| Pros |
 |
| The BMW 3-Series is offered in more body styles than any other vehicle in its class, and with coupe, sedan, wagon, or convertible variants, you'll be able to pick the one that fits you best. Across any of these models, the 3-Series has a refined, sophisticated feel combined with excellent steering and handling and smooth, responsive powertrains. Particularly of note are the new 335is Coupe, which combines the 300-hp turbocharged six and DCT transmission for the first time, and the 335d sedan, which can accelerate about as quickly and also returns a stunning 36 mpg highway. At the top of the range is the renowned M3, available in coupe, sedan and convertible form. A performance legend, the M3 represents one of the best performance values on the market today. |
|
| Model Highlights |
|
| The 3-Series comes in several different body styles. With Coupe, Convertible, Sedan, and Wagon variants-including diesel and high-performance M3 variants in some styles-the 3-Series includes a full range of possibilities.
Each of the body styles is offered in 328i and 335i variants, with the 328i including a 230-horsepower, 3.0L in-line 6-cylinder engine and the 335i getting a 300-hp, 3.0L turbocharged six. In the 335i, the former twin-turbo setup is replaced with a twin-scroll, single-turbo arrangement which BMW says allows more torque at lower rpm; peak torque is now available from 1,200 rpm. Either of these engines are smooth and free-revving, and they work well either with the standard 6-speed manual transmission or the available 6-speed Steptronic automatic. Coupes and Sedans are offered in both rear-wheel or all-wheel drive form.
A 3-Series clean-diesel engine is only available in sedan form. The 335d Sedan includes a 265-horsepower, 3.0L twin-turbo in-line 6-cylinder diesel that burns cleanly enough to be sold in all 50 states and produces an incredible 425 lb-ft of torque. The 335d is only paired with a 6-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive, and returns a very impressive 23 mpg city, 36 mpg highway.
The 2011 M3 comes with a 4.0L V8 engine capable of producing 414 horsepower and 295 lb-feet of torque. Two transmissions are available on the M3: a conventional 6-speed manual and a 7-speed dual-clutch automated manual model.
Across the lineup, 3-Series models have a similar front-end appearance but are quite different in layout. Xenon adaptive headlamps are standard on 3-Series Coupe models, and the Coupes and Convertibles get a unique taillight design with L-shaped lamps and LED illumination. Coupes and Convertibles follow a 4-person layout, while Sedans and Wagons have a 3-person back seat. In place of the center position in Coupe and Convertible models, there's a larger center console along with storage bins, air vents and footwell lights.
Steering and handling remain 3-Series strengths. All the models in the lineup have near-perfect 50/50 weight distribution, and the suspension-with a double-pivot/strut setup in front and multi-link arrangement in back-is made mostly of aluminum and tuned for a firm but absorbent ride. Servotronic power steering gives a good feel of the road, but the available Active Steering is a step up, automatically adjusting the ratio and assistance level to make the car easier to handle in parking lots as well as on the highway. The Dynamic Stability Control system helps maintain control either near the limits on sharp corners or on slippery surfaces, and it's tuned to allow a little more slip-and driving enjoyment-than most systems. The stability control system will even function like a rear differential and help channel power to the wheels with the most traction, for improved handling. Brake Standby and Brake Drying help maintain top braking performance in the wet, and a Start-off Assistant helps smooth starts on a steep incline. In addition to a full roster of airbags, the 3-Series comes with standard front active head restraints, to help prevent whiplash injuries.
The 2011 3-Series Convertible maintains its folding-hardtop arrangement, which compromises trunk space slightly but provides a weather-tight seal from the outside for year-round motoring. An Automatic Air Recirculation helps improve airflow at lower speeds, while the automatic climate control system includes three different modes, including a 'Convertible' mode designed for when the roof is open. For those planning to travel frequently at highway speeds with the top down, there's an available wind deflector, and the available leather in the Convertible includes sun-reflective treatment across all surfaces and can reduce interior temperatures by up to 36 degrees.
Wagon models offer an entirely different package aimed at maximizing cargo space and versatility. Wagons are now only offered in 328 |
|
| Model News |
|
| For 2011, the BMW 3-Series gets a new fourth-generation iDrive controller that features a redesigned menu structure, and direct-select keys surrounding the controller. A larger, higher resolution 8.8-inch display screen comes with the system and has been repositioned on the dash for easier readability.
BMW has significantly upgraded the turbocharged engine in the 335i models; though its horsepower and torque ratings remain the same, a new twin-scroll, single-turbo arrangement replaces last year's twin-turbo configuration. Acceleration and responsiveness have been slightly improved.
All-new for 2011 is a performance-oriented 335is Coupe, which pairs the 300-horsepower turbocharged six with BMW's 7-speed DCT (Double Clutch) gearbox, an automated transmission that allows quick, rev-matched shifts without the sacrifice in performance or fuel economy of a standard automatic transmission.
Several new colors-Deep Sea Blu Metallic, Vermillion Red Metallic, and Mineral White Metallic-are newly offered on the Coupe. And throughout the 3-Series lineup, interior materials and trims have been upgraded.
The M3 gets new Competition Package that lowers suspension, adds 19" wheels as well as an EDC sport mode intended to further improve handling. |
|
| Value Writeup |
|
| Several different body styles to choose from; great handling and steering; nice, well-controlled ride; available clean-diesel engine on Sedan; new track-oriented 335is model; tight retractable hardtop setup for Convertible |
|
|
|