| Model year | 2009 |
| Make | BMW |
| Model | 3 Series |
| Style | 335d 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 6A) |
| Base MSRP | $44,725 |
| Options on test vehicle | Sport Package ($2,150 -- includes 18-inch wheels with summer performance tires, shadowline trim, sport-tuned suspension, sport steering wheel, sport seats); Beige Dakota Leather ($1,450); Satellite Radio ($595); Heated Front Seats ($500); Comfort Access System ($500); Fold-Down Rear Seats ($475); iPod/USB Adapter ($400); Sport Steering Wheel With Paddles ($100). |
| As-tested MSRP | $50,895 |
| Drive type | Rear-wheel drive |
| Engine type | Inline-6 |
| Displacement (cc/cu-in) | 2,993cc (183 cu-in) |
| Block/head material | Aluminum |
| Valvetrain | Double overhead camshaft |
| Compression ratio (x:1) | 16.5 |
| Redline (rpm) | 5,000 |
| Horsepower (hp @ rpm) | 265 @ 4,200 |
| Torque (lb-ft @ rpm) | 425 @ 1,750 |
| Transmission type | 6-speed automatic |
| Transmission and axle ratios (x:1) | I: 4.17; II: 2.34; III: 1.52; IV: 1.14; V: 0.87; VI: 0.69; R: 3.40; Final Drive: 2.81 |
| Suspension, front | MacPherson strut |
| Suspension, rear | Multilink |
| Steering type | Speed-proportional power steering |
| Steering ratio (x:1) | 16.0:1 |
| Tire brand | Bridgestone |
| Tire model | Potenza RE050A RFT |
| Tire type | Summer Performance |
| Tire size, front | 255/40/R18 |
| Tire size, rear | 255/35/R18 |
| Wheel size | 18-by-8 inches front -- 18-by-8.5 inches rear |
| Wheel material | Alloy |
| Brakes, front | Ventilated disc |
| Brakes, rear | Ventilated disc |
| 0-45 mph (sec.) | 3.8 |
| 0-60 mph (sec.) | 5.9 |
| 0-75 mph (sec.) | 8.4 |
| 1/4-mile (sec. @ mph) | 14.1 @ 99.1 |
| 0-60 with 1 foot of rollout (sec.) | 5.6 |
| Braking, 30-0 mph (ft.) | 27 |
| 60-0 mph (ft.) | 109 |
| Slalom, 6 x 100 ft. (mph) | 67.3 |
| Skid pad, 200-ft. diameter (lateral g) | 0.91 |
| Sound level @ idle (dB) | 46.0 |
| @ Full throttle (dB) | 72.6 |
| @ 70 mph cruise (dB) | 64.0 |
| Acceleration comments | All those glowing reviews from overseas praising the diesel-powered 3 Series were right. This car will change your mind about diesels. Low-end torque but it also revs to 5,000, gearchanges are a bit slow compared to the gasoline-powered 3, but the map and gears are spot-on for this engine. I donżt think the novelty of a high-performance diesel will ever wear off. You must drive this car. |
| Braking rating | Excellent |
| Braking comments | Typical, excellent BMW brakes that are (artificially) fade-free but always trustworthy. Feels like it could do 109s all day long. |
| Handling rating | Excellent |
| Handling comments | Skid pad: Again, typical 3 Series goodness with a whiff of understeer on the tires' limits. Good steering feedback and predictable responses. Slalom: I never tire of slalom testing in a BMW (or Porsche) because they do what they're told to do -- just be sure your intent is clear and you stay ahead of it. Moderate turn-in and slowish steering ratio are hallmarks of a non-M, but are still sportier than most. Interesting wheelspin on the exit from all the torque that is still available at 70 mph. |
| Elevation (ft.) | 1,121 |
| Temperature (°F) | 52 |
| Wind (mph, direction) | N/A |
| EPA fuel economy (mpg) | 23 city/36 highway |
| Edmunds observed (mpg) | 29.6 |
| Fuel tank capacity (U.S. gal.) | 16.1 |
| Curb weight, mfr. claim (lbs.) | 3,825 |
| Curb weight, as tested (lbs.) | 3,804 |
| Weight distribution, as tested, f/r (%) | 51/49 |
| Length (in.) | 178.2 |
| Width (in.) | 71.5 |
| Height (in.) | 55.9 |
| Wheelbase (in.) | 108.7 |
| Track, front (in.) | 59.1 |
| Track, rear (in.) | 59.6 |
| Turning circle (ft.) | 36.1 |
| Legroom, front (in.) | 41.5 |
| Legroom, rear (in.) | 34.6 |
| Headroom, front (in.) | 38.5 |
| Headroom, rear (in.) | 37.5 |
| Shoulder room, front (in.) | 55.4 |
| Shoulder room, rear (in.) | 55.1 |
| Seating capacity | 5 |
| Cargo volume (cu-ft) | 12.0 |
| Max. cargo volume, seats folded (cu-ft) | 12.0 |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Powertrain | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Corrosion | 12 years/Unlimited miles |
| Roadside assistance | 4 years/Unlimited miles |
| Free scheduled maintenance | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Front airbags | Standard |
| Side airbags | Standard dual front |
| Head airbags | Standard front and rear |
| Knee airbags | Not available |
| Antilock brakes | 4-wheel ABS |
| Electronic brake enhancements | Braking assist, electronic brakeforce distribution |
| Traction control | Standard |
| Stability control | Standard |
| Tire-pressure monitoring system | Tire-pressure monitoring |
| Emergency assistance system | Not available |
| NHTSA crash test, driver | 4 stars |
| NHTSA crash test, passenger | 4 stars |
| NHTSA crash test, side front | 5 stars |
| NHTSA crash test, side rear | 5 stars |
| NHTSA rollover resistance | 4 stars |
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