One of the best-built compact sedans available today, according to many owners and reviewers, the BMW 3 Series receives only a few minor updates for 2010, following a design refresh in '09. The 2010 BMW 3 Series now comes equipped with HD Radio as a standard feature, and the automaker adds automatic high beams as a new optional feature. In addition, BMW updates the wheels on the 328i trims.

BMW offers the 3 Series in a total of 13 trims for 2010, giving potential buyers a wide range of choices, including sedans, coupes, wagons, and convertibles, equipped with either rear-wheel drive or BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system. The trims break out generally into two trim levels, the 328i and the 335i. The 328i comes in sedan, coupe, wagon, and convertible trims, as well as xDrive coupe, sedan, and wagon trims. For the 335i, owners can choose from sedan, coupe, and convertible trims, as well as an xDrive sedan and coupe. The diesel-powered 335d sedan, introduced in 2009, completes the 3 Series lineup for 2010.

Three different engines power the 328i, 335i, and 335d trims. An entry-level 3.0-liter six-cylinder powerplant, which drives the 328i trims, delivers plenty of power at all speeds and in virtually all conditions. It produces 230 hp and 200 lb-ft of torque, and links to either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed Steptronic automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters and three shift modes. The EPA estimates fuel economy numbers for the six-cylinder engine at 18/28 mpg with the manual transmission and 19/28 with the automatic.

The 335i trims retain a twin-turbocharged version of the same powerplant, which boosts horsepower to 300 and torque to 300 lb-ft. The twin-turbo design helps eliminate turbo lag, resulting in smooth, quick acceleration. The engine links to the same two transmissions, and posts fuel economy numbers of 17/26 mpg with either transmission.

The 335d sedan comes equipped with a 3.0-liter six-cylinder turbodiesel engine, which produces 265 hp and an impressive 425 lb-ft of torque for aggressive off-the-mark performance. It links to the six-speed Steptronic transmission, and posts very respectable fuel economy numbers of 23/36 mpg.

Inside, the 3 Series offers an upscale cabin with plenty of interior storage spaces. Standard features for all trims include leatherette upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, woodgrain interior trim, keyless entry, Bluetooth, dual-zone automatic climate control, and dynamic cruise control. The AM/FM audio system includes a CD player and an MP3 input jack, as well as HD Radio. Outside, heated power-adjustable side mirrors, auto-off headlights, and rain-sensing windshield wipers are among the standard features. Safety features include stability control, traction control, and antilock brakes.