2010 BMW 3-Series,Review

The 2010 BMW 328i loses its standard sunroof but gains standard HD radio. For unparalleled driving excellence, the 2010 BMW 3 Series is still where it's at.

For '09, the sedan and wagon's controversial taillight design was rectified, and a gloriously torquey and fuel-efficient turbodiesel inline-6 became available for the sedan.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2010 BMW 3 Series is available in sedan, wagon, coupe and hardtop-convertible body styles. The base model for all styles is the rear-wheel-drive 328i, while the coupe, sedan and wagon also come in all-wheel-drive 328i xDrive guise. The range-topping sedan model is the diesel-powered 335d.

Coupe and convertible versions come with slightly more equipment, including a sport-tuned suspension on the coupe and a power-retractable hardtop on the convertible. The Premium package adds leather upholstery (heat-reflective in the convertible), auto-dimming mirrors, Bluetooth connectivity, 2010 BMW 3-Series Assist telematics and, on 328i models, a sunroof and power seats with driver memory. The Sport package specifies a firmer suspension on convertibles, sedans and wagons (the coupe already has this as standard) and all get larger wheels, sport seats and steering wheel, and special "Shadowline" exterior trim. The Climate package adds heated front seats and steering wheel, retractable headlight washers and fold-down rear seats (though the latter are unavailable in the convertible).

Powertrains and Performance
The 328i models are powered by a 3.0-liter inline-6 that produces 230 horsepower and 200 pound-feet of torque. The 335i with the automatic achieves 17 mpg city/26 mpg highway and 20 mpg combined, while the manual transmission and all-wheel drive lower those numbers slightly. The 335d is rated at an impressive 23 mpg city/36 mpg highway and 27 mpg combined.

Safety
Standard safety equipment on the 2010 BMW 3 Series includes antilock disc brakes, stability control, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. The 3 Series also scored a "Good" for side crash protection except for the convertible, which received the second-lowest "Marginal" score.
The 2010 BMW 3 Series interiors will be familiar to anyone who has spent time in a BMW product.

Driving Impressions
Driving is what the 2010 BMW 3 Series does best. Sport package-equipped models can even keep pace with many genuine sports cars.

2010 BMW 1-Series,Review

Not FAST, but Definitely Fast As it will complement the 2010 BMW 1-Series, we suspect it will be called the 1-series Gran Turismo, just as the Bavarians call their high-roof mid-size weirdness the 5-series GT. (The successors of the current 1-series coupe and convertible will be called 2-series and remain on a rear-drive platform shared with the 3-series.) The 1-series GT will spearhead BMW's move toward front-wheel drive, and it will likely be shown in late 2013 for a 2014 launch in Europe.

Eventually, though, front-drive BMWs will be common everywhere. BMW has hinted that it aims to reach an even production split between front-wheel-drive vehicles, including Mini, and rear-drivers. The 2010 BMW 128i loses its standard sunroof but gains HD radio. Alas, the 2010 BMW 1 Series is none of the above. If you're alright with its looks, the 2010 BMW 1 Series is a must-drive in this segment.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2010 BMW 1 Series is available as a compact coupe and a soft-top convertible. All convertibles also come with a power-operated soft top and an upgraded climate control system. Options on the 128i include a sunroof and a Sport package that features different 17-inch wheels, performance tires, the 135i's sport suspension and sport seats. The 135i Sport package includes the sport seats and an M Sport steering wheel.

The rear-wheel-drive 2010 BMW 128i is powered by a 3.0-liter inline-6 that produces 230 hp and 200 pound-feet of torque. Antilock disc brakes (with brake drying and standby feature), traction and stability control and start-off assist for manual-equipped cars are all standard on the 2010 BMW 1 Series. Front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags are standard on the coupe; convertibles come equipped with front-seat side airbags that extend higher to protect occupants' heads.