Source: blogywoodbabes.blogspot.com
The BMW 3 series invented the sports sedan category, so when we get a new 3 series sports sedan people must take notice. Click on pictures to enlarge!
Introduced as a 2006 model, the fifth-generation of BMW's iconic 3 Series sport sedan has continued its tradition as the top sports sedan especially after receiving a much-needed horsepower upgrade the following year. But recently, the Munich automaker's rivals have been catching up. Offerings from Mercedes, Infiniti, Cadillac, and Lexus now offer the 3 Series the stiffest competition it's seen in some time.
So for its third year on the market, BMW is giving its bread-and-butter model a healthy list of small improvements to make it even more desirable. Among the changes are (slightly) revised styling, an upgraded interior, simpler iDrive interface, in-car Internet access, a new audio system, and an optional dual-clutch transmission. The automaker's sublime 3.0L inline-six, available in naturally aspirated and twin-turbo forms, remains the same, but for the first time BMW is also giving Americans the option of a diesel powertrain -- and it could turn out to be the best of the bunch.
Most of what's noticeably changed on the 2009 BMW 3 Series is at the nose. The new hood and new front fascia are far more aggressive than before.
As before, the 2009 3 Series will be available as a sedan, wagon, coupe, and hardtop-convertible, utilizing a 3.0L inline-six good for 300hp in twin-turbo form. Styling changes are subtle but numerous and include a new hood with additional character lines, new side mirrors, reshaped taillamps, and a sharper crease running down each side. A revised front end makes the previous version's lines more prominent and adds a larger lower air intake, while the chrome accenting the car's signature kidney grille is less noticeable. Though at a distance the updates are hard to spot, overall the 2009 3 Series has a slightly sharper, more muscular appearance than its predecessor. All models receive LED turn signals and taillights as well.
More subtle changes are made at the back of the 3 Series, with new LED taillights the most obvious modification.
Inside, BMW's changes are equally restrained, with new colors and materials as well as additional storage. A new stereo includes an 80-gig hard drive, USB input and optional iPod connector, while the nav system sports an 8.8-in. display. In addition the new 3 will be available with ConnectedDrive, the automaker's new EDGE-speed, in-car Internet access system, and now routes planned on the Internet can be fed directly into the 3's nav system, saving the hassle of inputting destinations manually. Like in the 7 unveiled earlier in the week, for 2009 the 3 Series also gains a revised iDrive system with more intuitive menus and drops the basic scroll wheel for a new controller allowing turn, push, and tilt motions. Major functions also can be accessed via four direct-select buttons, and much of the system is now voice-activated.
The grille's two kidneys now sit back deeper into the nose. The side character lines of the 3 Series have been made bolder with the 2009 edition of the E90. The idea was to visually stretch the car without changing its basic and classic proportions.