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Summary
The BMW 3 Series provides something for every taste, from sedan to wagon, coupe to convertible. For 2009, there's a new high-tech diesel. Any of the 3 Series are among the sportiest, most enjoyable cars in a class full of good cars. All remain benchmarks for overall performance, and none exacts a significant toll in efficiency, practicality or comfort. The 3 Series offers BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive system, and every model is laden with leading-edge technology. Prices rise quickly and substantially from the bottom of the 3 Series line, and we'd guess that most buyers will find the least expensive models as useful and enjoyable as the most expensive.J.P. Vettraino filed this report to NewCarTestDrive.com from Detroit. Tom Lankard contributed from central California, and Larry Edsall from Marin County in Northern California.
(Source: New Cars Test Drive)
Model Line Overview
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Model Lineup:
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BMW 328i sedan ($33,600); 328i wagon ($35,400); 328i xDrive sedan ($35,600); 328i coupe ($36,500); 328i xDrive wagon ($37,400); 328i xDrive coupe ($38,400); 335i sedan ($40,300); 335i xDrive sedan ($42,300); 335d sedan ($43,900); 335i coupe ($42,200); 335i xDrive coupe ($44,100); 328i Convertible ($44,300); 335i Convertible ($50,400) |
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Engines:
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3.0-liter double overhead cam 24-valve inline-6 diesel with variable twin turbochargers |
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Transmissions:
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6-speed Steptronic automatic with manual shift feature and steering-wheel paddles |
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Saftey Equipment (standard):
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dual front airbags, front passenger side-impact airbags, full-cabin head protection airbags, tire-pressure monitor, traction control, anti-lock brakes, Dynamic Stability Control and post-impact system to unlock doors, switch on hazard and interior lighting and disable fuel pump |
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Saftey Equipment (optional):
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all-wheel drive |
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Basic Warranty:
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4 years/50,000 miles |
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Assembled In:
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Munich, Germany |
Specifications As Tested
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Model Tested (MSRP):
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BMW 335d sedan ($43,900) |
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Standard Equipment:
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leatherette upholstery, burr walnut, light poplar or aluminum interior trim, automatic dual-zone climate control with cabin micro-filter, climate-controlled center console, 10-speaker AM/FM audio with single CD player and two sub-woofers, cruise control, power windows, remote keyless entry, leather-wrapped tilt/telescoping steering wheel with multi-function controls, rain-sensing variable-speed wipers, Xenon headlights, halogen foglights, two-way power moonroof, six-speed Steptronic automatic transmission, 17-inch wheels with H-rated all-season tires |
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Options As Tested (MSRP):
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Sport Package ($2,150) includes M sports suspension, 18-inch wheels with W-rated performance tires, power sport seats and 155-mph speed-limiter; Dakota leather upholstery ($1,450); iPod and USB adapter ($595); Comfort Access keyless start ($500); Sirius satellite radio with one-year subscription ($400); steering wheel paddle shifters ($100) |
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Destination Charge:
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825 |
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Gas Guzzler Tax:
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Price As Tested (MSRP):
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49920 |
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Layout:
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rear-wheel drive |
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Horsepower (hp @ rpm):
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265 @ 4250 |
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Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm):
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425 @ 1750 |
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Transmission:
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6-speed Steptronic automatic with manual shift feature and steering-wheel paddles |
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EPA fuel economy, city/hwy:
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23/36 |
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Wheelbase:
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108.7 |
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Length/width/height:
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178.8/71.5/55.9 |
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Track, f/r:
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59.1/60.2 |
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Turning circle:
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36.1 |
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Seating capacity:
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5 |
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Head/hip/leg room, f:
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38.5/NA/41.5 |
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Head/hip/leg room, m:
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Head/hip/leg room, r:
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37.5/NA/34.6 |
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Cargo volume:
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12.0 |
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Payload:
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Towing capacity:
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Suspension, f:
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independent, double-pivot lower control arms, coil springs, twin-tube shocks, anti-roll bar |
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Suspension, r:
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independent five-link, coil springs, twin-tube shocks, anti-roll bar |
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Ground clearance:
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Curb weight:
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3825 |
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Tires:
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225/40WR18 / 255/35WR18 run flat |
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Brakes, f/r:
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ventilated disc/ventilated disc |
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Fuel capacity:
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16.1 |
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