(EMAILWIRE.COM, December 28, 2011 ) HYANNIS, Mass. – While some cars fade away with age, the fifth generation of BMW's 3 Series is still grabbing headlines in its twilight months. BMW’s iconic sports sedan recently earned a spot on Car and Driver magazine’s 2012 10Best Cars list, even as its next-generation replacement prepares to reach BMW dealers in February. The popular auto publication has featured the 3 Series on its annual 10Best Cars list 21-straight times, an unprecedented streak.

Car and Driver editors scoured through dozens of all-new or significantly updated cars that are priced under $80,000. The winners of last year’s 10Best list were also invited back to defend their titles, and defend the 3 Series did. The 2011 BMW 3 Series and its powerful M3 variant were honored by editors for having everything feel natural and right, from the seats to the steering and the brakes.

“Over the course of more than 36 years, the 3 Series has gone through many changes, but the original DNA is still there,” said Mike Murphy, owner of Hyannis, Massachusetts BMW dealership BMW of Cape Cod. “The 3 Series is balanced, comfortable and extremely responsive, so the driver always knows exactly what’s going on with the car. These are vehicles that invite the driver to be engaged, and that appeals to magazine editors and commuters alike.”

Editors at Car and Driver noted that the fifth-generation 3 Series “roasts the competition,” even on its way out, adding that no other automaker has matched its refined and powerful six-cylinder engines. Meanwhile, the high-performance V8 engine on the M3 thoroughly entertained editors with its 414 horsepower and rowdy exhaust note as it revs past 8,000 rpm.

One the six-cylinder engines available in the 3 Series, the TwinPower turbocharged unit in the BMW 335i, was recently chosen for a second time by Ward’s Auto for its 10 Best Engines list. Using direct injection and turbocharging technology, the 3.0-liter powerplant produces 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque, but still returned 25 mpg during heavy-footed testing by Ward’s editors.

Ward’s 10 Best Engines list for 2012 also features the turbocharged four-cylinder engine that will make an appearance in the sixth-generation 2012 BMW 328i, replacing the outgoing naturally aspirated 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine. With Valvetronic timing and a twin-scroll turbocharger, the downsized engine sports upsized stats of 240 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. That is an increase of 10 horsepower and 60 pound-feet of torque over the larger outgoing engine.

“The current 3 Series may be in the final months of its lifespan, but it’s still the best vehicle on the market and the next-generation car will be even better,” Murphy noted. “Lightweight materials will keep the 2012 BMW 3 Series nimble, and its powerful yet efficient engines will continue to earn praise from our customers.”

About BMW of Cape Cod:
BMW of Cape Cod is where Massachusetts BMW drivers go to purchase new and used BMWs, but it’s also known for its legendary BMW service department. Their wide selection of loaner cars and extended hours of operation means that BMW service customers can receive repairs from an expert staff of technicians when it’s most convenient for them. BMW of Cape Cod is located at 25 Falmouth Road, Route 28 in Hyannis, Massachusetts. Customers can browse their BMW inventory online www.bmwofcapecod.com, find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BMWofCapeCod, or reach them by phone at 508-775-4526.

Press Release Courtesy of Online PR Media: http://bit.ly/uDi4Co

Contact Information:
Cambridge PR Group
Michael Wong
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