The BMW 335i seems portly -- the scales show 3586 pounds and a front/rear distribution of 51/49 percent -- but that weight actually matches that of the last BMW 335i coupe we tested. Versus the four-cylinder 328i, it carries 100 extra pounds. Where do you think that weight comes from? A hundred points if you guessed the front axle. The added weight is noticeable after back-to-back drives with the 328i, but equally noticeable is the extra forward thrust the BMW 335i so readily supplies. A slightly heavier nose or more power? Decisions, decisions.
BASE PRICE $43,295
Following a refresher for 2009, BMW has introduced an all-new 3-Series sedan for 2012. The E90 3-Series coupe and convertible models—which just received the refresher in 2011—will continue as-is until moving into sixth-generation F30 form in 2013. The 2012 BMW 3-Series sedan features more room, less weight, and new engines. The 328i and BMW 335i numerical nomenclature will be retained, but will make less sense with the new 328i engine. In addition, the BMW ActiveHybrid 3 will join the roster and complete the line of hybrid sedans for BMW.
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| 2012 BMW 335i image |
Growing wider by more than 1.5 inches and longer by four inches, the 3-Series will offer more room, specifically for the rear passengers. Despite the increase in size, the weight of the car is 80 pounds less than its predecessor. Power remains nearly the same, but the engine choices have changed. The 230-hp base 3.0-liter engine in the 328i is now replaced with a new turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Even though the small 2.0-liter I-4 loses cylinders to the old engine, it is able to produce 245 hp, or 15 more hp than the outgoing car. In addition, it produces 258 lb-ft of torque from 1,250 rpm, 58 more than last year’s model at 1,500 less rpms. The result of the weight loss and power gain is a 0.4 of a second reduction in the 0–60-mph time between the 2011 and 2012 BMW 328i.
The BMW 335i rolls on with a turbo straight-six 3.0-liter engine developing 306 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. It will offer similar performance as the outgoing car: 0–60 mph in 5.4 seconds and a top speed limited to 155 mph. Both engines are connected to an eight-speed unit with start-stop technology for 2012. The difference between last year’s six-speed automatic and the new eight-speed automatic has a direct impact on performance, reducing the zero-to-60-mph time for the BMW 335i by 0.3 of a second compared to the outgoing model. The six-speed manual will continue as an option.
PRICE AS TESTED $55,870
VEHICLE LAYOUT Front engine, RWD, 5-pass, 4-door sedan
ENGINE 3.0L/300-hp/300-lb-ft turbo DOHC 24-valve I-6
TRANSMISSION 8-speed automatic
CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 3586 lb (51/49%)
WHEELBASE 110.6 in
LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 182.5 x 71.3 x 56.3 in
0-60 MPH 4.7 sec
QUARTER MILE 13.3 sec @ 103.9 mph
BRAKING, 60-0 MPH 109 ft
LATERAL ACCELERATION 0.90 g (avg)
MT FIGURE EIGHT 25.7 sec @ 0.71 g (avg)
EPA CITY/HWY FUEL ECON 23/33 mpg
ENERGY CONSUMPTION, CITY/HWY 147/102 kW-hrs/100 miles
CO2 EMISSIONS 0.73 lb/mile
