2010 BMW 3-Series sedans and wagons should see no major changes after their 2009 freshening and the introduction of a diesel engine. These premium compact cars should continue to be available as 2-door coupes and convertibles, as well as 4-door sedans and wagons. Convertibles should continue to have a power-retractable hard top. The 2010 coupes and convertibles may get the same styling treatments the 2009 sedans and wagons received. The 3-Series model lineup should continue to consist of the following: entry-level 328, mid-line 335, and high-performance M3.

Depending on body style, the 328i should continue to be available with rear-wheel drive or with BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive. It should continue to be powered by a 230-hp 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine. Also depending on body style, the 335i should remain available with rear-wheel drive or AWD. Those models should remain powered by a turbocharged 300-hp version of the 3.0-liter 6-cylinder. The rear-drive 335d should also remain. All BMW 3-Series gasoline engines should remain available with a 6-speed manual transmission.

The M3 should continue to be available with a 7-speed automatic. Available safety features should include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and front side airbags. Head-protecting tubular side airbags that cover both seating rows should remain standard on all but convertibles. Convertibles should continue to be available with rollover bars designed to deploy from the rear headrests if sensors detect an impending tip.

Cars with the optional navigation system should continue to get BMW's iDrive that uses a console knob to control entertainment, navigation, communication, and other functions. The navigation system should continue to include a hard drive for storing digital music files. Other available features should 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. This report is based on evaluations of the 2009 BMW 3-Series.
Our road test for the 2010 BMW 3-Series includes a full evaluation of the 2010 BMW 3-Series from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2010 BMW 3-Series, but also interior cabin and cargo space.

First Drive 2010

With manual transmission, the rear-drive 328i has smooth, sufficient power for around-town driving and highway passing. The 335i has abundant power at any speed with no noticeable turbo lag; a test coupe with automatic transmission did 4.7 seconds 0-60 mph. The 6-speed automatic changes gears smoothly, but downshifts can lag behind throttle inputs. With any engine, the manual transmission has silky-smooth shift action. The M3's available 7-speed automatic transmission shifts more smoothly when gears are selected manually with the steering-wheel paddles. No diesel, all-wheel drive models, wagons, or 328s with automatic transmission have been made available for testing.

In Consumer Guide testing, a 335 coupe with manual transmission averaged 22.0 mpg in mostly highway driving. Test 335 with automatic averaged 16.3 mpg in mostly city driving. An M3 sedan with manual averaged 15.7 mpg, while a similar M3 convertible averaged 19.0 in mostly highway driving. All non-diesel 3-Series require premium-grade gas. Note that to meet federal emissions standards, the 335d incorporates an exhaust-treatment system that requires periodic dealer maintenance. Unlike some diesel-powered vehicles, the 335d is available in all 50 states.

Suspensions favor taut composure over cushioned isolation. Base suspension is compliant, though sharp bumps can pound through. Firmer sport suspension (standard on coupes) and low-profile 17-inch tires (standard on coupes, convertibles, and 335s) can trigger abrupt vertical and side-to-side motions on uneven pavement. Top up or down, convertible has an impressively rigid body structure with virtually no cowl shake.

The 3-Series is the class benchmark for overall control and steering feel. Even with the base suspension, all models display excellent balance, sharp moves, and little body lean in turns; they're even sharper with the sport suspension. Optional Active Steering aids low-speed maneuverability, but some testers feel its activation point is inconsistent. We recommend AWD in snowy climates.

Engines sing under acceleration but cruise quietly. Wind rush is evident at highway speeds. Tire noise is subdued with base suspension but elevated with sport suspension and on M3, though it never intrudes on conversation. Top up, convertible offers near-coupe-like isolation. Top down, wind buffeting is minor; normal conversation is possible even at highway speeds.

Exterior Detailing

The M3's interior decor seems a bit bland for its high-performance pretensions. We've had no opportunity to evaluate the standard vinyl seating trim. Bodies exhibit ingot-solid construction; convertible quivered a bit with the top down, but less so than in most competitors. Convertible top powers up or down in about 23 seconds with the press of a button.

Interior Styling

Audio and climate controls are compromised by their low mounting position and some cryptic markings. BMW's odd turn-signal actuation drew some complaints, and in some cases, the steering wheel cut off the driver's view of the turn-signal indicator lamps.

Standard manual tilt and telescopic steering wheel helps tailor a comfortable driving position.

Headroom is tight for those over 6 ft tall in the sedan, over 5-ft-9 in the coupe or convertible. Foot space is limited with front seat bottoms lowered. There's decent legroom, but it diminishes behind taller front-seat occupants. Front seats slide fore and aft in coupe and convertible, but entry and exit still require some twisting.

Trunks have a low liftover, and the non-intrusive lid hinges help make good use of the available volume. But the convertible's meager top-up trunk space shrinks to minuscule with the top down; there's just enough room for a single small suitcase with the top retracted. Coupe's small aperture won't swallow large packages, but its standard split folding rear seatbacks expand space. A split folding rear seatback is optional on sedans, and we recommend it. With dynamic capabilities second to none, the 3-Series remains our benchmark for premium compacts. A full complement of body styles and available all-wheel drive add to the appeal. Base prices are reasonable for this class, though BMW charges extra for popular amenities many competitors include as standard equipment.