The 3 Series from BMW is one of the most popular and most capable cars offered from BMW. The company's slogan has long been "the ultimate driving machine" and when you consider all that the 3 Series has to offer this may be the car that they had in mind. The 3 Series BMW's continue to be the top selling model in the United States and these sports sedans, wagons and coupes offer some of the best engineering, technology and power that BMW offers in any of their models.
The 3 series family of cars encapsulates a wide variety of body styles, engine options and of course price. There are enough options to make each vehicle as unique as the person driving it. If you are looking for the top of the line in the M Series that would be the M3. This sports sedan is boasting a big V-8 that turns a harmless looking sedan into a real road warrior. The M3 is a powerhouse and an elegant vehicle offering top of the line suspension, power train and comfort. Combining sheer power, performance and luxurious comfort is one of BMW's specialties and it really shows in the M3.
The Range
Bodystyles: Coupe, sedan, wagon, convertible
Engines: 3.0L I-6, 3.0L turbocharged I-6, 3.0L diesel I-6, 4.0L V-8
Transmissions: 6-speed automatic, 6-speed manual, 7-speed dual-clutch automated manual
Models: 328i, 328ix (coupe, sedan, convertible, wagon), 335i, 335i convertible, 335d, M3 (coupe, sedan, convertible)
What's New
The 335i gets the new inline-6 equipped with a single twin-scroll turbocharger, BMW's Valvetronic throttle-less intake technology, High Precision direct fuel injection, and all-aluminum construction. Also for 2011, the 3-Series coupes will be available with BMW's advanced xDrive all-wheel drive and traction system. BMW has further developed its iDrive nav and entertainment system with new graphics and controls.
Exterior
The new design of the taillights is unique to the 3 Series Coupe and Convertible. The rear light cluster features two-piece L-shapes and a new color scheme. A new, broader hood and wider kidney grille have also been added.
Interior
There are no dramatic changes to the interior of the 3 Series, which features a variety of wood and aluminum trim packages are available at no cost, as well as leatherette or Dakota leather for your upholstery options available in a variety of colors.
Performance & Handling
Through years of refinement, the new I-6, both in naturally aspirated and turbo forms, is more responsive, more fuel efficient and cleaner-running than ever before. The turbo puts out the same power and torque as last year's engine (300/300) but does it more efficiently. The non-turbo 3.0-liter is rated at 230 horsepower and 200 pound-feet of torque, the same as last year.
Safety
The 3 Series' two-stage adaptive brake lights increase in intensity during a full ABS stop. Driver and passenger front airbags are standard, along with frontal side impact and front and rear head curtain bags. Traction and Stability Control are standard.
EPA Fuel Economy
328i: 18 mpg city/28 mpg highway
328i convertible: 17-18 mpg city/33 mpg highway
328i sports wagon: 17-18 mpg city/26-27 mpg highway
328i sports wagon xDrive: 17 mpg city/25mpg highway
335i: 19 mpg city/28 mpg highway
335i: convertible 19 mpg city/28 mpg highway
335D: 23 mpg city/36 mpg highway
M3: 14 mpg city/20 mpg highway
M3 convertible: 13-14 mpg city/20 mpg highway
You'll Like
- Amazing performance
- Wide variety of models
- Decent interior space
You Won't Like
Sum Up
The best BMW has to offer
If You Like This Vehicle
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