The 2010 BMW 3-Series: Now struggling with age

All BMW 3-Series petrol engines team with a 6-speed manual transmission. Optional on the 328i and 335i and standard on the 335d is a 6-speed automatic. The M3 is available with a 7-speed dual-clutch automated manual that behaves much like an automatic. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and front-side airbags. Against […]

All BMW 3-Series petrol engines team with a 6-speed manual transmission. Optional on the 328i and 335i and standard on the 335d is a 6-speed automatic. The M3 is available with a 7-speed dual-clutch automated manual that behaves much like an automatic. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and front-side airbags.

Against its competitors, what would be the best pick? The Buys in the Premium-Compact Car class are the BMW 3-Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and the Acura TSX. Our recommended pick is the Audi A4. The reason is that the BMW is the better car when it comes to handling experience and the Mercedes-Benz will do so well on a straight line but both are very expensive and offer less space in the interior or perhaps in one thing or the other. The Audi A4 will do considerably well on the road with a lot of space within and is not so expensive like any of the other two. It still has a variety of powerful engines that are even economical on consumption.  The other contender in this class is the Acura TSX- it is better to go for the all-wheel-drive version for more traction control. It will also be more affordable, but it does measure up well in this class with confidence on road manner and driving experience. That doesn’t stop it from being a decent ride but it just can’t offer as much as its German contemporary.

The BMW 3 series still remains the pace setter of them all, but you will have to look at how well it does on other things as well- especially when it comes to practicality rating. This is why Audi A4 does so well.