The German company BMW has been producing the 3 Series brand of small executive automobiles since May 1975. It has been built in seven distinct generations and is the replacement for the 02 Series.
Initially only available as a 2-door saloon, the 3 Series now comes in 4-door saloon, 2-door convertible, 2-door coupe, 5-door estate, 5-door liftback (“Gran Turismo”), and 3-door hatchback body styles. Since 2013, the 4 Series has been used to sell the coupe and convertible vehicles, therefore these body types are no longer part of the 3 Series lineup.
BMW’s best-selling model, the 3 Series, has won numerous honors throughout its history and represents about 30% of the brand’s yearly total sales (excluding motorcycles).
In This Article...
What are the many BMW 3 Series models that are available?
The renowned 3 Series sports sedan comes in four different model varieties: the 330i, 330e, M340i, and M3. The 330i has a reliable gasoline engine and is a well-balanced vehicle. The 330e is a cutting-edge hybrid sedan with electrified propulsion. The M340i is a striking sports car that features components and engineering from BMW M. The M3 is a real M model, which means it was created with performance driving in mind.
The BMW 3 Series is intended for whom?
As its name implies, the 3 Series Luxury is an executive automobile targeted at buyers searching for the highest level of luxury available, most notably supplied by the standard-fit leather seats. The leather seats and chrome trim give the BMW 3 Series a highly posh feel.
A BMW 328i is a 3 Series, right?
The 328i, which grew to represent the largest six-cylinder engine option inside the ordinary (non-M-car) sports-sedan (and coupe and convertible) range at the model’s peak in the mid-’90s, is almost as famous as the legendary M3 in the pantheon of iconic BMW 3 Series cars.
The badge replaced the 325i, which had replaced the renowned 323i designation atop the original E21 and era-defining E30 variants of the 1970s and 1980s, when the E36 generation underwent a facelift. The 1998 E46 replacement carried the 328i moniker, but only until 2000, when the more powerful 330i took its place. However, since everything comes full circle, the 328i returned in late 2007 for the E90 facelift.
However, despite receiving excellent reviews, the beloved in-line six-cylinder engine was replaced with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo in the name of lower emissions, which infuriated many brand loyalists despite the logo remaining on the 3 Series’ backside.
For the 2015 facelift, the 328i badge disappeared (again), being replaced by another 330i. Don’t worry, BMW enthusiasts. At some point in the future, it will surely return to a 3 Series bootlid.
What distinguishes the various BMW 3 Series models?
These two sedans have an 8-speed automatic transmission and use ordinary gasoline as well. While there are some similarities between the two automobiles, the horsepower and torque are where the two cars diverge most. With 255 horsepower and 295 pounds-feet of torque, the BMW 3 Series is faster and more potent.
3 Series versus 5 Series: Which BMW is superior?
The choice between the BMW 3 Series and 5 Series will depend on your needs and budget since they are in distinct market groups.
The 3 Series is the ideal vehicle if you’re looking for something more youthful and sporty yet have a limited budget.
The BMW 5 Series is a better option if you have a little more money to invest and prioritize room and pure luxury over all other factors.
What class of vehicle is a BMW 3 Series?
The 2023 BMW 3 Series Sedan is a sports car due to its design and performance. For this model, BMW provides a number of potent engines, including a 4-cylinder engine with a maximum output of 255 horsepower, a BMW M 6-cylinder engine with a maximum output of 382 horsepower, and a 4-cylinder gasoline engine and electric motor combination with a maximum output of 288 horsepower.
Is the BMW 3 Series an excellent first car?
The 3 Series is BMW’s most popular vehicle. It is a small family or executive car with excellent dynamics and lively handling.
As a safe and useful first vehicle, a BMW 3 series would be a wonderful choice. It has some great safety measures and has superb sight for the driver. However, it wouldn’t be practical for novice drivers with a limited budget.
The combined city and highway mileage for the 2.0L automatic is 30 mpg, which is acceptable.
The 3-series maintains some aspects of an affordable car while projecting a premium aura.
Is buying a BMW 3 Series worthwhile?
What Makes the BMW 3 Series Good? The BMW 3 Series is a respectable luxury compact car, yes. Performance, which is still its main selling point, is characterized by assured handling and quick acceleration. The M3, the top model in the series, is designed to be track-ready while the base model has excellent fuel efficiency.
Is buying a BMW 3 Series worth it?
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Driving the 3 Series has always been a pleasure thanks to its engaging handling and stable road holding. With the addition of a more luxury driving experience, more interior room, and an amazing variety of technologies, the new model keeps its driver appeal, snappy performance, and impressive frugalness.
Although costs have increased slightly since the previous generation, the level of standard equipment has increased dramatically. The revised look is a conservative progression of what came before, but the refinement of the automobile has also increased thanks to a stronger, lighter body.
The most recent 3 Series rises to the top of the compact executive class with its industry-leading combination of performance and efficiency.
Are BMW 3 Series repairs expensive?
