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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