German Automobiles
BMW 3 Series Overview
Another year, another round of subtle changes to make one of the most heralded automobiles ever made even better. For decades, the BMW 3 Series has been the benchmark in the entry-level luxury car market -- be it in sedan, coupe, convertible or wagon guise. Typically, this BMW has offered a magnificent blend of restrained luxury, top-notch build quality, just-right size, ample feature content and a ride/handling balance that other manufacturers have been unsuccessfully trying to copy for ages.
For the 2009 BMW 3 Series, a few changes have been made to keep its superior status intact. Some of the sedan and wagon's more questionable styling elements have been rectified. These models receive a new front fascia that's reminiscent of the sexier coupe and convertible, and their streamlined cabooses mark a return to the more attractive BMW tradition of L-shaped taillights. The coupe and convertible have been left alone this year, and that's fine with us, as the sedan and wagon were the only members of the family that needed some cosmetic surgery.
Elsewhere, the much-maligned iDrive electronics interface has been dramatically improved, with more logically arranged menus and buttons surrounding the iDrive control knob that access frequently used functions (radio, navigation, telephone). The navigation system itself is now hard-drive-based and features real-time traffic information.
Later in the year, BMW's first clean-diesel engine for the United States will debut in the 2009 335d. This twin-turbocharged six-cylinder will make prodigious power and yet manage remarkable fuel economy of 23 mpg city and 36 mpg highway, according to BMW, while meeting the latest strict emissions requirements of all 50 states.
MECHANICAL:
- 6-speed manual transmission
- 3.0-liter dual overhead cam (DOHC), 24-valve inline 230-horsepower 6-cylinder engine with composite magnesium/aluminum engine block, Valvetronic, and Double-VANOS steplessly variable valve timing
- Engine Start/Stop button
- Electronic throttle control
- Rear wheel drive
- Extensive aluminum componentry including front suspension components (forged-aluminum lower arms, steering knuckle); subframe; steering rack; and brake components
- Double-pivot type front suspension with dual forged-aluminum lower arms
- 5-link rear suspension with cast-aluminum upper transverse arms
- Front and rear anti-roll (stabilizer) bars
- Twin-tube gas-pressure shock absorbers
- Engine-speed-sensitive, variable-assist power steering
- 4-wheel ventilated anti-lock disc brakes with Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)
- Chrome-plated exhaust tips
EXTERIOR:
- V Spoke (Style 360) 16 x 7.0 light alloy wheels, 205/55 run-flat all-season tires
- Halogen high- and low-beam headlights and Corona headlight-rings
- Halogen free-form foglights
- Adaptive Brake Lights
- Heated dual power mirrors and heated windshield washer jets
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers and Automatic headlight control
- Ground lighting located in bottom of exterior door handles
INTERIOR:
- 8-way adjustable front bucket seats includes 2-way headrests with Active Head Restraints feature
- Leatherette upholstery with car mats
- Front-seat center armrest
- Rear-seat center armrest with cupholders
- 3-spoke leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel with audio and Bluetooth phone controls (if so equipped)
- Tilt/telescopic steering wheel column
- Check Control vehicle monitor system with pictogram display, oil status display, and Condition Based Service indicator
- On-board computer with Check Control provides feedback on the vehicle's operating status: oil level indicator and distance to next service appointment/oil change, as well as other detailed information, such as spark plug and micro-filter status. It also provides travel information travel range on remaining fuel, external temperature and more
- Service Interval Indicator with miles-to-service readout
- Central locking system with center console switch (leaves gas filler door unlocked), double-lock feature and 2-step unlocking
- Remote keyless entry with remote trunk release
- Coded Driveaway Protection
- Power front and rear windows with "one-touch" up/down operation
- Dynamic Cruise Control
- Advanced Vehicle Key Memory includes climate-control temperature and air-distribution settings, exterior mirror and power seat settings, audio tone settings and radio presets with optional Navigation system, central-locking preferences, and lighting preferences
- Electric interior trunk release
- Automatic climate control includes micro-filter, automatic air recirculation, left/right temperature control, temperature- and volume-controlled rear outlets, windshield misting sensor, MAX A/C function, heat at rest, and recall of individual user settings
- Locking glovebox
- Front passenger cupholders (dashboard-integrated)
- Auxiliary power outlet
- Dark Burl Walnut Wood trim
- Driver and passenger visor vanity mirrors
- BMW Ambiance Lighting
- Courtesy lights include fade in/fade out, actuation from remote, automatic switch-on when engine is turned off, separately controlled left/right front and rear reading lights, front footwell lighting, and illuminated vanity mirrors
- Front seatback storage nets
SAFETY:
- Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
- Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) including Brake Fade Compensation, Start-off Assistant, Brake Drying, and Brake Stand-by features, with Dynamic Traction Control (DTC)
- Interlocking door anchoring system to help protect against door intrusion in side impacts
- Programmable Daytime Running Lights
- Driver's and passenger's front airbag supplemental restraint system (SRS) with advanced technology: dual-threshold, dual-stage deployment; and front-passenger seat sensors designed to prevent unnecessary airbag deployment
- Front and rear Head Protection System (HPS)
- Seat-mounted front side-impact airbags
- Front passenger seat-occupation recognition with Passenger's Airbag Off indicator
- BMW's Advanced Safety System for integrated deployment of passive and active safety features
- Impact sensor that activates Battery Safety Terminal disconnect of alternator, fuel pump and starter from battery; and automatically turns on hazard lights and interior lights, and unlocks doors
- Automatic locking retractors (ALR) on all passenger-seat safety belts for installation of child-restraint seat
- Front safety belts with automatic pretensioners
- LATCH attachments on child-restraint safety installation
- Child safety rear door locks
- Emergency trunk release
- Tire Pressure Monitor
- Porsche 911 Carrera
- Porsche 911 GT2
- Porsche 911 GT3
- Porsche 911 Turbo
- Porsche Boxter
- Porsche Cayenne
- Porsche Cayman
- Porsche Panamera
- Volkswagen Jetta
- Volkswagen Passat
- Volkswagen CC
- Volkswagen Golf
- Volkswagen Touareg
- Volkswagen Tiguan