Hardware
BMW offers a choice of three very different 3.0-liter, inline 6-cylinder engines. The standard powerplant, found in all “328i” models, is a normally-aspirated, gasoline-fed 3.0-liter engine rated at 230 hp with 200 lb.-ft. of torque. The second engine choice, and the most powerful offering for the standard 3 Series, is found under the hood of the “335i” models. Equipped with twin turbochargers and other performance enhancements, the gasoline-fed 3.0-liter engine is rated at 300 hp and 300 lb.-ft. of torque. All-new for 2009, BMW is offering a powerful 3.0-liter twin-turbo diesel engine on the “335d” models. The diesel 335d models will accelerate to 62 mph in just 6.2 seconds, BMW says. Average fuel economy is estimated at 23 mpg city/33 mpg highway.
BMW is one of the few automakers who still offer a standard 6-speed manual transmission in this segment; an automatic 6-speed STEPTRONIC transmission is optional. While RWD is standard, BMW’s innovative xDrive AWD system (upgraded for 2009) is also available on select models. All 3 Series models feature fully-independent suspension with disc brakes front and rear with anti-lock control. Depending on model, standard wheels are either 16- or 17-inch aluminum alloy. Eighteen-inch aluminum wheels are optional on Sport package models. Run-flat tires, combined with a tire-pressure-monitoring system, are standard features on all 3 Series vehicles. BMW provides a 4-year/50,000-mile new-vehicle limited warranty and a 4-year/unlimited mileage membership in the BMW Assist Safety Plan. The BMW Maintenance Program includes all factory-recommended maintenance items for the first 4-year/50,000-mile period of ownership.
