The most immediately noticeable change are headlamp clusters that get a subtle reshaping to go along with a wider grille and reworked lower front fascia. At the rear, the taillamps retain the same shape, but the reflectors are redesigned with some of the light-pipe styling found in other recent Bimmers.The 3 Series coupe will now be offered with xDrive all-wheel drive, while the 3 Series convertible gets a new solar reflective leather upholstery that BMW claims helps keep seat temperatures down when the lid is open.
The most significant updates come underhood, where the much lauded twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six is being replaced by a new single turbo version. The revised engine, dubbed N55, has recently been launched in the 740i and the 535i Gran Turismo. The twin scroll turbo has dual exhaust inlets that allow the engineers to better balance the pulses coming in to spin up the turbine faster. This is expected to reduce the turbo lag that some drivers complained about with the outgoing twin turbo setup.
BMW also claims it has reduced cold-start emissions by routing all the exhaust gases through a single, larger catalytic converter that heats up faster. On the intake side, the throttle is eliminated thanks to the addition of BMW's Valvetronic variable valve control system. The N55 also gets direct fuel injection. The end result is the same 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque as before, but with a fatter torque curve that maintains its peak from 1,200-5,000 rpm.
Fourth generation models appeared for 1999 (sedan only) before the coupe, convertible, and wagon variants joined the party a year later.
Designed with a more aerodynamic body shape, a stiffer suspension, and improved steering, the 3-Series was lauded right away by critics and drivers alike. Initially, 323i versions were given a 2.5L inline-six cylinder while a 2.8L inline six-cylinder was installed in the 328i. But by 2001, the 325i punched in with a 2.5L configuration rated at 184 horsepower. The biggest of the bunch was the 330i's 3.0L 225-hp motor. When the fifth generation debuted in 2006 as the E90, it was once again presented in two trims - 325i and 330i, just like the end of the previous generation. This time around, the 330i showed off 255 horsepower, an increase of 30 horsepower from the original output. 2007 saw the coupe become equipped with all-wheel drive but few other updates were to the 3-Series. In 2009, a 335d (diesel) version made its way into the fold and xDrive became the nomenclature used for all-wheel drive models. 
How do you define luxury? Comfort and power? Handling? Exterior design? The truth is, there are many words that drivers use to define the word luxury, but there are only a few cars that truly put meaning behind it and BMW's well-received 3-Series is one that holds this distinction. Superior technology and engineering are just two reasons this model has catapulted into the spotlight. Lavish interior comfort combined with a sleek outside appearance which give the essence of elegance have made the 3-Series what it truly is - a Hall of Famer.
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