#2

in Upscale Midsize Cars

Based on analysis of 100 3-Series reviews and test drives.

MSRP: $32,850 - $50,700
Invoice: $30,220 - $46,645
MPG: 18 City / 28 Hwy
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U.S.News Scores

Overall:9.0
Performance:9.3
Exterior:9.0
Interior:8.2
Safety:8.6
Reliability:7.0
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Safety - What the Auto Press Says

The BMW 3-Series earns respectable scores in government crash testing, but they fall slightly below the five-star scores that competitors like the Audi A4 manage. The 3-Series wins perfect five-star scores in side-impact testing, but only four stars for protecting both driver and front-seat passenger in frontal-impacts. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety hasn't tested a 2010 3-Series, but the Institute gave the similar 2009 model its "Top Safety Pick" designation - the car earned top scores in all of the Institute's crash tests.

Every 3-Series sedan and coupe comes equipped with four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, standard stability control, frontal airbags, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and run-flat tires. A feature unique to BMWs is a system that wipes the brake rotors dry when the windshield wipers are in use. A brake assist feature also automatically primes the brakes, pulling the brake pads closer to the wheels, whenever the driver releases the accelerator.

Review Last Updated: 10/5/09