THE BMW 3 SeriesUSED-CARS

The gold standard of sports sedans, the BMW

3 is now in its 6th

generation renowned for an

un-matched combination of smooth

powertrains, brilliant handling, and

comfortable yet driver-focused interiors

The BMW 3 Series delivers strong

performance, excellent economy, fine handling

and a luxurious and spacious cabin

The BMW 3 Series is the company's top seller

and a favourite in the marketplace for many

reasons:

It's a stylish entry-level luxury car well-

endowed with world-class fit finish,

providing dynamic performance and superb

handling un-matched by most vehicles.

For generation after generation, the BMW 3

Series has offered the same benefits

despite constant evolution.

Today's BMW 3 Series is offered as a sedan or

a station wagon. It's broken down into 320i,

328i, 328d, 335i and ActiveHybrid 3 models.

The 320i and 328i sedans and 328i wagon get

a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline

engine that produces either 132 Kw power for

the 320i or 176 Kw for the 328i.

The 328d sedan and wagon are powered by a

turbocharged 2.0-liter diesel-powered four-

cylinder that also makes 132 Kw but

considerably more torque.

The sedan-only 335i gets a turbocharged 3.0-

liter inline-6 with 220 Kw. The ActiveHybrid 3

sedan pairs the 335i's engine with an electric

motor and a lithium-ion battery pack, resulting

in a healthy 246 Kw; however, fuel economy is

about the same as in the 328i.

Transmission choices are limited to a six-

speed manual and an eight-speed automatic,

with the former not available in the wagon and

ActiveHybrid 3. Rear-wheel drive is standard

on all 3 Series sedans, while all-wheel drive is

available on the sedan (except the

ActiveHybrid 3) and standard on all wagons.

Standard features on the base 320i include

alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate

control, manual front seats, leatherette

upholstery, Bluetooth and the iDrive

electronics interface with a 6.5-inch display.

The 328i upgrades to power front seats, while

the 335i and ActiveHybrid 3 throw in larger

wheels, xenon headlights and a sunroof. As

usual, the options lists is long and strong,

including everything from a hard-drive-based

navigation system with a larger display screen

to a Dynamic Handling package with a sport-

tuned suspension and variable-ratio steering.

The car always feels up to the task, even if its

electrically assisted steering is less engaging

than what previous generations of the 3 Series

offered.

Inside, drivers will find a restrained show of

luxury, with an emphasis on comfort and

involvement. The supportive seats underneath

are complemented by a clean, clear analogue

gauge cluster dead ahead.

The four available design "lines"- Luxury,

Modern, Sport and M Sport-add visual spice to

what has historically been a rather drab

interior. Materials and build quality are

exceptional; even the standard leatherette

(vinyl) upholstery looks and feels better than

one might expect.

Overall the BMW 3 Series is still the standard-

bearer in the compact luxury-sport class.

Thanks to its wonderfully balanced dynamics,

powerful and efficient engine line-ups and

wide range of configurations, the 3 Series

comes strongly recommended.