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2009 BMW 3-Series Features Review

May 2, 2009

FEATURES | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

New stereo includes an 80-gig hard drive, USB input and optional iPod connector
Motor Trend

A host of detail improvements -- heated steering wheel anyone? -- fleshes out the upgrades
Road & Track

Navigation system itself is now hard-drive-based and features real-time traffic information
Edmunds

The 2009 BMW 3-Series is both a sportscar and a luxury vehicle, as evidenced by the rather high starting price, and BMW offers features to match its luxury intentions.

The standard features list on the BMW 3-Series is generally quite competitive, but editors at TheCarConnection.com are disappointed to learn that a USB iPod connection isn't standard fare. Aside from that omission, Cars.com says you will find standard "push-button ignition [and] standard automatic climate control," while Edmunds lists the standard equipment on the BMW 2009 328i as "heated side mirrors, a sunroof, leatherette vinyl upholstery...and a 10-speaker CD stereo with an auxiliary input jack." Moving up to the 335i version of the BMW 3-Series, Edmunds reviewers note the addition of "17-inch wheels, xenon headlights and power front seats with driver memory."

Though a base BMW 2009 3-Series is actually quite price-competitive, chances are you won't be able to find many base versions. Edmunds reviewers report that most BMW 3-Series cars "you find on dealer lots will be equipped with the Premium Package, which adds leather upholstery...auto-dimming mirrors, Bluetooth connectivity [and] BMW Assist telematics." Automobile Magazine feels that if you have the cash to burn on a few options, "the $995 power front seats option is money well spent." Other noteworthy optional features on the 2009 BMW 3-Series include "in-car Internet access [and] a new audio system," according to Motor Trend, which says that the optional nav system can recognize routes planned on the Internet, "saving the hassle of inputting destinations manually."

Motor Trend also claims that "a revised iDrive system with more intuitive menus" is available, although Car and Driver notes "you can still skip iDrive altogether by not ordering a factory-installed navigation system." Although many of the options on the 2009 BMW 3-Series come grouped in various packages, TheCarConnection.com's research shows that some individual items are available as well. Specifically, Edmunds reports that some of the stand-alone options include "active cruise control, front and rear parking assist, an active steering system (335i only), paddle shifters for the optional automatic transmission...satellite radio, HD radio, iPod adapter and a Logic 7 surround-sound audio system."

Conclusion

The 2009 BMW 3-Series has some appealing options packages, but beware the steep prices associated with the various checkboxes.

FEATURES | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:New stereo includes an 80-gig hard drive, USB input and optional iPod connectorMotor TrendA host of detail improvements -- heated steering wheel anyone? -- fleshes out the upgradesRoad & TrackNavigation system itself is now hard-drive-based and features real-time traffic informationEdmunds The 2009 BMW 3-Series is both a sportscar and a luxury vehicle, as evidenced by the rather high starting price, and BMW offers features to match its luxury intentions. The standard features list on the BMW 3-Series is generally quite competitive, but editors at TheCarConnection.com are disappointed to learn that a USB iPod connection isn't standard fare. Aside from that omission, Cars.com says you will find standard "push-button ignition [and] standard automatic climate control," while Edmunds lists the standard equipment on the BMW 2009 328i as "heated side mirrors, a sunroof, leatherette vinyl upholstery...and a 10-speaker CD stereo with an auxiliary input jack." Moving up to the 335i version of the BMW 3-Series, Edmunds reviewers note the addition of "17-inch wheels, xenon headlights and power front seats with driver memory." Though a base BMW 2009 3-Series is actually quite price-competitive, chances are you won't be able to find many base versions. Edmunds reviewers report that most BMW 3-Series cars "you find on dealer lots will be equipped with the Premium Package, which adds leather upholstery...auto-dimming mirrors, Bluetooth connectivity [and] BMW Assist telematics." Automobile Magazine feels that if you have the cash to burn on a few options, "the $995 power front seats option is money well spent." Other noteworthy optional features on the 2009 BMW 3-Series include "in-car Internet access [and] a new audio system," according to Motor Trend, which says that the optional nav system can recognize routes planned on the Internet, "saving the hassle of inputting destinations manually." Motor Trend also claims that "a revised iDrive system with more intuitive menus" is available, although Car and Driver notes "you can still skip iDrive altogether by not ordering a factory-installed navigation system." Although many of the options on the 2009 BMW 3-Series come grouped in various packages, TheCarConnection.com's research shows that some individual items are available as well. Specifically, Edmunds reports that some of the stand-alone options include "active cruise control, front and rear parking assist, an active steering system (335i only), paddle shifters for the optional automatic transmission...satellite radio, HD radio, iPod adapter and a Logic 7 surround-sound audio system." ConclusionThe 2009 BMW 3-Series has some appealing options packages, but beware the steep prices associated with the various checkboxes. 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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