The 2009 BMW 3-Series includes four-door sedans, two-door coupes, wagons and convertibles in 11 distinct models, without counting the extra-powerful M3s. Most are powered by BMW's familiar 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, and all-wheel drive is available. A diesel-powered sedan is new this year.

All 3-Series variants come standard with automatic climate and headlight control, a climate-controlled center console, heated windshield washer nozzles, rain-sensing wipers, a power moonroof, 10-speaker AM/FM/CD and BMW's self-braking Dynamic Cruise Control. Wheel size varies from 16 to 18 inches. All offer a choice of aluminum or different wood interior trims, with vinyl upholstery. A six-speed manual transmission standard, a six-speed Steptronic automatic ($1,325) is optional. Model designations are consistent across the body styles and standard equipment is similar, though the coupes and convertibles include a few more features in the base price.

The BMW 328i sedan ($33,600) is powered by a 230-hp 3.0-liter inline six. The 328i xDrive sedan ($35,600) adds BMW's xDrive permanent all-wheel drive system, noted by the x-designation on all 3-Series models so equipped.

The BMW 335i sedan ($40,300) and 335i xDrive sedan ($42,300) feature a turbocharged version of the 3.0-liter six, delivering 300 horsepower. The 335 models also add features, including power front seats with memory and BMW's Logic 7 audio upgrade.

The BMW 335d sedan ($43,900) is powered by a 3.0-liter turbodiesel six in the same inline configuration. It generates 265 horsepower and a whopping 425 lb-ft of torque, and at 23 city, 36 highway, it delivers the highest EPA mileage ratings of any 3-Series model. It also qualifies for a federal tax credit of roughly $900.

The 328i Sports Wagon ($35,400) and 328i xDrive Sports Wagon ($37,400) offer more load-carrying potential and versatility than the sedan, with a rear tailgate and rear window that can be opened separately. The wagon is not offered with the turbocharged engine.

The BMW 3-Series coupe is available in four versions: 328i ($36,500), 328xi ($38,400), 335i ($42,200) and 335i xDrive ($44,100). The shapely coupe has two doors, a two-place rear seat and a slightly smaller trunk than the sedan, with a firmer, sport-tuned suspension that's optional on other body styles.

The 3-Series Convertible features a retracting metal hard top that opens and closes with the touch of a button and comes in 328i ($44,300) and 335i ($50,400) versions. The convertible seats four, like the coupe, but it's not offered with all-wheel drive.

Options include the Premium Package which adds Dakota leather upholstery, Bluetooth cellular phone interface, power folding side mirrors, a digital compass in the rear-view mirror and hardware for BMW Assist. The Telemetric package provides safety, convenience and concierge services. The Cold Weather Package adds electrically heated seats, a heated steering wheel, high-intensity headlight washers and a split-folding rear seat with ski sack. The Sport Package includes sporting suspension calibrations tuned by BMW's M performance division for the sedan, wagon and convertible, more heavily bolstered sports seats and a wheel-performance tire upgrade. Radar-managed Active Cruise Control ($2,400) and hard-drive navigation system ($2,100) are available as stand-alone options. Sirius satellite radio hardware ($595), the Logic 7 stereo upgrade ($875) and other features are available individually.

Safety features include front-impact airbags that deploy at different rates depending on the severity of impact, front passenger side-impact airbags and full-cabin, curtain-type head protection airbags. The convertibles add knee airbags that help keep front passengers from sliding under the seat belts. Active safety features, designed to help the driver avoid collisions, include Dynamic Stability Control and the latest generation antilock brakes. The ABS preloads the brake pedal when the driver suddenly lifts off the gas pedal, and includes a feature that lightly sweeps the brake discs dry every 1.5 seconds when it's raining.