2009 BMW 3 Series: New Look, U.S. Diesel Confirmed

If you just plunked down $40,000 for a 2008 BMW 3 Series don’t freak out right now. Sure, the 2009s will have a revised exterior and upgraded interior, but the improvements probably won’t be enough to completely depress owners of the previous generation. The 2009 cars, however, will feature the new generation of iDrive and more handy knobs to control different accessories.

The 2009 BMW 3 series still will consist of 328 and 335 models in both sedan and wagon form. A 335d clean twin-turbo diesel sedan has been officially confirmed by BMW USA. We’re still waiting on news of a U.S. on-sale date and final specs for U.S. models, which we expect to be nearly identical to the 2008s. The new coupe and convertibles haven’t been revealed yet — we probably won’t see them until closer to the Paris Motor Show in September — but they’ll get an optional seven-speed automatic transmission, which won’t be offered in the sedan or wagon.   

Keep reading for a bulleted list of upgrades and a full photo gallery.

Comments

Does this apply to the M3 also?

Ken,
Unknown. I would guess not for 2009 models no.

I think its odd that BMW doesn't offer even 1 4 cylinder in their range. I understand that many buyers in that segment scoff at small engines, but I guess I don't understand why they can't get 30+ MPG out of their 1 and 3 series cars.

I'm rather disappointed by the facelift for 2009. The front end doesn't seem to have as much character anymore, but thats wholly subjective of course. It just doesn't seem as aggressive; in other words, it looks more understated than the 2008 model; however, I will admit that the style will probably grow on me as I look at it more. On the other hand, the rear end looks better (sharper looking) although its not drastically different from the 2008 model. It seems that they made some revisions for their idrive as well, which I hope will make BMW owners' live better, not that I'm buying one anytime soon...perhaps after I get out of med school (bangs head). If anything the new TL is looking good, but I'm not liking the new grills that Acura is putting on their cars, although I understand it's suppose to be a new statement, but point being everything would be great if they changed the grill design.

I speculate a fuel economy of 35 mpg(us) combined cucle for the diesel 335.

http://www.vcacarfueldata.org.uk/search/vehicleDetails.asp?id=19981

That is significantly below my acceptable FE criteria.

BRING BACK THE 318!!! An entry level, small engine, fuel efficient,hatchback. I mean, they could sell the model from 1999 and still make a killing. There are a lot of people living in cities who need a tight parking space car that doesn't cost a lot (after all, nobody wants to pay for an expensive 3-series and then worry about dings!)

Mark, good idea, but I don't think BMW is interested in that part of the market. They like to sell $60,000 M3s and $80,000 X6s.

Hey Mark, I agree with you ... another 318ti on the market would be SWEET. You can come close with the Volkswagen Rabbit. Of course, you'll have to deal with a 2.5 liter engine that only gets 21 mpg in town. Its sad we can't even get a fuel sipper in a VW anymore.

Hey, Mark there is a car that BMW currently makes that is very close to the 318I, it's called the MINI Copper S!

i have a bmw 318i, dont know what year it is (somewhere in the 2000's) and i get about 31mpg (calculated because i live in thailand) its amazing try to find a deal for that online