Yes, BMW servicing is more expensive than many other manufacturers, whether they are premium or not, once the warranty expires. Over a ten-year period, a BMW may cost $12,000 more to maintain than a Toyota and $5,000 more than a Mercedes-Benz.
Because it’s a German car with specialized parts and technology, maintaining a BMW is pricey. It’s not merely a car to get people from point A to point B; it was designed for driving aficionados. A $400 battery replacement, for instance, might be necessary because the mechanic must register the battery with the engine control module. If not, the battery risk of an early demise since the vehicle won’t “know” how to charge it.
Additionally, the Digital Motor Electronics (DME) system in cars connects countless sensors and controls. A BMW may require a sophisticated method for a simple repair on another vehicle, which increases labor expenses.
Yes, a 3-Series BMW requires pricey maintenance once the manufacturer or certified pre-owned warranty has expired. A used BMW 3-Series typically costs $1,000 to $1,700 per year in maintenance and repairs.
A BMW 328i oil change can cost between $149 and $174, according to RepairPal. Nevertheless, depending on your area and BMW model, you can pay more than that.
How long is the life of a BMW 3 Series?
While a BMW 3 Series can travel 200,000–250,000 miles, there are numerous instances of 3 Series cars traveling more than 300,000 miles without experiencing any significant mechanical problems.
Is a family’s BMW 3 Series too small?
The brand-new BMW 3 Series may be the perfect vehicle for all of your driving requirements.
In an ideal world, we’d all want a sizable garage packed with a variety of vehicles suitable for all kinds of situations. Long-legged GT for trips up North, comfortable cruiser for the daily grind, lightweight sports car for the track, and so on.
We unfortunately live in a flawed world. But which car would you choose if you had to have just one to meet all of your needs? The new BMW 3 Series is, in all likelihood, the last car you’ll ever need. This is why:
1. Fashion and prestige appropriate for the contemporary young professional
It’s a BMW first and foremost. It is an impressive badge, and that counts for something. It exudes success and purpose and is elegant and high-end.
This latest generation model is also sleeker and sportier-looking, which is unquestionably advantageous for the contemporary young professional.
2. Because of its small size, it is easy to maneuver
Yes, some people enjoy driving large SUVs because of their commanding presence and driving positions.
But having a little, compact vehicle really makes life easier for every day use. You won’t have to stress about trying to squeeze into small parallel parking spaces or navigating packed car parks.
3. Technologies that benefit drivers and make lives easier
Modern technology is also fully integrated into the new 3 Series, including the new Operating System 7.0 and Intelligent Personal Assistant.
Everyday driving is made safer by useful features like Lane Departure Warning, Parking Assistant, and Reversing Assistant, which is essential to protect the entire family.
4. The family will have enough of daily convenience.
The 480-liter boot and comfy, roomy rear cabin of the 3 Series make it a family-friendly vehicle.
Naturally, it is also future-proof. The 3 Series can accommodate an expanding family, whether it’s transporting adolescent teenagers or fitting a child seat.
5. Stable and ready for the track
The 3 Series’ dynamic ability—smooth power delivery, muscular steering, a well-organized chassis, and excellent balance—is one of its most notable features.
You could definitely take it stock and compete on the track. Without a doubt, the 3 Series is still a pleasure car to drive even on regular roads.
6. Impressive without being very effortful
The BMW 3 Series is the only vehicle you will ever require because it is incredibly well-rounded while still being incredibly courteous.
Despite being a very well-rounded compact family vehicle, the BMW 3 Series nonetheless exudes a certain sense of understated presence (especially in this Luxury Line trim). It isn’t extremely shrill or haughty. Instead, it’s polite, sophisticated, and respectful.
The 3 Series is a vehicle that many of us can reasonably hope to own and eventually afford, which is maybe the most crucial factor. Because in all reality, it is the only car you will ever require.
If the 330i is still a bit out of your price range, why not think about the 320i instead? Fortunately, this page includes a helpful video review of the vehicle.
What do the various BMW models represent?
How do you crack the model names in the BMW code? The three-digit combination’s first digit denotes the series (in ascending order based on size: 1, 2, 3, etc.). The next two digits used to represent the engine size, but now they represent performance.
What qualifies as a BMW 328i?
A direct injected 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine in the BMW 328i’s 4-door compact executive automobile produces 240 HP. The 8-speed STEPTRONIC automatic transmission with Adaptive Transmission Control (ATC), the free 6-speed manual transmission, or the optional Sport automatic transmission with paddle shifters all deliver power to the rear wheels. The M Sport trim line includes a M Aerodynamic Kit, M Sport wheels and suspension, a M Sport steering wheel, M Sport seats, and distinctive M Sport colors and trims to make the 328i even sportier.
If the M Sport package is insufficient for you, M Sport Brakes and the Dynamic Handling package, which includes variable sport steering and an Adaptive M Suspension, are both available options. The front of the car’s optional black kidney grilles, carbon fiber mirror caps, carbon fiber brake handle, and M Performance side sill decals may all be ordered if you want to give it a bit more individuality.