• 2010 BMW 3-Series Wagon

• Used BMW 3-Series Wagon
• Repairs BMW 3-Series Wagon

These scores and this review are from when the car was new.

Scorecard

Overall:	2010 BMW 3-Series Wagon U.S. News Best Cars 9.0
Critics' Rating:	9.7
Performance:	9.0
Interior:	8.1
Safety:	9.3
Reliability:

How we calculate scores

Research analyzed for this review

Pros & Cons

• Smooth performance
• Comfortable front seats
• First-rate fit and finish
• 328i xDrive features an all-wheel drive system

• Backseat cramped for adults
• Optional iDrive system is complicated

Research Other Years

• 2012 BMW 3-Series Wagon
• 2011 BMW 3-Series Wagon
• 2009 BMW 3-Series Wagon
• 2008 BMW 3 Series Wagon

Reviewers find that the BMW 3-Series's engine operates smoothly and provides a good amount of power for daily driving. Plus, its handling dynamics set a "benchmark" for the entire class.

• "Quite simply, no other entry-level luxury model can match the 3 Series' exquisite combination of athletic handling and premium ride comfort." -- Edmunds
• "BMW's 3-series wagon delivers the same dynamic excellence as the 3-series sedan but with a bigger cargo area. The steering, poise, and handling are nearly unparalleled in any vehicle, much less other wagons. All-wheel drive and a fuel-sipping turbo-diesel engine are optional." -- Car and Driver

Acceleration and Power

Both the BMW 328i and 328i xDrive feature a 3.0-liter I6 engine that test drivers find is smooth and adequate. It generates 230-horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 200 pound-feet of torque at 2,750 rpm. Though a six-speed manual transmission is standard, a STEPTRONIC automatic is optional.

According to the EPA, the 3-Series wagon's city/highway fuel economy ranges from 17/25 mpg to 18/27 mpg, depending on trim and transmission.

• "In the BMW tradition, this inline-6 is velvety-smooth from idle to redline, yet the tailpipes emit a purposeful bark under hard acceleration." -- Edmunds
• "The 3 liter DOHC 24-valve inline six-cylinder engine sounds good and is adequate. Not a 4.4 liter powerhouse or a V10 extravaganza but for 99% of potential customers it is just fine. OK, you will not win the traffic light grand prix but how important is that with three kids and a trunk full of shopping, soccer boots and Gatorade?" -- The Auto Channel
• "With manual transmission, the rear-drive 328i has smooth, sufficient power for around-town driving and highway passing.  ... The 6-speed automatic changes gears smoothly, but downshifts can lag behind throttle inputs.  ... With any engine, the manual transmission has silky-smooth shift action." -- Consumer Guide

Handling and Braking

Test drivers, on balance, agree that the BMW 3-Series wagon shines most brightly in the category of handling -- especially the 328i xDrive, which features a standard all-wheel drive system that enhances stability in adverse driving conditions.

• "The performance numbers are impressive in themselves, but this car transcends them -- it feels even more confident and composed than those numbers suggest." -- Edmunds
• "The 3-Series is the class benchmark for overall control and steering feel. Even with the base suspension, all models display excellent balance, sharp moves, and little body lean in turns; they're even sharper with the sport suspension.  ... Braking is powerful and stable. We recommend AWD in snowy climates." -- Consumer Guide
• "There's a precise feel to the steering and the well-sorted suspension provides exceptional confidence through even the most challenging corners. While some may find the ride a tad too taut -- particularly when fitted with the optional Sport Package -- we think the handling advantages more than offset any minor comfort tradeoff. BMW's excellent xDrive all-wheel-drive system also makes dealing with inclement weather considerably less stressful." -- Kelley Blue Book
• "I think Mike liked the fact that the wagon handles like a sport sedan. In fact, the wagon has just about all the same equipment, which means that the steering is pinpoint-precise, the suspension is supple and the brakes are simply outstanding. Of course, you get all the standard BMW goodies, like dynamic stability and traction control, to further enhance the all-weather capability of the four-wheel-drive system." -- Detroit News