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2009 BMW 3-Series Review

May 2, 2009

STYLING | 9 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

A minor facelift for 2009 as well as fresh rear styling
Cars.com

A slightly sharper, more muscular appearance than its predecessor
Motor Trend

Interiors provide a restrained show of luxury
Edmunds

BMW's foray into cutting-edge styling with former chief designer Chris Bangle's "flame surfacing" technique was a failure among both critics and consumers. In an effort to return to the days of critical acceptance of its vehicles, BMW has ditched flame surfacing for its more traditional, and very graceful and athletic, styling cues.

Reviewers are very impressed with the revised styling of the 2009 BMW 3-Series, which Motor Trend says now has "a slightly sharper, more muscular appearance than its predecessor." This set of BMW 2009 models—"available in sedan, wagon, [and] coupe" variants, according to Cars.com—comes in either 328i or 335i trim, depending on the engine option. Reviews read by TheCarConnection.com indicate that the minor updates to the BMW 3-Series should enhance the car's visual appeal, as Car and Driver praises the "friendlier-looking lower air intakes" and notes that "the front lighting units are accentuated with LED turn signals encased in a cool-looking grid." Edmunds reviewers point out that "some of the sedan and wagon's more questionable styling elements have been rectified" with the addition of "a new front fascia that's reminiscent of the sexier coupe and convertible." For those who need a little more space than the coupe or sedan can offer, Car and Driver declares that the BMW 3-Series "station wagon looks better than ever, and some at BMW believe U.S. sales may pick up soon."

If you're seeking a flashy interior, TheCarConnection.com's research suggests that you might want to look somewhere other than the 2009 BMW 3-Series. It's not that there's anything wrong with this BMW 2009 lineup's interior appearance, but rather that the interior tends toward the conservative side. Edmunds finds that the BMW 3-Series "interiors provide a restrained show of luxury," and although they can be "a tad plain, the emphasis in on driver comfort and involvement"—elements that no driving purist can argue against. For the 2009 BMW 3-Series, Motor Trend notes the availability of "new colors and materials" on the interior, while Automobile Magazine raves about the fact that the "ergonomics are great, though [they] miss the angled IP of the last-generation [BMW] 3-Series." The only complaints regarding the interior layout come from ConsumerGuide, which gripes that the "audio and climate controls are compromised by their low mounting position and some cryptic markings."

Conclusion

The 2009 BMW 3-Series offers attractive exterior lines and an interior designed to appeal to driving enthusiasts who don't want excessive cabin styling.

STYLING | 9 out of 10Expert Quotes:A minor facelift for 2009 as well as fresh rear stylingCars.comA slightly sharper, more muscular appearance than its predecessorMotor TrendInteriors provide a restrained show of luxuryEdmunds BMW's foray into cutting-edge styling with former chief designer Chris Bangle's "flame surfacing" technique was a failure among both critics and consumers. In an effort to return to the days of critical acceptance of its vehicles, BMW has ditched flame surfacing for its more traditional, and very graceful and athletic, styling cues. Reviewers are very impressed with the revised styling of the 2009 BMW 3-Series, which Motor Trend says now has "a slightly sharper, more muscular appearance than its predecessor." This set of BMW 2009 models—"available in sedan, wagon, [and] coupe" variants, according to Cars.com—comes in either 328i or 335i trim, depending on the engine option. Reviews read by TheCarConnection.com indicate that the minor updates to the BMW 3-Series should enhance the car's visual appeal, as Car and Driver praises the "friendlier-looking lower air intakes" and notes that "the front lighting units are accentuated with LED turn signals encased in a cool-looking grid." Edmunds reviewers point out that "some of the sedan and wagon's more questionable styling elements have been rectified" with the addition of "a new front fascia that's reminiscent of the sexier coupe and convertible." For those who need a little more space than the coupe or sedan can offer, Car and Driver declares that the BMW 3-Series "station wagon looks better than ever, and some at BMW believe U.S. sales may pick up soon." If you're seeking a flashy interior, TheCarConnection.com's research suggests that you might want to look somewhere other than the 2009 BMW 3-Series. It's not that there's anything wrong with this BMW 2009 lineup's interior appearance, but rather that the interior tends toward the conservative side. Edmunds finds that the BMW 3-Series "interiors provide a restrained show of luxury," and although they can be "a tad plain, the emphasis in on driver comfort and involvement"—elements that no driving purist can argue against. For the 2009 BMW 3-Series, Motor Trend notes the availability of "new colors and materials" on the interior, while Automobile Magazine raves about the fact that the "ergonomics are great, though [they] miss the angled IP of the last-generation [BMW] 3-Series." The only complaints regarding the interior layout come from ConsumerGuide, which gripes that the "audio and climate controls are compromised by their low mounting position and some cryptic markings." ConclusionThe 2009 BMW 3-Series offers attractive exterior lines and an interior designed to appeal to driving enthusiasts who don't want excessive cabin styling. 2009 BMW 3-SERIES STYLING | [9 out of 10] Cars.com: "A minor facelift for 2009 as well as fresh rear styling" Motor Trend: "A slightly sharper, more muscular appearance than its predecessor" Edmunds: "Interiors provide a restrained show of luxury " BMW's foray into cutting-edge ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

Infiniti's G eschews BMW's confident restraint for daring angles, a raucous exhaust, and an extremely outgoing nature—too bad its NVH levels can't keep up with its attractive interior and spunky driving fun. Audi's new-for-'09 A4 sedan, sharing underpinnings with the A5 coupe, is an admittedly sexy beast with both two and four doors; packaging is more capacious than the BMW, but powertrains fall a tad short next to BMW's gold standard. Mercedes' C- and CLK- sedan and coupe, respectively, tend toward the more cosseting end of the small luxury equation, but as such offer serene rides and beautiful interiors. The Saab 9-3 hangs just slightly below this company in price, but its performance and luxury factors are a decided step down from all of the above.

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See the BMW 3-Series in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997

Comments (2 total)

  1. By Kurt #1, Posted: 5/5/2009

    Poor Reliability

    I don't believe BMW has made an effort to fix the issues which have occurred since 2006. Because software issues and poor HPFPs, this care is a poor performer and of poor quality. My care has not been repaired as of 6 months ago on just one of the issues; I can't see 2009 being any better. Just an opinion. Do a web search prior to buying this car.

  2. By BMWX3 Bummer #2, Posted: 9/20/2009

    I feel like a complete idiot. Just got into a brand new 2009 X3. What a disaster. The jerky transmission is one thing (latest s/w fix btw) and may bloom into a bigger and more dangerous disaster in the future but the ride of the BMW X3 is unacceptable.
    It rolls, sways, rocks, undulates...whatever you want to call it until it creates nausea. This is a first for a car I believe...drive it without seasickness pills and you will consider upchucking your lunch.
    After sitting in the shop, the upshot is: it is NORMAL. NORMAL? This is what BMW calls NORMAL?
    A car that is so unstable that is actually launches things into the ceiling because it cannot keep it together on a paved road? NORMAL?
    So, the car loses 20% of its 'value' in 1 month and I feel like an idiot for believing that BMW can still make a great car.
    After decades of BMW ownership, this **** car is the limit of endurance. I will never buy another BMW again but I will share my nightmare with as many people as I can.

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