3 Series styling represents a fresh rendition of a classic look. BMW's traditional quad headlamps are enclosed in aerodynamic covers. The roofline is long and gracefully integrated into the rear deck. Though elegant and refined, the 3 Series is striking in appearance.Yet these are practical sedans as well, roomier than the Mercedes-Benz C-Class or even the front-wheel-drive Audi A4, according to the government standard for measuring interior volume. There are vibration dampening devices throughout the car, including hydraulic mounts for the differential and front suspension.
Bucking a worldwide trend, BMW uses inline-6 engines instead of V6 designs. Though it takes up more space, an inline-6 is considered to be inherently smoother by design than a V6. Indeed, BMW believes that six pistons lined up in a row run more smoothly than two banks of three pistons arranged in a V. Both 3 Series inline-6s are improved and refined for 2001, with fully electronic throttle control, revised valve lift (but retaining steplessly variable valve timing) and a redesigned dual resonance intake system. These changes add up to more power and cleaner exhaust; except for all-wheel-drive models, all 3 Series cars are now Ultra Low Emissions Vehicles.