2010 3-Series Review Summary & Specifications
The BMW M3 accelerates, stops and turns with the verve and agility of a pure sports car, whether a buyer chooses the sedan, coupe or convertible. It's the BMW 3 Series model for the ultimate car enthusiast, and particularly for those who look forward to track-day outings with the local BMW club. Of course, the least expensive M3 costs at least $20,000 more than some other, extremely capable and exhilarating cars in the 3 Series line. We'd guess that many drivers will find lesser 3 Series cars, and particularly the 335i, just as satisfying to drive for considerably less cash.NewCarTestDrive.com correspondent Jim McCraw filed this report from Marbella, Spain, with J.P. Vettraino reporting from Detroit.2010 BMW 3-Series Specs
| Vehicle Category | Sports Cars |
| Editor | New Car Test Drive |
| Model Lineup | BMW M3 sedan ($54,850); M3 coupe ($57,850), M3 convertible ($66,500) |
| Engines (standard) | 4.0-liter dual overhead cam 32-valve V8 |
| Engines (optional) | 414 hp 4.0-liter V8 |
| Transmissions (standard) | 6-speed manual with double-disc clutch |
| Transmissions (optional) | 6-speed manual; 7-speed automatic |
| Safety Equipment (standard) | dual front airbags, front passenger side-impact airbags, full-cabin head protection airbags, tire-pressure monitor, traction control, anti-lock brakes, Dynamic Stability Control and post-impact system to unlock doors, switch on hazard and interior lighting and disable fuel pump |
| Safety Equipment (optional) | |
| Basic Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Assembled In | Regensburg, Germany |
| Manufacturer Phone | 800-831-1117 |
| Manufacturer URL | www.BMWUSA.com |
| Base Price MSRP | 54850 |
2010 BMW 3-Series Specs as Tested
| Model Tested MSRP | BMW M3 sedan ($54,850) |
| Standard Equipment | leather sport seats with lumbar adjustment and driver memory, Titanium metallic interior trim, automatic dual-zone climate control with cabin micro-filter, climate-controlled center console, 10-speaker AM/FM audio with single CD player, HD radio and two sub-woofers, cruise control, power windows, remote keyless entry, leather-wrapped tilt/telescoping steering wheel with multi-function controls, rain-sensing variable-speed wipers, Xenon headlights with retractable washers, power tilt-down side mirrors, 18-nch wheels with Z-rated performance tires |
| Options as Tested (MSRP) | Technology Package ($3,250) includes GPS navigation, MDrive driver-adjustable electronics integration, Electronic Dampening Control variable suspension and Comfort Access proximity key; Premium Package ($2,000) includes power folding mirrors, universal garage-door opener, digital compass on rear-view mirror, leather-upholstery upgrade and choice of interior trim |
| Destination Charge | 825 |
| Gas Guzzler Tax | 1300 |
| Layout | rear-wheel-drive |
| Price as Tested | 62225 |
| Horse Power | 414 @ 8300 |
| Torque | 295 @ 3900 |
| Fuel Economy | 16/20 |
| Wheelbase | 108.7 |
| Length/Width/Height | 180.4/71.5/57.0 |
| Track Front/Rear | |
| Turning Radius | 38.4 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head/Hip/Leg room | 38.5/55.4/41.5 |
| Middle Head/Hip/Leg room | |
| Rear Head/Hip/Leg room | 37.5/55.1/34.6 |
| Trunk Volume | 12.0 |
| Payload | |
| Towing Capacity | not recommended |
| Front Suspension | independent, double-pivot lower control arms, coil springs, twin-tube shocks, anti-roll bar |
| Rear Suspension | independent five-link, coil springs, twin-tube shocks, anti-roll bar |
| Ground Clearance | |
| Curb Weight | 3726 |
| Stock Tires | P245/40ZR-18 front; P265/40ZR-18 rear |
| Brakes Front/Rear | vented disc/vented disc with ABS and EBD |
| Fuel Capacity | 16.6 |
