BMW only produces rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive (AWD) vehicles; if the name has no X (signifying AWD), such as 335xi or X5, then the vehicle is rear-wheel drive.
In This Article...
creation and launch [edit]
According to a report by Auto Bild from October 2015, BMW management chose one of three final design concepts by Alexey Kezha for the F30 3 Series’ replacement at the end of November 2015. The new 3 Series, internally referred to as the G20, was announced on October 2 at the 2018 Paris Motor Show and went on sale in March 2019.
The Cluster Architecture (CLAR) platform serves as the foundation for the G20 3 Series, which makes greater use of high-strength steel and aluminum. The G20 has a hydraulic dampening system to better absorb hits, along with a MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension.
Due to the G20’s flat and covered underbody, the 320d’s drag coefficient decreased from 0.26 Cd to 0.23 Cd. The G20 is 85 mm (3.3 in) longer, 16 mm (0.6 in) broader, and 55 kg (121 lb) lighter than its predecessor. The car’s body stiffness has increased by 50% while maintaining a 50:50 weight distribution. 480 liters is the same as the F30’s boot capacity (17 cu ft).
The A-pillars feature more insulation, and the windshield is made of double-glazed acoustic glass. The handbrake is now automatically activated rather than manually handled by a lever. Engine coasting is now also possible in the Eco Pro and Comfort modes, and engine particulate filters are also standard on both gasoline and diesel vehicles.
Both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive (xDrive) models of the 320d, 320i, 330d, 330i, and M340i are offered.
The 325Li grade, which has the same 2.0 liter turbocharged engine delivering 184 horsepower and 300 Nm (221 lbft) of torque as the global 320i, was released as the only available drivetrain for the long-wheelbase model (G28) in China in April 2019. Later, a less priced model known as the 320Li was released. This model has the same 154 horsepower and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) torque-producing engine as the worldwide 318i, paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission. A 110 mm increase was made to the wheelbase (4.3 in). The 3 GT will be replaced by the right-hand drive LWB 330Li in India by the end of 2021. A 2.0 liter turbocharged engine with 258 horsepower powers the 330Li. Following that, this model was made available in a few Southeast Asian countries, like Malaysia and Thailand, to supplement the standard-wheelbase models already on the market there.
By 2023, a Chinese electric version is expected to be available.
3 Series BMW (F30)
The BMW F30 (sedan version), BMW F31 (wagon version, marketed as “Touring,” and BMW F34 (fastback version, marketed as “Gran Turismo”) compact executive automobiles make up the sixth generation of the BMW 3 Series. The F30 generation, which includes the F30/F31/F34 models, was created between October 2011 and 2019 and is frequently referred to as the F30.
The coupe and convertible variants were separated to form the new BMW 4 Series moniker for the sixth generation. Additionally, BMW debuted a unique hatchback variant under the 3 Series moniker known as the 3 Series Gran Turismo (F34).
The F30 is the first generation of 3 Series that only employ electric power steering and a variety of turbocharged engines (replacing the hydraulic power steering systems used previously). In addition, the F30 was the 3 Series’ first three-cylinder engine since its 2015 makeover. In 2016, a brand-new plug-in hybrid F30 model was also released. In China, a long-wheelbase sedan with the model number F35 was offered for sale.
The S55 twin-turbocharged straight-six engine powers the M3 variant (marked F80), which debuted in 2014.
The G20 model of the BMW 3 Series, which replaces the F30, was introduced in March 2019. However, the F34 fastback variant remained in production until the beginning of 2020. Later, in June 2021, it was replaced by the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe (G26).
What Car? declares
The BMW 3 Series is a well-built, fast, rear-wheel-drive saloon that has consistently performed well as the vehicle of choice for businessmen. This seventh-generation device still has that fundamental idea at its core.
The 3 Series is also a very cutting-edge product. Along with a selection of powerful yet economical petrol and diesel engines to suit the majority of tastes and budgets, you have the option of four-wheel drive, or xDrive in BMW parlance. There is also a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model available, which should significantly reduce your company vehicle tax expense and has a claimed electric range of up to 37 miles.
Performance – Engine, Transmission, and Other
Two powerful and smooth gas engines are available in the 3-series. A 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged in the 330i produces 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The combined output of the M340i’s 48-volt hybrid system and turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine is 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet. A turbocharged 2.0-liter engine and an electric motor are combined in the 330e plug-in hybrid to produce 288 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The gas and electric components of the 330e appear to work well together, and we appreciate the plug-new in’s Xtraboost feature, which delivers a powerful burst that feels like a shot of nitrous. A superb eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive are included with each powerplant. For a fee, you can drive all four wheels. A manual gearbox is sadly no longer available. (Purists who require a stick should wait for the brand-new BMW M3) On the 3, buyers have a choice between the standard suspension configuration and the upgrade with adaptive dampers. Our initial experience with this G20-generation 3-series was positive. The car’s improved steering feel gives drivers more information about the road’s surface and varying effort than its predecessor did, but it still falls short of that of the 3’s legendary first few generations. The four-cylinder Bimmer triumphed in a comparative test against other sports sedans, demonstrating its value. Its ability to change from being calm and elegant to being incisive and lively was praised. In a two-car comparison, the 330i defeated the exquisite Alfa Romeo Giulia, solidifying its position as the best in its class. A further example of the nameplate’s return to form is our long-term M340i, with its excellent six-cylinder and outstanding body control.
