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, but the base model gets excellent fuel economy.
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How Many Miles Can a BMW 3 Series Expect?
In general, BMW 3 series cars are strong, dependable, and robust; when well-maintained, they can last a very long time.
There are many reports online from owners who are close to reaching 200k miles and many others who have reached this milestone, however it is impossible to overstate the value of routine maintenance.
There are tales of owners clocking far over 300k, and some owners we encountered having driven well above 250k.
While high mileages like this aren’t impossible, they shouldn’t be expected, thus we suggest setting a reasonable expectation for a 3 Series BMW’s lifespan to lie between 200k and 250k.
Big-ticket components, like the engine or transmission, start to fail after a certain number of kilometers; when this happens, the expense of repairing the car exceeds its value.
These factors impact longevity:
- Climate
- driving practices
- How strictly maintenance guidelines are adhered to
In states (at least in the US) with little to no snow and temperate temperatures, many BMW buyers search for secondhand cars.
No matter where the car has been driven, a full service history is crucial, and many forum users swear by the rule that they’ll never purchase a BMW out of warranty.
Japanese automobiles are often regarded as being more durable; nevertheless, one adage should be treated with caution:
BMWs last a lifetime if you maintain them. Hondas, however, last a long time despite not being serviced!
In essence, you must keep up with maintenance if you want your 3 Series to enjoy a long, healthy life.
This include performing routine inspections of things like fluid levels, air filters, tire pressures, etc., as well as adhering to the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance intervals.
Reliability is enhanced by proven mechanical components, and the vehicle’s safety features rank among the finest in their class.
An illustration of a Personal Contract Purchase: Cash price PS10,000, deposit PS150, and borrowing PS8,500 for 4 years at a representative 7.4% APR (fixed). A total of PS4127.50 will be paid after 47 instalments of PS132.04. PS1833.38 is the total cost of credit. Payable in total is PS11,833.38. 8,000 miles per year as a base. If excess miles is used, there are fees. Finance subject to status; only those 18+.
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.
BMW’s 3 Series: Is it dependable?
A BMW 3 series has a fairly average reliability rating, although it does rise as you move up the model range. The 330i sedan, which will be the entry-level 3 series for the 2021 model year, has a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine that generates 255 horsepower and may be mated to either a rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive system. The model with the averge overall reliability rating is this one.
The B58 3.0L inline 6-cylinder engine, which produces 382 horsepower and is once more offered with either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive, is what you get when you upgrade to the M340i. The M340i receives a higher reliability rating since it is thought to have one of the greatest inline 6 cylinder engines currently available. The Toyota Supra also makes use of the same basic engine.
BMW’s reliability has been questioned at times in the past, but things are improving now. Just be aware that BMWs will cost more to maintain than the ordinary vehicle.
Cargo, Comfort, and the Interior
The 3’s interior features a contemporary design with top-notch components and an amazing level of craftsmanship. The 3-series’ controls are conveniently located, and nothing about it feels cheap. The basic sport seats have plenty of flexibility and are well-bolstered and supportive, making it simple to find a comfortable position. A comprehensive head-up display, programmable ambient interior lighting, heated front and rear seats, remote start, and wireless charging are some of the extra-cost features of the automobile. The 3-series sports a sizable trunk with a power-operated deck lid as an option. The gas-powered sedan’s 17 cubic feet of baggage room can accommodate six carry-on suitcases in the back and 17 in total with the back seat folded. For instance, the Alfa Romeo Giulia could fit five and 15, respectively, while the Mercedes-Benz C300 car could only fit one less suitcase in each test. Due to its battery pack, the 330e has less trunk room (13 cubes), and we haven’t tested its carry-on capacity.
What is the conclusion?
Rivalries are intense, but the BMW 3 continues to set the bar for this class of vehicle.
The 3 Series is flawless thanks to BMW. The powertrains have new vitality and sharpness, and the handling is crisper than ever. But it’s also calm and tasteful. While the ride is firm, it is comfortable to sit in, enough in size, well-equipped, and reasonably priced to purchase.
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.
What automobiles stand up to the BMW 3 Series?
Alfa Romeo’s assault on the American market continued with the release of the Stelvio crossover and the 2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia sport sedan, which is offered in three trim levels: base ($38,195), TI ($40,195), and Quadrifoglio ($73,700). The assault started with the small supercar 4C Spider.
The 2.0-liter direct-injected inline four-cylinder engine in the basic and TI has a single turbo, while the 2.9-liter direct-injected V6 in the Quadrifoglio has twin turbochargers. Alfa uses turbochargers to increase the Giulia’s performance. Italian design is everywhere on the Giulia’s exterior, and Milanese materials and motifs are used throughout the inside. Few 3 Series models can cause heartbeats to race as much as the Giulia’s passionate exhaust noise does.
Which BMW 3 Series generation is the best?
The best 3 Series vehicle to date is the fourth-generation E46 BMW 3 Series. With more than 3.2 million units sold over the course of its nearly ten-year production, it was also the most popular BMW model ever.
Which BMW 3 Series engine is the best?
The 318d and 320d four-cylinder diesel versions, in particular if you travel a lot of miles, are so fuel-efficient while yet offering plenty of performance that they remain popular even though diesel cars aren’t quite as popular as they were a few years ago.
The four-cylinder 320i and 330i petrol engines offer sporty performance without significantly losing fuel economy as compared to the diesel counterparts if you drive less kilometres.
If power and performance are your top priorities, the top-of-the-line M340i xDrive with its powerful 3.0 litre six-cylinder engine is definitely the best option. Although the M340d’s diesel engine isn’t quite as powerful, it is almost as quick. But in our opinion, the M340i with a gasoline engine is the more enjoyable vehicle to drive.
The sporty-looking M Sport trim level is by far the most popular when it comes to trim levels, but the lower-spec SE and Sport trims are still attractive and well-equipped options.
How much does it cost to maintain a BMW Series 3?
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.
Is the BMW 3 Series regarded as luxurious?
The BMW 3 Series is an excellent option for a luxury car purchase, packed with luxuries and appealing features. It will transport you in style to your desired location. How does the BMW 3 fare, though, when compared to its rivals?
Audi and Mercedes-Benz, two German automakers, are BMW’s primary rivals. More specifically, the Mercedes C-Class and Audi A4 Sedan, both of which are legendary luxury cars in their own right, are the 3 Series’ main rivals. There is no doubt that any of the three makes and models would make a great addition to your next vehicle. It’s also no secret that each of them may be pricey if you purchase them brand-new off the showroom floor, making it all the more worthwhile to think about choosing a used model.
BMW’s dynamic handling is its strength, though. Therefore, the BMW 3 Series will continue to be your top pick if you’re seeking for a luxurious vehicle with an incredible engine. Best of all, if you’re set on looking for an older car model, you can save on that hefty, upfront price by shopping online because the 3 Series has long been a popular option in this category.