BMW sets a benchmark for other company models. And the trend continues with the BMW 3 series. The 2009 BMW 3 series has gone in for an early facelift already, resulting in a dapper looking luxury sports sedan / wagon that grabs your attention. The 3 series has always been popular for its sporty feel and aggressive performance, but this time round, it proves to be a winner in visual appeal as well. The 4 door sedan is available in impressive trims: the 528i, 528xi, 535i, 535xi, and the 550i sedans, coupes, hardtop convertibles and wagons.
The front bumper gets a new look as does the grille. A nice looking grid encases the front lights which are also enhanced with LED turn lighting, and the taillights have also been modified slightly. For the trend-setting entry level luxury 3 series model, BMW has carried out extensive refreshing in terms of styling and comfort. The wagon and sedan are now ready to conquer the road and the eyes, with their stunning new look and sculpted body. The subtle curves have been enhanced nicely.
The interiors of the 2009 BMW 3 series also steer clear of the stark appearance by getting some richer materials for the added feel of complete luxury, even when the car is zooming down the road like a speed demon. The company has rectified the flaws in the iDrive controller to a great extent, making it user-friendly. But this not a very necessary interface anyway. Heat-reflective leather and some supportive front seats get you completely relaxed and free of back-ache. Cargo space is convenient enough, with the wagon offering some 61 cubic feet for cargo.
As regards performance on the road, the 3 series model is good on fuel economy. The inline l6 300 hp engine ( capacity 3.0L) is enough to coast down the road smoothly, but the v8 engine in the higher 550i trim oozes aggression while pumping out 360 hp. Forget steering inertia and check out the balance maintained by the car. The excessive power is pushed to the rear wheels for good ride quality. At least the higher trims accelerate at once without a hitch. Safety features are impressive, as are the options.
No matter how winding the road, no matter how many twists and turns you encounter on your long drive, the top class suspension, supported by excellent brakes and easy handling makes the 3 series a delight!
2009 BMW 3-Series Specs and Safety
Specification BMW 3-Series 2-door coupe BMW 3-Series 4-door sedan BMW 3-Series 4-door wagon BMW 3-Series 2-door convertible
Wheelbase, in. 108.7 108.7 108.7 108.7
Overall Length, in. 180.3 178.2 178.2 180.6
Overall Width, in. 70.2 71.5 71.5 70.2
Overall Height, in. 54.1 55.9 55.9 54.5
Curb Weight, lbs. 3417 3285 3737 3792
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 11.1 12.0 60.9 9.0
Standard Payload, lbs. — – – –
Fuel Capacity, gals. 15.9 15.9 15.9 16.1
Seating Capacity 4 5 5 4
Front Head Room, in. 37.1 37.4 37.3 38.0
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 41.8 41.5 41.5 41.8
Rear Head Room, in. 36.1 37.1 36.9 36.5
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 33.7 34.6 34.6 31.9
Engines dohc I6 Turbocharged dohc I6 dohc V8 Turbodiesel dohc I6
Size, liters/cu. in. 3.0 /182 3.0 /182 4.0 /244 3.0 /182
Horsepower @ rpm. 230 @ 6500 300 @ 5800 414 @ 8300 265 @ 4200
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 200 @ 2750 300 @ 1400 295 @ 3900 425 @ 1750
Availability Standard Standard Standard Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
6-speed manual 18/28 17/26 14/20 –/–
6-speed automatic 19/28 17/26 –/– 23/33
7-speed automatic –/– –/– 14/20 –/–
Model Prices
Dealers Price MSRP
Base Price $40,755 $44,300
Destination Charge $825 $825
Total Options $0 $0
Total Price $41,580 $45,125
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