Segment:
Compact Executive Sedan
Target Audience:
Professionals, enthusiasts, families seeking a blend of luxury, performance, and practicality.
Key Competitors:
Audi A4, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Lexus IS, Cadillac ATS, Acura TLX.
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned for its engaging driving experience and balanced chassis.
Interior Quality:
Premium materials, excellent fit and finish, driver-focused cockpit.
Technology:
Advanced iDrive infotainment system, available head-up display, extensive driver assistance features.
Powertrain Options:
Efficient and powerful turbocharged 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder engines.
Interior:
Cockpit layout, instrument cluster, controls, seats, climate control, infotainment, iDrive system, voice control, lighting.
Engine And Drivetrain:
Engine overview, starting and stopping, fuel economy, manual/automatic transmission operation, xDrive all-wheel drive system.
Safety And Security:
Airbags, seat belts, ISOFIX child seat anchors, dynamic stability control (DSC), anti-lock braking system (ABS), tire pressure monitoring, locking system, alarm system.
Driving And Operation:
Driving modes (ECO PRO, Comfort, Sport), cruise control, parking assistance, driving dynamics control, head-up display.
Infotainment And Connectivity:
iDrive system operation, radio, media playback, navigation, Bluetooth, ConnectedDrive services.
Maintenance And Care:
Checking fluids, tire pressure, basic checks, care of interior and exterior surfaces, cleaning recommendations.
Technical Information:
Vehicle specifications, dimensions, weights, towing capacity, tire sizes, wheel specifications.
Operation:
Step-by-step instructions for operating various vehicle features and systems.
Maintenance:
Guidance on routine checks and minor maintenance tasks.
Troubleshooting:
Basic troubleshooting tips for common warning lights and indicators.
Depth:
Comprehensive owner-level operation and maintenance information, suitable for daily use and understanding vehicle functions.
320I:
2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4 (N20B20), 180 hp @ 5,000 rpm, 200 lb-ft torque @ 1,250 rpm.
328I:
2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4 (N20B20), 240 hp @ 5,000 rpm, 255 lb-ft torque @ 1,250 rpm.
335I:
3.0L Turbocharged Inline-6 (N55B30), 300 hp @ 5,800 rpm, 300 lb-ft torque @ 1,300 rpm.
Activehybrid 3:
3.0L Turbocharged Inline-6 + Electric Motor, 300 hp (combined), 330 lb-ft torque (combined).
Acceleration 0 60 Mph 328I:
Approx. 5.4 - 5.6 seconds (RWD/xDrive).
Acceleration 0 60 Mph 335I:
Approx. 4.8 - 5.1 seconds (RWD/xDrive).
Injection:
Direct Injection (High Precision Injection)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)
8-Speed Automatic:
Steptronic automatic transmission with paddle shifters (standard on most models).
6-Speed Manual:
Available on select models (e.g., 328i, 335i, RWD).
Drivetrain Options:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) or xDrive All-Wheel Drive (AWD).
Transmission Fluid Spec:
BMW Longlife-13 FE (for 8-speed auto).
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Likely Top Safety Pick+ (dependent on specific options and testing for the year).
NHTSA Overall Rating:
5-Star (for models tested).
Electronic Stability Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Braking System:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist.
Driver Assistance Options:
Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Warning, Pedestrian Warning, Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go.
Airbags:
Front, side-impact, and head protection airbags.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (ISOFIX) system.
System:
BMW iDrive (version varies by production date, generally CIC or NBT Professional Navigation).
Display:
High-resolution central display screen (6.5", 8.8", or 10.2").
Controls:
iDrive Controller with touchpad, voice command, and steering wheel controls.
Parking Aids:
Park Distance Control (PDC) with rearview camera, Surround View (optional).
Navigation:
BMW Professional Navigation system with real-time traffic information.
Bluetooth:
Standard Bluetooth audio streaming and hands-free calling.
Usb Aux:
USB and AUX input for media playback.
Connecteddrive:
Access to BMW ConnectedDrive services (requires subscription and/or specific options).
Keyless Entry:
Comfort Access keyless entry and start.
Heads Up Display:
Optional Head-Up Display (HUD) projecting vital information onto the windshield.
Oil Change Indicator:
Condition Based Service (CBS) system; typically around 10,000 - 15,000 miles or annually.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Engine Air Filter:
As indicated by CBS, typically around 30,000 miles.
Cabin Microfilter:
As indicated by CBS, typically around 15,000 - 30,000 miles.
Spark Plugs:
Around 60,000 miles for gasoline engines (varies by engine variant).
Engine Oil 320I 328I:
SAE 0W-20, API SN, ACEA C2/C3 (BMW Longlife-01 or Longlife-04 often acceptable).
Engine Oil 335I:
SAE 0W-40 or 5W-30, BMW Longlife-01 or Longlife-04.
Coolant:
BMW Blue or Blue-Extended Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 or G48-LL).
Power Steering Fluid:
BMW Central Hydraulic Fluid (CHF 11S or equivalent, if applicable - many models have Electric Power Steering).
N20 Timing Chain Wear:
Potential for timing chain stretch or wear in higher mileage N20 engines, leading to rough running or check engine lights. Early replacement of tensioner and guides is recommended.
Water Pump Failure:
Electric water pumps can fail, leading to overheating. Replacement is common.
Oil Filter Housing Gasket Leaks:
Common oil leak source due to degrading gasket material.
Turbocharger Issues:
While generally robust, some turbocharger issues can arise over time, particularly oil seal leaks.
Battery Drain:
Can occur due to modules not going to sleep properly or a failing battery; requires proper diagnostic procedures.
Philosophy:
BMW's long-standing reputation for 'The Ultimate Driving Machine' and engineering excellence.
3 Series Legacy:
The 3 Series has been BMW's core model for decades, setting benchmarks in the sports sedan segment.
F30 Generation:
The F30 generation (introduced for the 2012 model year) marked a significant shift with new turbocharged engines, a more spacious interior, and advanced technology.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Germany (e.g., Munich, Dingolfing), and also South Africa and China.
Car And Driver 10 Best:
The BMW 3 Series has consistently been named to Car and Driver's 10Best list for many years, including the 2015 model year for its segment-defining performance and handling.
Ward 10 Best Engines:
BMW's turbocharged engines (particularly the 3.0L inline-six and 2.0L turbo-four) have frequently been recognized on Ward's 10 Best Engines list.
Automotive Journalism Reviews:
Consistently praised by automotive journalists for its driving dynamics, interior quality, and advanced technology.