2009 BMW 3 Series

Review

BMW is known for its high-powered, upscale vehicles. 2009 BMW 3 Series is an entry level luxury vehicle that is sure to please many people with its power. This new car guide contains specs, photos, opinions from owner car reviews, and results of a recent road test.

The 2009 BMW 3 Series sells for a base MSRP of $33,600, and an invoice price of $30,910. Car pricing goes up from there; more upscale models invoice for up to $46,645. The BMW 3 Series can be purchased as a coupe, sedan, wagon, or hardtop convertible. The two models for the 3 Series are the 328i and the 335i, both of which come with rear-wheel drive. All-wheel-drive models are available with the xDrive designation. The 335 models have twin turbochargers that the 328 models do not.

Improvements from the 2008 3 Series

The 2009 BMW 3 Series has received a few minor styling changes over the 2008 model, including a restyled hood, new taillights, and side mirrors. Inside, the iDrive controller has been redesigned, and is now hard-drive based and offers real-time traffic information.

Performance

The biggest advantage that BMWs have over other vehicles in its class is its performance. The 328 model comes with a 3.0 liter, 6 cylinder engine with 230 horsepower. The 335 models, with added turbochargers, have 300 horsepower. A diesel model offers 265 horsepower. Acceleration is sufficient in the 328 models and abundant with the 335. The 3 Series has excellent handling and braking that exceeds that of the average vehicle in its class. The vehicle is quiet, although a little wind noise is present on the highway. A normal conversation can be carried on in the convertible, even on the highway.

Exterior Features

Exterior features for the 2009 BMW 3 Series do not leave the user disappointed. Driving in the rain will be easier with rain-sensing windshield wipers that have heated washer jets and power heated mirrors with two-position mirror memory. Xenon adaptive automatic headlights with auto leveling and daytime running lights will help with visibility, as will the fog lights. The convertible model comes with a fully automatic power retracting hard top. Run-flat, all-season tires are an option that make driving safer.

Interior Features

Interior features on the 2009 BMW 3 Series include front bucket seats with 10 power adjustments and 2 position seat memory for the driver, an on-board computer that displays vehicle status and trip information, remote keyless entry, and power windows with one touch operation in both the front and the rear. Front seating is comfortable, especially for people up to six feet tall. The rear seats, especially in the coupe model, are less comfortable than many other vehicles in the class. The available cargo room could be better, especially in the convertible models. A split folding rear seatback is available as an option on sedan models, which can expand space.

Safety & Specifications

The 2009 BMW 3 Series comes with several safety features, and has been given four (out of five) stars for both the driver and passenger in frontal crash tests. The three series received five stars for side crashes, and has a four star rollover rating. Car safety features include a tire pressure monitoring system, child safety rear door locks, front knee airbags, front side-impact airbags, and dual front airbags. Antilock brakes with dynamic brake control are included, as is dynamic stability control and dynamic traction control. A crash sensor will disconnect the battery terminal, unlock the doors, and turn on the hazard lights automatically in the event of a crash.

Upgrade Options

Several options and option packages are available for the 2009 BMW 3 Series, although not all options are available on all models. The premium package adds leather upholstery (for the coupe and sedan), BMW assist system, a wireless cellular phone link, compass, universal garage door opener, power folding mirrors, and upgrades the interior trim. The sport package increases the top speed, adds a sport steering wheel, sport suspension, and run-flat tires. Other available options include 17 inch alloy wheels, navigation system, voice recognition, keyless access, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, and headlight washers. A front and rear obstacle detection system, power sunroof, paddle shifters, power front seats, split folding rear seat, upgraded sound system, satellite radio, high definition radio, iPod adapter, and special paint can also be purchased as an option.

How the New 3 Series Compares to Other Upscale Midsize Cars

If power is your main concern when choosing an upscale midsize car, the 2009 BMW 3 Series will be on the top of your list. The 3 Series was given an "average value" rating by Intellichoice, and the Intellichoice 5 year cost of ownership is $46,633 (for the 4 door 328i sedan). Other vehicles that might interest you include the Hyundai Genesis, which receives higher marks for safety and reliability, and the Infiniti G37, which rivals the 3 Series when it comes to performance, and was also labeled an "average value" by Intellichoice. Car insurance for the 4 door 328i sedan would average $1658 a year for the first five years. It is important to note that this is simply an average cost, you can explore the actual price in more detail by shopping around for online car insurance quotes. The J.D. Power Quality Ratings include three and a half power circles (out of five) for overall initial quality, four and a half power circles for overall performance and design, and three and a half stars for predicted reliability. The 3 Series' gas mileage will get you 18 mpg in the city and 28 on the highway, which is slightly better than its closest competition. This BMW comes with a four-year, 50,000 mile basic warranty, and a powertrain warranty of the same amount of time. Free maintenance and towing (to a BMW repair facility) is also covered for the same time period. It also comes with a 12 year rust warranty.

Conclusion: Is the BMW 3 Series a Smart Buy?

As far as performance is concerned, the 2009 BMW 3 Series is a great car, but not everyone is in love with it. Auto reviews from owners are mixed. Some had mechanical troubles, others found the sport seats to be uncomfortable. The interior storage is limited, and the electronic controls can be confusing. It is recommended that you test drive this vehicle, along with a couple vehicles in its competition, before you make a final decision. Some people love this vehicle, you will only know if you are one of them if you give it a try.