Winner Car and Drivers 10Best Cars Contest 2010

2010 BMW 3-Series/M3-10Best Cars

  Oh, Lord, won't you buy me a bimmer 3?

Attacking our 10Best loop each year in a 3-series gives you the sense this car has been designed for the sole purpose of oozing along that twisting,cratered section of pavement There, it has a cohesive fluidity that's unmatched by any of its competitors.But then, the 3 feels similarily subline of any other stretch of road,too.

From the 230-hp 328i that can achieve 30-plus mpg on the highway to the even thriftier and uncharacteristicly responsive diesel to the unforgettable bawl of the M3's screaming 414-hp V-8 at 8400 rpm that gets the 0-to-60-mph job done in just over four seconds,the 3-series range is extremely broad.Body styles consist of coupe,sedan-including the resurrection of a fantastically subtle four door M3-wagon,and folding-hard top convertible.

There are faster cars,and ones with more horsepower,but the 3-series has earned a long list of comparison test-victories and now a 19th- cosecutive 10Best appearance because of the instant confidence it imparts to the driver,making pushing a little harder completely comfortable,it's the extraordinary presicion and response of the perfectly weighted steering,the smooth predictability of the unwavering chassis,the optional sport seats that adjust and embrace in all the right ways,the slick six-speed manual transmissions,the firm but never harsh ride,in short,it's the car we'd like to drive everyday.

And some of us do.Actually is there any higher praise than the fact that more of our staff has spent their own money to buy a 3-series than any other car?

Specifications

VEHICLE TYPE: front engine;rear-or 4-wheel-drive;4-5passenger;2-door coupe;2-door convertible,4- door sedan,or 5-door wagon

BASE PRICE: $33,675-$69,025

ENGINES: DOHC 24- valve 3.0-inline-6,230-hp,200lb-ft twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve 3.0 liter diesel inline-6,265hp,425 lb-ft;DOHC 32-valve 4.0 liter V-8,414hp,295 lb-ft

TRANSMISSIONS: 6-speed automatic with manumatic shifting,7-speed with dual-clutch automated manual,6- speed manual

DIMENSIONS:

Width: 70.2-71.5 in Height 54.1-57.0 in

Curb Weight: 3350-4150 lb

FUEL ECONOMY:

EPA city/highway driving: 13-23/20-36 mpg

(Car and Driver Magazine Article "10Best Cars Contest Winners 2010" January Issue)

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Last Updated: Saturday, May 19, 2007 18:41WST