2011 BMW 3 Series Coupe and Convertible details and first look

Rumors of an all-new car coming soon haven't stopped BMW from cooking up some updates for the 2011 3 Series Coupe and Convertible, which will hit dealers later this spring.

The first order of business in updating the two models was to address the drivetrain. While the 328i Coupe and Convertible both retain their naturally-aspirated 3.0-liter inline-six, good for 230 hp and 200 lb-ft, the 335i Coupe and Convertible both upgrade to BMW's latest turbocharged six, good for 300 hp and 300 lb-ft.

Those keeping score will note that the new engine's power numbers haven't changed at all from the outgoing mill. What has changed is how it achieves those numbers, with the new engine reducing complexity by using a single twin-scroll turbocharger instead of the old engine's twin turbos. Matched with direct fuel injection and BMW's Valvetronic throttle-less intake system, the new engine makes the same power using less gas and offers better response.

2011 BMW 3 Series Cabrio Rear View
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With the new engine onboard, both the 335i Coupe and Convertible will jet to 60 mph in well under six seconds. For the Coupe, 60 mph comes in just 5.3 sec with the six-speed manual transmission and 5.5 sec with the optional six-speed automatic. The convertible isn't far behind, hitting 60 mph in 5.5 sec with the manual and 5.7 sec with the automatic. Equip the Coupe with BMW's ground-hugging xDrive AWD system and you can drop your 0 to 60 time even further, doing it in 5.2 sec with the manual and 5.3 sec with the auto, according to BMW. Enthusiasts who live in congested cities will also be happy to learn that BMW has revised the automatic's shift paddles to pull-types only -- left for down, right for up -- rather than the push/pull types found on current models.

Complimenting the updates to the 3 Series Coupe and Convertible's power source is a light freshening of the exterior. In front, a slightly revised hood rests on top of BMW's iconic twin-kidney grilles which have been enlarged and stretched slightly for the new model year. Flanking them are revised headlights featuring LED-lit coronas and "eyebrows" and standard Xenon adaptive headlights. Below them, the lower fascia has been revised to deemphasize the vertical strakes breaking up the air intake and instead emphasize two new horizontal strakes that take the place of the wire mesh grilles on the 2010 cars.

2011 BMW 3 Series Coupe And Convertible Interior
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Moving around the car, one might notice a new set of rearview mirrors and a lengthened character line in the door sills that gives the rocker panels a bit more pop. Moving to the rear, another character line has cropped up just above the twin tail pipes -- giving the rear bumper a bit more pizzazz. More noticeable, though, are the updated LED taillights with twin L-shaped accents.

Though the updated BMW 3 Series Coupe and Convertible will go on sale this Spring, pricing and fuel economy figures haven't been announced as of yet. The former is expected to fall in the range of the current car's pricing, which starts at $37,075 for the 328i Coupe, $42,535 for the 335i Coupe, $45,875 for the 328i Convertible and $52,075 for the 335i Convertible. The latter is expected to be a small improvement in fuel economy for the new single-turbo engine over the current twin-turbo engine's 17 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.

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