PRODUCT: BMW Updates 3-Series Coupe & Convertible for 2011

BMW has made slight modifications to their 3-series cars this year, due at dealer showrooms this Spring. Updated headlight fixtures and engines are the main changes, keeping their stalwart line of cars mostly unchanged for '11.

I go way back with BMW; one of my first cars was a '78 320i that I bought used in Newport Beach - that car was a 2-door coupe that BMW had created to replace the wonderful 2002 in the mid-'70s. It was later replaced by the 325 and 328 sedans and 330 coupe, creating one of the most successful car lines anywhere... especially popular in Orange County with everyone from students to professionals. With its classic lines and efficient size, the 3-series is both a driver's car and an affordable entry into German luxury and performance. And no one makes a well-built sedan, coupe or convertible quite like the Germans.

For 2010/2011, BMW knows it isn't broken, so they aren't fixing their venerable 3-series. With its longer lines, 2 fewer doors and upgraded performance, the coupe is BMW's sexiest small(ish) car. The 1-series may be a few inches smaller, but it doesn't possess the sexy lines of the 3 coupe - which appeals to those wanting a sportier look and image.

So what is new for this year's coupe and convertible? Most noticeable will be the slightly widened "kidney" grill, which reflects other BMW grills growing wider and bigger. Adjacent to that is a re-worked headlight cluster, with LED daytime running light "halos" to upgrade the car's aggressive eyes. Taillights have also been slightly re-worked, as car manufacturers continue their battle of the coolest and most distinctive lighting designs.

Other changes are more subtle, such as the design "toning down" since last year's departure of controversial design chief Chris Bangle. We're starting to see more and more details that preserves BMW's many lines, folds and creases in their bodywork, but add more clean lines as well. An example from their recent press release on the new 3-series: "An additional horizontal contour line has been added to the rear air dam to further accentuate the width of the Coupe and Convertible. It creates light-and-shade effects to give the entire rear end a flatter and smoother appearance."

Under the hood, the engines have been tweaked to produce the same big power (300hp from the 330i) from less gas. Using lessons from their turbo diesels, they have lighted up their engines and injected the fuel right into the cylinders with quick-spool turbos to keep up the power and lose some weight. With the addition of a diesel 335d sedan to the lineup (35 fewer hp but lots more torque), it would really be something to get a TDI 3-series coupe we'd really have something...

Changes exclusive to the convertible include the inclusion of X-drive (AWD) and new leather seats treated to retain less heat when the roof is down - lowering surface temperatures by 27-35 degrees.