The 2009 BMW 3-Series sedans and wagons get slightly freshened interior and exterior styling. Also, for the first time in North America, these premium compact cars will be available with a diesel engine. The 3-Series line consists of 2-door coupes and convertibles, as well as 4-door sedans and wagons. Convertibles have a power-retractable hard top. The 2009 3-Series lineup consists of the following: entry-level 328, mid-line 335, and high-performance M3. Depending on body style, the 328i is available with rear-wheel drive or with BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive. It's powered by a 230-hp 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine. Also depending on body style, the 335i is available with rear- or AWD. Those models are powered by a turbocharged 300-hp version of the 3.0-liter 6-cylinder. New for 2009 is the rear-drive 335d. It has a 265-hp 3.0-liter turbodiesel that is emissions legal in all 50 states. M3 models use a 414-hp 4.0-liter V8.

All 2009 BMW 3-Series gasoline engines are available with a 6-speed manual transmission. Available on the 328i and 335i and standard on the 335d is a 6-speed automatic. The M3 is available with a 7-speed automatic. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and front side airbags. Head-protecting tubular side airbags that cover both seating rows are standard on all but convertibles. Standard on convertibles are rollover bars designed to deploy from the rear headrests if sensors detect an impending tip.

Cars with the optional navigation system get BMW's iDrive that uses a console knob to control entertainment, navigation, communication, and other functions. Newly included with the navigation system is a hard drive for storing digital music files. Other available features include steering-linked xenon headlights, BMW's Active Steering that quickens steering response at low speeds, rear obstacle detection, adaptive cruise control, and BMW Assist service with a wireless cell phone link. This report is based on evaluations of the 2008 BMW 3-Series.