2010 BMW 3-Series Review Summary
Since its introduction in 2005, reviewers have totally loved the 2010 BMW 3-Series, ranked 9.0 by ACG in the Upscale Midsize Cars class. And for good reason. After all, no car in its class combines sports car performance and handling with family car practicality and functionality better than the 3-Series. That said, consumers who are primarily interested in keeping the price tag down and the miles per gallon up can do better elsewhere. The 2010 BMW 3-Series is available as a sedan, a coupe, a wagon or a hardtop convertible. Coupe and sedan versions come in rear-wheel drive 328i and 335i models, and all-wheel-drive 328i xDrive and 335i xDrive models. Nearly all critics agree that the 3-Series’ performs like an absolute champ. Indeed, the 3-Series is available with three engine options, each of which is special in its own way. On the 328 models, BMW uses a 3.0-liter inline-6 cylinder engine, which is different from the typical V6 found on the road today. This engine creates 230 horsepower and 200 pound-feet of torque. The 335 models come with the same engine, however, a pair of turbochargers are added, which raises the horsepower and torque numbers to 300. Overall, the 3-Series is extremely responsive and boasts abundant power. For 2010, BMW has corrected a couple of exterior complaints, principally the strangely molded trunk lid and the unattractive nose of the sedan and wagon, which reviewers had with the 3-Series over the last few years. Now, the 3-Series’ crisp and angular style has nearly everyone in awe. Additionally, subtle exterior changes for the 2010 3-Series include a redesigned front bumper with reshaped kidney grilles, resculpted hood lines, and redesigned front headlamps and taillamps. Just as the outside of the 3-Series impresses, so to does the inside. The cabin is filled with high quality, luxurious materials that are finished with elegance. If there is a downside to the 2010 3-Series’ interior, however, it would be in regard to cabin space and interior features. Although critics find the 3-Series seats to be comfortable and well made, they do notice that the rear seats offer very little room for passengers. Along the same lines, the trunk of the 3-Series sedans and coupes offer 12 cubic feet of space, which is lacking when compared to other vehicles in the Upscale Midsize Cars class. As for the negative aspect of the 3-Series interior features, it remains, as it has since 2005, the iDrive system. The iDrive uses a single dial to control all of the car’s interior electronics, from navigation to climate control. However, while some reviewers find it beneficial, others believe it creates more of a problem than it’s worth. Aside from the minor issues with the iDrive system and lack of interior space, the 2010 BMW 3-Series is, as it always has been, a major hit that one cannot go wrong with.
2010 BMW 3-Series Review Handling
Simply put, the 2010 BMW 3-Series handles like a charm. The 3-Series is magnificent with hard cornering and offers exceptional overall control and steering feel. Reviewers note that the 3-Series displays excellent balance, sharp moves, and minimal body lean in turns. Additionally, 3-Series brake performance, which even includes a system that wipes the brake rotors dry when the windshield wipers are activated to improve wet-road stopping ability, is nothing short of excellent.
2010 BMW 3-Series Review Safety
The 3-Series has earned fairly good scores in crash tests conducted by the federal government. That said, they do fall slightly below the perfect scores that competitors such as the Audi A4 received. The 3-Series, earns perfect five-star scores in side-impact testing, but only four stars for protecting both driver and front-seat passenger in frontal-impacts. Each 3-Series sedan and coupe comes standard with four-wheel anti-lock brakes, standard stability control, frontal airbags, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and run-flat tires.
2010 BMW 3-Series Noteworthy
Since 2005, the BMW 3-Series has won numerous awards. In fact, it has been named one of Car and Driver’s “10Best” cars for 18 consecutive years. No other car has ever been so distinguished.
