An AutoWeek Drivers Log
AutoWeek Staff, 12.8.2009
MOTORSPORTS EDITOR MAC MORRISON: Fantastic car, though this price tag is about as high as it should ever go. But the 3-series is, in many ways, the Porsche 911 of the luxury/sport sedan/coupe world: Timeless styling that harks back to the original and improved and refined performance each time around. As with the 911, you often wonder how BMW could possibly continue improving this model range, yet it does time and time again.
A negative: Echoing the sentiments of Editor Wes Raynal every time he drives a car equipped with run-flat tires, this rubber is not nice in the ride-quality dept, at least when you drive it in the state with the country’s worst roads. The impact harshness through these tires is borderline brutal. I’d rather have a donut spare tire and some standard non-run-flat tires. It’s not worth the tradeoff on a daily basis.
I do have some questions about the sport package: Does it not include suspension changes? It’s just seats, trim and increased top-speed limiter? So what, it is up from 155 mph to, what? And what kind of option is that? Not that I don’t like it in theory, but what practical good does that do you in this country? Of course, if I owned one of these, I would want that option, if only to know the car could do more than 155, even if I never approached that speed on a public road.
Oh, I love this Montego blue paint, by the way.
This car handles great, looks great, brakes and steers great. You can drive it on the throttle, and it seems BMW has addressed the turbo-lag problem that a software update created a couple years ago. As it is, this turbocharged six-cylinder is outstanding in its power delivery and flexibility. And 300 hp is just about perfect for most who will drive this car.
Another winner from BMW. But you knew that already.
2009 BMW 335i Coupe
In Fleet: Oct. 8-22
Base Price: $43,025
As-Tested Price: $50,270
Drivetrain: 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged I6; RWD, six-speed manual
Output: 300 hp @ 5,800 rpm, 300 lb-ft @ 1,400-5,000 rpm
Curb Weight: 3,571 lb
Fuel Economy (EPA/AW): 20/20.5 mpg
Options: Premium package including universal garage-door opener, digital compass mirror, auto-dimming mirrors, auto-dimming rearview mirrors, lumbar support, BMW assist with Bluetooth ($2,650); sport package including sport seats, shadowline trim, increased top-speed limited ($1,550); 19-inch wheels with performance tires ($1,000); satellite radio with one-year subscription ($595); Montego blue metallic paint ($550); heated front seats ($500); iPod, USB adapter ($400)
