Although the BMW 3 Series is by far their biggest seller, and undoubtedly a legend, BMW knows that you can’t stand still if you want to stay ahead of the pack. BMW 3 Series owners have told BMW repeatedly “don’t mess with a good thing.” You can imagine these words reaching the team of designers who created the new 2012 BMW 3 Series.
The good news is, they only made it better. For 2012, the BMW 3 Series sedan has been redesigned. Some of the noticeable changes are the headlights, more interior space, and new fuel saving engine and transmission combinations. The styling defiantly draws from the 5 series, which is a good thing. The rest of the 3 Series lineup remain relatively unchanged, for now.
The new 3 Series has fuel saving chassis upgrades in the form of electric power steering, the extensive use of weight saving aluminum, and stop-start technology.
My test 335i The 3 series sedan has 18-inch wheels, heated front and rear seats,blind spot warning, lane departure warning, park distance control, auto dimming xenon headlights, Bluetooth phone, the BMW iDrive interface, premium audio with AM/FM/SAT/CD/HD radio, iPod/USB connectivity, sunroof, and comfortable eight-way power seats.
The 335i has a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder that produces 300 hp and is mated to either a six-speed manual, or and automatic.
Style: Mid Size Luxury Sorts Sedan
Engine: 300 HP in line 6
Transmission: 6 Spd MT
Highest MPG City/MPG Highway: 20/20 for the MT
Trim Designations: Luxury, Sport and Modern
Base Price: $42,400 As Tested: $54,745
What I Liked: Performance and MPG
What I Would Change: Real Cupholders?
Star Rating: 4.5 out of 5
