Brief History of the BMW 3 Series
In the late 1960′s, performance car enthusiasts in the U.S. had limited options. There were small 2-seater sports cars like the British MG. And there were Detroit-made muscle cars with big V-8 engines offering a lot of power, but little else. Few Americans had ever heard the name BMW.
Then in 1968, an article appeared in Car & Driver magazine, raving about an unassuming little automobile: the BMW 2002. This was a car Americans had never seen. It accelerated like a muscle car, but it was light and fuel-efficient. It was agile like a sports car, but it had four quite comfortable seats and legroom. The 2002 embodied for Americans an entirely new concept: the sports sedan. And it laid down the track that BMW has been running on ever since.
The success of the 2002 led to the founding of BMW North America in 1975. And shortly thereafter a new model was introduced that furthered this concept of performance and practicality–the BMW 3 Series. This new model was a direct descendant of the 2002. Models have expanded upwards and outwards-but for BMW, the 3 Series remains the defining car and the benchmark against which all future designs will be judged.
The 3 Series Today
Turning a corner without turning away from its heritage, the 2011 BMW 3 Series continues to make BMW history. Its sharp, dynamic look matches its pavement-conquering attitude. Under the hood you’ll find several varieties of awe-inspiring inline six-cylinder muscle. And with the 335d, BMW brings an innovative idea to life in the next-generation Advanced Diesel engine with BluePerformance technology. Get ready for the latest twist on a legend–the BMW 3 Series. Just added to the 3 Series line-up is the 335is Coupe and 335is Convertible, featuring 320 horsepower rather than the 300 horsepower in the 335i. The 335is promises 0-60mph in five seconds flat! Considered the crown jewel of the 3 Series, this new model features new xenon adaptive headlights with LED-lighted corona rings, a new hood and several M Sport modifications.
3 Series Models
328i Sedan
328i xDrive Sedan
335i Sedan
335i xDrive Sedan
335d Sedan
328i Coupe
328i xDrive Coupe
335i Coupe
335is Coupe
335i xDrive Coupe
328i Convertible
335i Convertible
335is Convertible
328i Sports Wagon
328i xDrive Sports Wagon
328i Sedan
328i xDrive Sedan
335i Sedan
335i xDrive Sedan
335d Sedan
328i Coupe
328i xDrive Coupe
335i Coupe
335is Coupe
335i xDrive Coupe
328i Convertible
335i Convertible
335is Convertible
328i Sports Wagon
328i xDrive Sports Wagon
3 Series Engines
Engines are our passion. That’s why a BMW engine doesn’t just deliver power and performance, but does so very smoothly and efficiently. Performance is yours to unleash with a choice of four vastly different 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engines. In addition to three gasoline-powered versions-there is a fourth that marks the U.S. debut of BMW’s Advanced Diesel with BluePerformance technology. And all engines adhere to BMW’s EfficientDynamics concept: thrilling power with maximum efficiency and minimal emissions.
328i Coupe, Convertible, Sedan, xDrive Sedan & Wagon
3.0-liter, inline 6-cylinder engine
230 horsepower
28 mpg hwy
335i Coupe, Convertible & Sedan
3.0-liter, inline 6-cylinder with TwinPower Turbo technology
300 horsepower
28 mpg hwy
335is Coupe & Convertible
3.0-liter, inline 6-cylinder engine with TwinPower Turbo technology
320 horsepower
26 mpg hwy
3.0-liter, inline 6-cylinder engine with TwinPower Turbo technology
320 horsepower
26 mpg hwy
335d Sedan
3.0-liter, inline 6-cylinder diesel engine with TwinPower Turbo technology
265 horsepower
36 mpg hwy
The 3 Series xDrive, Intelligent All-Wheel-Drive System
Unlike other all-wheel-drive systems, we’ve built ours with rear wheel bias for surefooted grip on slick roads, without sacrificing the feel of rear wheel drive. It smartly sends power to the wheel or wheels with the surest footing – and it does so in milliseconds. That means under normal conditions, drive forces are spread out with a rear-wheel bias. But the moment the system senses excessive wheel slip, it subtly shifts torque to meet the changing conditions, offering maximum available traction and superior handling on all surfaces.
3 Series Accolades
“The BMW 3 Series Sedan extends its reign at the top of the compact luxury four-door segment.”
“The BMW 3 Series Sedan is one of the planet’s most dynamic four-doors, with a range of engine choices and powertrains, sophisticated styling and top-notch handling.”
“The sedan’s interior is tastefully designed.”
“The front seats remain among the most supportive and comfortable in the industry”
ForbesAutos.com, November 2008
“Forget what you think you know about diesels, because this one is an absolute beast. Producing 265 hp and 425 lb-ft of torque… the new 335d will smoothly and quietly blow away most anything on the road.”
Automobile Magazine, October 2008
“By the end of the year, BMW will be able to claim yet another accolade – North America’s Best Diesel Car.”
“December 2008 sees the arrival on these shores of the new BMW 335d, a car so good it could even be the best diesel in the world! “
EuroTuner.com, November 2008
“While its performance on the high-speed straights was impressive, effortlessly cruising at its 131-mph top speed, it absolutely shined on the twisty stuff.”
“As for the car’s handling, you can expect the same great balance that has become a 3 series trademark. It turns crisply and remains stable throughout all types of tricky corners.”
“It offers gobs of performance with great fuel economy.”
Road and Track, January 2009
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