BMW 335i

For the 2009 model year, the BMW 3-series sedan and wagon received a minor face lift that included new front and rear lights and a modified trunklid, grille, and front bumper. Inside, the car received the latest version of iDrive and some improved materials. These changes have now been carried over to the coupe (taillight pictured below) and convertible models for the 2011 model year.

BMW has made two other, more significant changes to the 3-series lineup for 2011, introducing the sportier 320-hp 335is and adopting a new 3.0-liter turbocharged engine in all 335i models except the 335is. Called the N55, this inline six-cylinder engine uses a single, twin-scroll turbocharger, as opposed to the twin-turbocharged N54 engine that still powers the 335is. (To confuse things, BMW dubs the new engine TwinPower in reference to the turbo’s twin-scroll design.) BMW has said it is holding off on producing higher-output versions of the brand-new N55 because it has confidence in the durability of the N54 to raise the boost for more horsepower.