BMW 3-series refresh confirmed for Paris debut
by Damon Lavrinc on Jul 10th 2008 at 4:27PM 
The 2009 BMW 3-series will be revealed in all its facelifted glory at the Paris Motor Show and sales will begin across North America this October. The only discernible differences up front are a new fascia that apes the recently unveiled 7-series, new headlamps with "altered graphics," a contoured hood and modified mirror housings. Out back, the subtle changes continue, with a new taillight design that integrates more cleanly into the trunk lid and a reworked bumper that will join a one-inch wider track on high end version of the 3-series.
Inside, you'll find a revised armrest on the driver's side door, an updated iDrive controller and software, a high-resolution 8.8-inch screen, with options for an 80-gig hard drive that can store MP3s and the sat nav software.
The 335i's (claimed) 300 hp, 3.0-liter twin-turbo six will remain, as will the 328i's 230 hp, 3.0-liter inline-six. The new addition to the family is the 335d, which is packing a 265 hp, twin-turbo 3.0-liter straight-six diesel, equipped with urea injection to keep the U.S.'s SMOG sniffers happy. However, if you were hoping for a 335d coupe, you're out of luck – the oil burner is only available in the sedan and fitted with a six-speed automatic transmission. Otherwise, the tranny choices will include the six-speed manual or six-speed auto 'box. However, Autoweek makes no mention of the DCT gearbox. Too bad.
Expect all the details to be revealed shortly.
[Source: Autoweek]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Torrent 4:43PM (7/10/2008)
Good because (not to be mean) the 3 series is getting a little too common. There are so many on the road. So a refresh could work nicely. Though I don't see how they could make the design any better.
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zamafir 5:47PM (7/10/2008)
I've not been fond of the design but what's under the skin could use a bit more work to make sure it has no issues with the B8 A4 with drive select.
Sharone 4:51PM (7/10/2008)
The best gets better! Apart from those thousand spoke wheels I really like the looks, although from a distance you'd be forgiven for thinking that this was a 5'er.
BMW 3 Series: The Ultimate Money Printing Machine.
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Seoultrain 5:00PM (7/10/2008)
The rear of this car got a little better, but looks more Japanese than before. It's still a far cry from the coupe, which is just beautiful.
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Xcountryflyer 8:07PM (7/10/2008)
Better rear end, but sorta reminds me of a Civic. Agree that the fixed roof coupe is the best of the 3-Series.
3seriesisking 10:31PM (7/10/2008)
Couldn't agree more. The coupe is in a class of its own but this refreshed four door is a definite step up.
Sharone 5:05PM (7/10/2008)
The best gets better! Apart from those thousand spoke wheels I really like the looks, although from a distance you'd be forgiven for thinking that this was a 5'er.
BMW 3 Series: The Ultimate Money Printing Machine.
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PJ 5:14PM (7/10/2008)
Lovely update on the taillights. The originals were really the only iffy bits on this Bangle design.
I *really* wanted to hate this car before I drove one, and before I had driven all of its competitors. In terms of refinement, primary control feel, and path control, there really is no comparison.
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osnofla 5:22PM (7/10/2008)
you should just skip the hp ratings for diesels and go straight to torque
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Damon Lavrinc 5:26PM (7/10/2008)
Official torque numbers weren't available yet.
Kingcyrus 5:31PM (7/10/2008)
very nice refresh. I'm happy the kidneys and the hood are completely separate now.
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Cscamp20 5:37PM (7/10/2008)
Looks the same to me! too many people drive a bimmer here in jersey...it's just too common nowadays!
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mkM3 5:51PM (7/10/2008)
DCT could still debut on the refreshed coupe/convertible expected next year.
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Patrick 5:52PM (7/10/2008)
Looks like the bumper got punched right in the middle, causing its "cheeks" to swell out.
Back end looks a little better -- angrier and more aggressive.
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MikeW 6:18PM (7/10/2008)
Isn't it about time that BMW tell how much power the 335 really makes.
That way BMW could drop the 328 and bring back the non-striper version of the N52 engine (255+hp)
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Ken Stamper 6:32PM (7/10/2008)
I know they are great cars and BMW sells zillions of them, but to me the 3-series (and BMW in general) have lost their way. What do these things weigh now, 3400 pounds? The great thing about the 2002 and the first few generations of 3-series was that they were just as fun at normal speeds as they were tearing up a backroad because they were so nimble and interactive. I realize that the days of 2300 pound sport sedans is long gone thanks to safety equipment, but BMW can do better than this. Even the 1 (at least in American spec with the oblicatory 6-cylinder engines) is well over 3000 lbs.
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Kingcyrus 6:55PM (7/10/2008)
the difference in weight b/w an automatic 2008 328i vs. 325i is exactly 100pounds. the 328 also produces 25 p/f of torque more at 2750rpm vs. 3500rpm.
my geuss is the difference is negliable if not more in favor of the new 3series, although i havent driven the new generation myself.
2004m3driver 8:16PM (7/10/2008)
Blah what are you going to do. Safe cars sell better than sporty cars. Reliable cars sell better than high strung fast cars. BMW is trying to meet in the middle. I'm quick to say I don't mind a lightweight death trap, but honestly its nice to know you're not going to die every accident.
Alex 6:35PM (7/10/2008)
Its a great car to drive but it has become the camry of the higher end. Its design is average, trying to please the masses rather than making a statement. I'd prefer that it was as exciting to look at as it is to drive. (excluding the M3 in this statement)
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Cornholio 7:14PM (7/10/2008)
No manual tranny option with the oil burner. A true pity.
What better way to wring out maximum efficiency than with a manual gearbox? Besides, BMW automatics aren't known for their longevity....
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