The BMW 3 Series is the company's top seller in the U.S. and a favorite in the marketplace for good reason: It's a well-built, premium compact vehicle endowed with world-class fit and finish, ample power and a comfortable ride and handling trade-off that is unmatched by most cars at any price. No matter what model you choose, our editors generally agree that you'll be able to go about your weekday routine without feeling that you've sacrificed ride comfort for the sake of weekend thrills.
Recently, the 3 Series has gone through a full redesign. The current model, which represents the fifth-generation 3 Series, is now slightly larger, heavier and faster than the previous model. An even better car overall, the latest BMW 3 Series has a bolder look, revised suspension and braking, more power and more interior space.
In BMW speak, the new "E90" sedan and wagon debuted in 2006 with a complete makeover, and the coupe followed suit in 2007. The newest 3 Series vehicles take the numerical stakes higher as well, with sedans and coupes now badged as either the twin-turbo-equipped 335i with 300 horsepower, or the 328i and 328xi all-wheel-drive sedans, coupes and wagons with 230 horsepower.
Because the updated sedan, wagon and uniquely swoopy coupe are all-new designs, there are variations between them and the carry-over convertible as well as differing standard/optional equipment levels; a new E90-based drop top is set to join the rest of the lineup probably later in the year. For those more concerned with all-weather performance and safety during fall and winter seasons, "x"-designated all-wheel-drive capability is a worthwhile, confidence-inspiring option on all new body styles.
All-new fifth-generation BMW 3 Series are powered by a familiar, well-balanced 3.0-liter inline-6. A normally aspirated version in the 328i and xi models makes 230 hp and 200 lb-ft of torque, and a higher-performance twin-turbocharged version in the 335i generates 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. Most 3 Series models come with a six-speed manual transmission as standard equipment, with a six-speed automatic optional.
Inside 328i, 328xi and 335i models, drivers will find a restrained show of luxury, with an emphasis on driver comfort and involvement -- supportive seats underneath and a clean, clear analog gauge cluster dead ahead. Materials and build quality are exceptional in keeping with its price point; even the standard leatherette upholstery looks and feels better than one might expect.
The BMW 3 Series never fails to impress us as a top choice in its segment. In addition to its other outstanding qualities, Edmunds editors report that "the 3 Series' world-class suspension, steering and brakes provide hours of entertainment on twisty two-lane highways. Beyond simply feeling rock solid when hustled around turns, this car communicates with the driver in a manner that inspires confidence no matter what kind of driving you're doing. And you don't have to give up a comfortable ride to get this kind of athleticism."
If you can ante up the considerable bottom line, the 3 Series is still the standard-bearer of the compact luxury-sport class -- especially when it comes to perfectly sorted and balanced vehicle dynamics, abundant and smooth power, a wide range of configurations to suit any style and available all-wheel drive for those who can't afford to let a little inclement weather stand between them and their well-appointed journeys.
From 1992-'98, the evolutionary third-generation E36 replacement grabbed the BMW 3 Series baton and never looked back, with a handsome, spirited new sedan and unique, more rakishly styled coupe and convertible. A new DOHC 24-valve aluminum head bumped the 325i to a robust 189 hp.
For five years starting in 1995, BMW added an even more compact two-door hatchback called the 318ti to the 3 Series lineup, with a chopped-off tail and the less-sophisticated semi-trailing arm rear suspension of the previous-generation car. With only138 horses under the hood and rather austere interior trimmings, we can only recommend it to the most budget-conscious/entry-level used shoppers.
In 1996 BMW introduced a new 2.8-liter inline-6 to the 3 Series with 190 hp and substantially more torque for improved acceleration, vented rear disc brakes to handle its higher limits and a new 328i designation. Premium and Sport option packages debuted to simplify things, and a year after that in 1997 all models received minor styling revisions in the front grille and rear fascia areas, as well as in the cockpit. In '98, another engine and model update again raised the bar and kept things fresh -- the base 318i coupe and convertible became the 323is coupe and convertible by ditching the aging four-banger in favor of a smoother, more powerful 168-hp 2.5-liter inline six-cylinder power plant. In general, any 3 Series from this generation that's been well maintained and has low mileage should be an excellent value for shoppers of "previously owned" entry-luxury vehicles.
Also widely available for the used BMW 3 Series shopper in search of a great entry-luxury car, the fourth-generation "E46" 3 Series debuted as a sedan for the 1999 model year. The coupe, convertible and wagon models fell in line a year later in 2000, while the entry-level 318ti hatchback was finally axed. In 2001, feature content and engine displacement/technology was boosted -- and all-wheel drive made available -- keeping the 3 Series at the head of a very competitive pack. Detail improvements like DVD-based navigation, bi-xenon headlights, rain-sensing wipers and an SMG transmission -- with an exterior face-lift for sedans and wagons in 2002, and coupes and convertibles following in 2004 -- helped carry the baby 325i and 330i BMWs through the remaining few years of the ever-popular previous 3 Series generation.
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