The BMW 3 Series has seven generations. The BMW 3 Series has captured the essence of its age for six generations. A new, seventh chapter in the legendary history of the BMW 3 Series begins in the year 2019. From 1975 to the present, join us on this voyage through time, space, and design.
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.
In the UK, how many BMW 3 Series are there?
This statistic shows the number of BMW 3 Series passenger cars that were first registered each year in the United Kingdom between 2001 and 2019. In 2002, when over 65,000 new units were registered, the sales of the BMW 3 Series reached a peak. Sales in 2019 totaled 25,594 units.
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 4 Series is larger than a 3 Series, isn’t it?
Changes in Size and Shape In spite of having fewer doors, the 2021 BMW 4 Series is consequently a little bit longer and larger overall than the 3 Series.
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.
What is the newest model number for the BMW 3 Series?
The M3 is the most potent model of the 3 Series, and it was created by BMW M, the company’s in-house motorsport branch.
The E30, E36, E46, E90/E92/E93, and F30 (labeled F80) 3 series were used to create the M3 vehicles, which are available in coupe, sedan, and convertible body types. Improved handling, suspension, braking, aerodynamic body modifications, lightweight parts, and interior/exterior accents with the tri-color “M” (Motorsport) insignia are just a few of the improvements over the “regular” 3 Series cars.
Since it was the first time BMW coupled the incredibly fantastic 6 cylinder BMW ‘M’ engine with one of the best all-around chassis upgrades, the E36 M3 is now regarded as one of the most significant achievements for the BMW M Division. Today, this factor is the essential component of M Division’s 50-year success.
Later iterations enhanced the recipe, and the E90 offered a V8 for a brief specialization before BMW switched back to the successful 6 cylinder recipe for which the brand is now known.
On July 5, 2013, the final M3 coupe was built in Germany. The F82/F83 M4 Coupe and Convertible took its place starting with the 2015 Model Year, but the M3 brand is still used for the sedan version. The 7th generation 3 Series’ designated G80 was used to reintroduce the new generation M3 in 2021. (G20). The BMW N55 engine used to power the M3 depicted above (the F80) was capable of 431 horsepower and 7,600 revolutions per minute.
The first-ever BMW M3 Touring, code-named G81, will debut in June 2022, according to BMW. It’s the first time a BMW M Touring vehicle enters the market and is based on the seventh generation 3 Series. The same engine powers the M3 touring model, but it generates 510 horsepower and 7,200 RPM.
Which BMW 3 Series model year 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 can I tell what type of BMW 3 Series I have?
Although your vehicle’s model number is prominently badged on the back of your BMW, internal classifications into E/F and G model codes also exist. The body style, model, and approximate age can typically be determined by specialists or dealers using this three-digit combination.
You can find the model code for your BMW E, F, or G using this short list. The car will always be referred to on our website (in any article or explanation) using the main body code (indicated in bold).
Which BMW 3 Series is the fastest?
This is the quickest non-full-fledged M variant of the seventh-generation BMW 3 Series that you will soon be able to purchase. It is the BMW M340i, a four-wheel-drive sedan that is faster than a previous M3 saloon with a V8 engine.
This M340i is no slouch, despite being one less than the impending M3. The 3.0-liter single-turbo (twin-scroll) straight-six engine from BMW is also present; it is now equipped with an aluminum crankcase and cylinder head, a “compact” steel exhaust manifold, and a newly developed turbo.
With the addition of Valvetronic and double Vanos cam control, the fuel injectors operate under higher pressure, producing a total of 370 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. It will complete the 0-62 mph dash in 4.4 seconds when coupled with four-wheel drive (with a rear-bias) and an eight-speed automatic gearbox, which, according to BMW, is “half a second faster than the top-of-the-range model of the previous generation” 3er.
Additionally, it is three tenths faster than the previous DCT-equipped V8 M3 (E90). Yikes. Thanks to dual exhaust pipes that are directly from M Sport, it should sound nice, according to the claim.
A sports car, is the 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.
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 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.
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.
Why is the BMW 3 Series so popular?
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.