2010 BMW 3 Series Overview Change Vehicle

This 2010 BMW 3 Series overview explains changes for the model year, provides a summary of the 2010 3 Series, and includes BMW 3 Series safety, reliability, and fuel economy information.

After bestowing significant changes upon the sedan and wagon models last year, BMW takes a breather and only makes minor changes to the 3 Series for 2010. As a cost-cutting move, the power moonroof is dropped from the standard equipment list for the 328i Sedan and Coupe models (it is now an added-cost stand-alone option). In its place, HD Radio is standard across all models. There are also new wheel designs for the 328i Convertible, Sedan, and Wagon. In addition, BMW has added automatic high-beam headlights to the 3 Series options list.

BMW offers its 2010 3 Series in no fewer than 13 different models. They include: 328i Coupe, 328i xDrive Coupe, 328i Convertible, 328i Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 328i Wagon, 328i xDrive Wagon, 335i Coupe, 335i xDrive Coupe, 335i Convertible, 335i Sedan, 335i xDrive Sedan, and the 335d Sedan.

Standard equipment includes a tilt/telescopic steering wheel, power windows, power locks, dual-zone automatic climate control, "Leatherette" vinyl upholstery on the 328i and genuine leather on the 335i.

BMW combines options into packages, in addition to offering some features a la carte. Packages available on all 3 Series models include the Premium Package (power front seats with lumbar support, memory seat and mirror settings, compass, Homelink garage door opener, leather upholstery), the Sport Package (bigger alloy wheels and performance tires, sport suspension, sport-bolstered front seats, and a sport steering wheel), and the Cold Weather Package (heated steering wheel, ski bag, headlight washers). A no-cost option Value Package with leather, an iPod/USB adapter, upgraded 17-inch alloy wheels, and heated front seats on xDrive models is also available, and likely to be found on any 3 Series you might buy.

Stand-alone features include an automatic transmission (with paddle shifters when combined with the Sport Package), a power moonroof (328i models), adaptive Xenon headlamps (328i models), an iDrive navigation system, rear park distance control, keyless Comfort Access ignition, active steering, and rear window sunshades.

BMW offers three different engines for the 2010 3 Series.

The 328i is powered by an “N52” 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine making 215 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque. Models wearing a 335i designation are equipped with the "N54" twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine rated at 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are equipped with BMW's Valvetronic variable intake-valve lift and double VANOS technology (variable intake and exhaust valve timing) to improve fuel efficiency and power output. Premium fuel is required.

The 335d has a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder diesel engine good for 265 hp and 425 lb-ft of torque. The powerplant (also found under the hood of the X5 xDrive35d) features common rail injection, variable geometry turbochargers and piezo-injectors to deliver maximum efficiency, performance and refinement. To reduce emissions and ensure that the 335d can be sold in all 50 states, a refillable diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) called AdBlue is injected directly into the exhaust to create a chemical reaction that cuts emissions. The 335d requires commonly available ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD).

The 328i and 335i get a standard 6-speed manual transmission driving the rear wheels. Optional on the 328i and 335i but standard on the 335d is BMW's six-speed Steptronic automatic transmission. The transmission installed in the 328i is sourced from General Motors, while the 335i/335d automatic comes from a European company called ZF.

Models wearing an xDrive designation are fitted with BMW's xDrive full-time all-wheel-drive system that automatically splits torque between the front and rear wheels, as necessary. While the xDrive models are equipped with a slightly higher ride height, the system is tuned for inclement weather, not off-roading.

According to the EPA, the 2010 BMW 328i’s fuel economy ranges from 17 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, depending on body style and transmission choice, with xDrive models burning through more gas than standard rear-drive variants. BMW’s 335i models are almost as fuel efficient, ranging from 16 mpg in the city to 26 mpg on the highway. The 335d is the most fuel-efficient model, getting 23 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.

The 2010 3 Series comes standard with driver and front passenger airbags protecting against frontal and side impacts, along with side curtain airbags. Additionally, BMW fits all 3 Series models with Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Dynamic Traction Control, Brake Fade Compensation, Brake Standby, Brake Drying, and Start-off Assistant. Side impact airbags for rear seat passengers are an option.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has assessed the crashworthiness of the 3 Series Coupe, Sedan, and Wagon. The sedan and wagon earn 4 Stars for driver and front passenger protection in a frontal impact, and 5 Star for the driver and rear passenger in a side impact. The rollover rating is 4 Stars with rear-drive and xDrive. The coupe repeats this performance, adding a 5-Star rollover rating for both rear-drive and xDrive models.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) finds the 2010 BMW 3 Series to be quite safe, giving the car a Good rating in the offset frontal impact, side impact, and rear crashworthiness assessments.

Consumer Reports predicts that the 2010 3 Series lineup will deliver better than average reliability over time, with the exception of the 2010 335i models (the automaker has had problems with the high-pressure fuel pumps on the twin-turbocharged engines). J.D. Power and Associates predicts the 2010 3 Series will deliver average long-term dependability.

As is often the case with high-performance European models, BMWs have traditionally been expensive to maintain, both during and out of warranty. To offset these expenses, BMW provides 3 Series buyers with a BMW Free Maintenance Program during its initial warranty period (the first 4 years or 50,000 miles). The program includes scheduled maintenance items such as oil changes and specific wear-and-tear items like brake pads and wiper blade inserts. Vehix recommends an extended warranty for any BMW 3 Series owned outside the standard warranty period, and you should also know that BMW has added an extended warranty to cover the high-pressure fuel pump issues that have plagued the twin-turbo "N54" engine.

While we genuinely enjoy driving every single one of the 13 3 Series models, we think the 335d is the best of the lot. Yes, it is far from inexpensive. But, it delivers an impressive amount of performance while sipping fuel like an economy car. Factor in the diesel engine’s reliability and resale value, and the sporty, classy, and comfortable 335d is a winner from all angles.

-- By Michael Harley