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From $33,600
Near-perfect vehicle dynamics, potent and refined engines, high-quality interior, four body styles, convertible’s sleek retractable hardtop.
Not much interior storage space, pricey.
The 2009 BMW 3 Series sedan and wagon variants receive a variety of mild styling updates as well as a slight increase in rear track width. A redesigned iDrive controller debuts for the optional navigation system, which is now hard-drive-based and features real-time traffic. Later in the model year, the 3 Series sedan gets an optional twin-turbocharged clean-diesel engine. Finally, all-wheel-drive models are now badged xDrive, and a handful of features are new or revised.
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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 33 mpg highway, according to BMW, while meeting the latest strict emissions requirements of all 50 states.
The 2009 BMW 3 Series is poised to remain America’s best-selling luxury car, and for good reason — it’s an honest-to-goodness driver’s car that’s nonetheless comfortable and stylish enough to appeal to a wide range of consumers. This isn’t to say that there aren’t other worthy contenders. The Infiniti G37 offers 335i power for 328i money, the Cadillac CTS offers an extra dollop of interior room and the latest Audi A4 offers all-weather capability in a stylish package. All are admirable alternatives; however, none is good enough to knock the 3 Series from its traditional perch.