MUNICH, Germany — BMW will make its seven-speed double-clutch gearbox available across the entire 2009 3 Series range when the face-lifted compacts go on sale in October in North America. The updated 3 Series sedan and wagon will make their public debut at the 2009 Paris Auto Show.
In addition to the high-performance transmission, customers will be able to order a new 335d with a 3.0-liter twin-turbo, 265-horsepower inline six-cylinder diesel in the 3 Series sedan, beginning in November. The turbodiesel will meet U.S. emissions standards using urea injection.
Carryover gas-engine models include the 328i with a 3.0-liter, 230-hp inline-6 and the 335i with a twin-turbo 3.0-liter 300-hp inline-6. Other transmission choices are a standard six-speed manual and an optional six-speed automatic.
The updated 3 Series receives fresh front and rear styling that borrows from cues on BMW's recently unveiled fifth-generation 7 Series. The changes include a revised bumper, hood and headlamps, as well as new taillamps, bumper and deck lid.
Inside, the 3 Series features new trim combinations, a revised armrest for the driver's door and an updated iDrive controller with four selection buttons to reduce complexity. The iDrive controller is also linked to a new 8.8-inch high-resolution color monitor. The options list includes an 80GB hard drive to store satellite navigation software and MP3 music files.
What this means to you: The new styling commonality between the 3 and 7 Series suggests BMW is returning to a more harmonized lineup. — Andreas Stahl, Correspondent
In addition to the high-performance transmission, customers will be able to order a new 335d with a 3.0-liter twin-turbo, 265-horsepower inline six-cylinder diesel in the 3 Series sedan, beginning in November. The turbodiesel will meet U.S. emissions standards using urea injection.
Carryover gas-engine models include the 328i with a 3.0-liter, 230-hp inline-6 and the 335i with a twin-turbo 3.0-liter 300-hp inline-6. Other transmission choices are a standard six-speed manual and an optional six-speed automatic.
The updated 3 Series receives fresh front and rear styling that borrows from cues on BMW's recently unveiled fifth-generation 7 Series. The changes include a revised bumper, hood and headlamps, as well as new taillamps, bumper and deck lid.
Inside, the 3 Series features new trim combinations, a revised armrest for the driver's door and an updated iDrive controller with four selection buttons to reduce complexity. The iDrive controller is also linked to a new 8.8-inch high-resolution color monitor. The options list includes an 80GB hard drive to store satellite navigation software and MP3 music files.
What this means to you: The new styling commonality between the 3 and 7 Series suggests BMW is returning to a more harmonized lineup. — Andreas Stahl, Correspondent
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