2010 BMW 335i

T his 3-liter still emits the evocative BMW howl on the way to its 7000 redline; the difference is that you no longer need to wring the bejeezus out of it to get any meaningful urge. Instead, it feels as if they've wedged a 5-liter V8 under the hood.

Revised software and innards means lightning fast upshifts and perfect, rev-matched downshifts every time. And virtually no performance penalty; both trannies allowing the 3 to complete the benchmark 0-60 dash in about 5 seconds flat. It may as well be an M3, for thousands less.
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PHOTOS and VIDEO at right.

SPECS:
2010 BMW 335i
Base Price: $37,297
Horsepower: 300@ 5800
Torque: 300@ 1400
0-60: 5.0

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By Isaac Bouchard.

P erennial champ, the BMW 3-series, does occasionally lose a match. In 2006 Lexus sent the 307hp IS350 into the ring, and many—including myself—judged it a better blend of attributes for the enthusiast customer; but at best for Lexus, the result might be described as a T.K.O.

The Bavarian’s counterpunch was swift and sure: strap two small, low-pressure turbos onto the classic inline-six, and add direct fuel injection for a cooler intake charge and higher compression ratio. The result? A round 300hp—up only 45—but more importantly, a great plains-size torque plateau that maintains 300lbs-ft from 1300rpm all the way to 5000.

This 3-liter still emits the evocative BMW howl on the way to its 70000 redline; the difference is that you no longer need to wring the bejeezus out of it to get any meaningful urge. Instead, it feels as if they’ve wedged a 5-liter V8 under the hood. Massive off the line grunt (enough to break the tires loose from a rolling start), allow you to drive in a leisurely or aggressive manner and always have more than sufficient power waiting in reserve.

This magnificent motor is married to one of two transmissions: the classic 6-speed manual, or a revised automatic. It offers the same number of speeds as the three-pedal car, two shift modes, and paddleshifts for those inclined to Formula 1 fantasies. Revised software and innards means lightning fast upshifts and perfect, rev-matched downshifts every time.

And virtually no performance penalty; both trannies allowing the 3 to complete the benchmark 0-60 dash in about 5 seconds flat. Talks with BMW engineers lead one to surmise that the 335i was artificially restricted in output so as not to upstage the last of the six-cylinder M3s, and they hint that the turbo does indeed pump out over 330hp.

Besides that magical engine, it’s more of the usual BMW masterclass: a terrific ride-handling compromise (undermined only by the low-speed lumpiness endemic to runflat tires), that combines excellent body control, a near-neutral cornering stance, and compliant and cosseting ride at any speed over thirty. Add to that beautifully fluid steering (assuming you avoid the videogame-like ‘Active’ option), and progressive, feelsome brakes, and you end up with the most complete dynamic package in the class.

The interior is clean and well-wrought, and if you avoid navigation, unafflicted by iDrive. It also manages to offer room for four despite its svelte shell. A welcome change is that this is the first 21st Century BMW without controversial styling. Replacing the jumble of conflicting, ‘flame-surfaced’ panels is a cohesive, clean silhouette, thankfully unadorned by superfluous gewgaws. And just a vestigial Bangle-butt trunk. The only caveat is that the coupe (like all modern BMWs) looks heavy-hipped and anemic in stance without the largest wheel/tire combo.

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BMW 3 Series

BMW 3 Series

By strapping twin turbos onto its famed in-line six, BMW's 335i may as well be an M3, for thousands less. Available in coupe, convertible, sedan or sport wagon.

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