Are the BMW 3 Series rear-wheel-drive models?
The driver has been the primary emphasis of the BMW 3-series’ design and engineering from the beginning. It is a rear-wheel-drive, compact premium sedan.
BMWs have front or rear wheels?
In the history of BMW, the F40 1 Series is the first front-wheel drive passenger car made available globally. Although there will be “xDrive” four-wheel drive choices, front-wheel drive is presently the majority of the lineup. This is like sending Damien to church in The Omen, or The Snappening for proper vehicles, to people for whom all cars must be manual, with a huge, non-turbo engine, and rear-wheel drive, even though they weren’t intending to buy one in the first place.
It’s a part of the brand’s transition to front-driven vehicles. However, this does not spell the end of one of the oldest driving customs. BMW largely continues to produce rear-wheel drive vehicles. The recognizable “Hofmeister Kink,” a design element you’ll see on the C- and D-pillars of BMWs, still serves as a visual cue for the brand’s RWD orientation and isn’t going anywhere.
How can I tell whether my BMW has a rear-wheel drive system?
The axle and the differential are two more parts that might help you identify whether your vehicle has front- or rear-wheel drive.
Between the front and back wheels, look. The driving wheels are located on whichever set of tires has an axle shaft between the two wheels. If a front and rear axle are present, your car either has all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.
Additionally, you can search for a differential under the car’s back end. If one is present, it should resemble a pumpkin and be positioned squarely between the two back tires. The differential should also be connected to the transmission, which should be placed directly behind the engine, by a lengthy solid tube.
You need to look for cars with safety features whether you have a front- or rear-wheel drive vehicle. Although front-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive automobiles have the same insurance rates, front-wheel drive cars are less likely to be involved in accidents due to their greater handling.
Have you recently compared insurance prices? Savings worth hundreds of dollars could be waiting for you.
BMW switched to front-wheel drive at what point?
The 2014 launch of the front-engined, front-wheel drive BMW 2 Series Active Tourer centered on the Countryman and the understanding that minivan customers couldn’t care less about oversteer or anything even remotely as juvenile. They desire comfort, convenience, safety, fuel efficiency, and, in the case of BMW buyers, a coveted logo.
All of it is offered by the 2 Series Active Tourer, in addition to optional all-wheel drive and a limited amount of electric range. Gain? Gain.
Naturally, in 2004, the marketing team at BMW was busy persuading everyone that their smallest product to date, the somewhat unusual 1 Series hatchback, provides at least as much “sheer driving pleasure” as their larger models. So they started photo-editing.
Although the Cooper S version of the 2001 Mini Hatch wasn’t bad to drive at the time, the true front-wheel drive speed demon from BMW didn’t appear until the 2006 model year. 2000 units of the original John Cooper Works, which was assembled by hand at Bertone in Italy, were produced.
From that point on, it was fairly clear that BMW could handle front-wheel drive on its own. However, it remained doubtful that they would ever go so far as to put a BMW badge on a front-wheel-drive vehicle. The 2 Series Active Tourer genuinely experienced a breakthrough when it finally did.
Of course, BMW appears to have a quick response for all those enraged fanatics out there: M2.
Are BMW 3 Series vehicles dependable?
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Although BMW has a reputation for building dependable vehicles, its poor 21st place finish (out of 30 manufacturers) in our 2021 Driver Power customer satisfaction study demonstrates that there are still some areas that need to be improved. In the Driver Power Best cars to own survey, the 3 Series came in at number 31 out of 75 vehicles.
The latest 5 Series, which shares most of its technology with the most recent 3 Series, was ranked in 40th place, which is good news for the new car’s dependability despite the fact that the 3 Series was not included in the survey of customer satisfaction. We expect the 3 Series can raise its overall ranking as many of the infotainment technologies as well as the car’s fundamental design, engine, and gearboxes performed well in the 5 Series.
BMW is known for building secure vehicles, and the 3 Series lives up to that reputation. The most recent vehicle underwent a thorough safety testing process in 2019 and received a perfect five-star rating from Euro NCAP. Protection for adult and child occupants was 97% and 87%, respectively.
Under what BMW refers to as Active Guard Plus, additional safety systems are included. This incorporates cruise control with braking capability, speed limit information, lane departure warning, a collision and pedestrian warning system with a city brake function, and all of the aforementioned features.
Customers can add the Driving Assistant Professional package for about PS1,250 for a more complete set of safety features. Active cruise control, steering and lane control assistance, lane keeping assistance with active side collision protection, priority warning and wrong-way warning systems, and cross-traffic alert are some of the features that fall under this category. In the event of an accident, BMW’s Connected+ service, which comes standard, can notify the emergency services.