The 2009 3 Series is a car for those who love to drive. With xDrive, BMW’s all-wheel drive system, it’s even more so. With near 50/50 weight distribution, a suspension tuned for handling and all four wheels attacking the pavement, the 3 Series with xDrive claws its way around corners. This baby is so fast, even the weather can’t keep up!
As Edmunds.com said in its thorough review, "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." Those who want to get the most out of their BMW’s performance capabilities should check out the 3 Series xDrive models.
The 2009 BMW 3 Series has two all-wheel drive members of the lineup: The 328i xDrive and 335i xDrive editions. The 335 with its twin-turbo six is a rocket. Both xDrive 3s are fine sport sedans that build on all the best attributes of the 3 Series and add the performance advantage of all-wheel drive.
The BMW 328i xDrive uses a 3.0-liter inline-six cylinder engine with 230 hp and 200 lb/ft of torque. It’s capable of turning in EPA-estimated mileage of 17 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. The 335i model gets the same engine with a pair of turbochargers added, boosting both hp and torque ratings to 300. That engine is mileage-rated for 17 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.
Beneath the hood of BMW’s 335i xDrive is a 3.0-liter, twin-turbocharged inline-six-cylinder. BMW's innovative and powerful Direct Fuel Injection system feeds fuel directly into each individual cylinder, resulting in improved power, torque, fuel economy and emissions. This influx of torque ensures greater low speed acceleration, mid-level passing ability and a generally more dynamic driving experience.
Generating its 300 hp and 300 lb/ft of torque at 1,400 to 1,500 rpms, this advanced inline-six is BMW’s first turbocharged engine offered in the U.S. in decades. It’s the result of a simple idea: to use two small turbochargers instead of one large one. By combining twin turbochargers with BMW’s direct fuel injection system and advanced piezo injector technology, BMW achieved the benefits of turbocharging without the drawbacks, namely poor fuel efficiency and turbo lag. In fact, the 335i eliminates turbo lag altogether. The engine’s innovative design includes an all-aluminum engine block with cast iron sleeves for durability and a Direct Fuel Injection system that also cools the engine. A cooler engine allows for a higher compression ratio (10.2:1 vs. 6:1 and 7:1 in other turbos), which translates into superior emission control, greater fuel efficiency and, most importantly, thrilling performance.
The 3 Series uses a transmission that actually adapts to the way you drive. BMW’s 3-mode, six-speed STEPTRONIC automatic transmission adapts to every driver differently, resulting in faster shifts, quicker response and reduced fuel consumption. Formula One-inspired steering wheel-mounted paddleshifters are as quick as a stick and don’t involve a clutch.
When you combine a STEPTRONIC power transmission with the BMW xDrive system, you get even more action with better traction. Unlike other all-wheel drive systems, xDrive has a rear wheel bias, so you get all the advantages of that setup when the roads are grippy. When things get slippery, xDrive alters its power bias and sends power to the wheel or wheels with the best traction. The change in torque distribution is almost instaneous.
BMWs have always earned their reputation in hard cornering. With xDrive, that reputation is sure to become legend. With all four wheels tenaciously holding a tight line through high speed corners, the experience is like nothing else in its class. Brake performance is equally excellent, even including a system that wipes the brake rotors dry when the windshield wipers are activated so that wet-road stopping power is virtually the same as dry-road braking.
In addition to performance, BMW owners get a superior interior featuring luxurious materials, advanced electronics and a level of fit and finish that’s the standard for the midsize luxury sport sedan class. As New Car Test Drive found, "Even the standard-trim front buckets provide excellent support without feeling too hard. The manual adjustments work great… The 335i gets power adjustments with three memory positions, and they are coded to the key. The power seats that come with the Sport Package are outstanding."
The 3 Series offers just about any amenity you would like for cabin comfort including electronic climate zone controls that allow the driver to select a lower air temperature for around the head and chest than in the footwell. An optional onboard navigation system controlled via BMW’s iDrive central control dial uses GPS satellites, a DVD map and, where available, Real Time Traffic Information (RTTI) to guide you to your destination. Choose the fastest route, the shortest route or the one that avoids traffic. BMW’s Logic7 Sound System routes two-channel (stereo) sound through a seven-channel playback matrix to create 360-degree surround sound. The anti-theft AM/FM/CD/MP3 player audio system includes 13 upgraded speakers (including two subwoofers), Digital Sound Processing (DSP), Radio Data System (RDS), Auto-Store and three-channel FM diversity antenna, and it displays MP3 song title and artist.
The 2009 BMW 3 Series, especially the xDrive models, deserve your attention, even if you currently drive a BMW. The experience of xDrive and twin-turbo power is a “blow-you-away” experience. Give us a call and we’ll give you a taste!
