The new BMW 3 Series: it’s all in the details and the diesel

The hills are alive with the sound of Munich. The folks at BMW have been exceptionally busy lately. No sooner have they unveiled an all-new 7 Series, when in the next breath they announce the mid-cycle update of the current-generation 3 Series. The 2009 BMW 3 Series is the lucky recipient of a subtle re-design both inside and out, plus (and this could be the most exciting news) it now offers the option of a diesel engine that is emissions-legal in all 50 states.

No doubt we all have our own feelings about contemporary BMW styling, but the tweaked front and rear are welcome changes (especially the rear). The front bumper is now different, as are the headlights (they’re also the type that can illuminate around corners, very useful when tackling a curvy canyon road at night). The rear accommodates a new trunk lid that has been re-shaped to complement the new taillights. The interior now has a revised, easier-to-use iDrive information system (it needed to be), as well as new color options.

The models with the most updates are the sedans and Sport Wagons, with either the 328i or 335i designation (the same gasoline engine options as before), and with the conventional rear-drive arrangement or BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system. The Coupes and Convertibles continue with fewer changes. They’re newer models, anyway.

So then, the diesel. This is the 335d model. It’s a 3.0-liter, twin-turbocharged straight six using the latest technology du jour that has to have the word ‘blue’ in it. For Mercedes-Benz, it’s Bluetec. For BMW, it’s BluePerformance. This engine produces 265 horsepower. But with diesels, torque’s the thing. So developing 425 pound-feet is impressive. And it contributes greatly to the general feeling of fun when driving a BMW.

The new models employ the company’s EfficientDynamics system (which, among other things, makes use of the energy otherwise dissipated when braking) to help with economy and emissions. The 335d should be particularly notable in this area. They also get the latest toys: Bluetooth this and hard-drive that.

Exactly when they’ll be in the showrooms and how much they’ll cost are things that have yet to be announced. But the answers should run something like: perhaps this fall and starting somewhere around the $33,000 mark.

-- Colin Ryan

Photos: BMW

Comments

[Rev. Dave]

BMW has been busy alright - brain dead busy. That thing is beyond ugly. Gotta luv Bimmer customers though; they'll buy any garbage and pay a premium for it. God Bless America.