BMW Serie 3

What to say about BMW Serie 3 that has not been said before. It is one of the most popular and sold sedans in the world. To his back accumulates 45 years of sales and a total of seven generations. The last of them came to us in 2018 with the code G20. The first of these hit the market as an update to the iconic 02 Series with the big 2002 Tii at the helm.

Times have changed a lot since that commercial launch in the 70s. Its premium category and its innate sportiness have always prevailed. The BMW 3 Series is the mirror where the rest of the average sedans on the market look. Driving him is his great hallmark, but over time he has been winning in other matters. Quality, comfort and technology are some of the keys to this seventh generation.

We can find different bodies for the Series 3, from the classic four-door hatchback to the familiar Touring version. The current generation is launched on the market in 2019, although in the summer of 2022 it receives an update corresponding to the second half of its life cycle. A revision that includes a new design, more equipment and a mechanical revision.

Technical characteristics of the BMW 3 Series

The BMW 3 Series, like any BMW, is always required to drive above average. Sportsmanship is inscribed in the DNA of the brand. For this reason those of Munich are forced to improve each new generation. Something that is becoming more complicated every day due to the increasingly demanding regulations on low emissions. The effort in this case has been focused on keeping the weight down and increasing efficiency.

The Series 3 is made of light and resistant materials. A mix of steel, aluminum and other materials keep it light in weight despite being larger than the previous generation. Just like his older brothers, the BMW Serie 5 and BMW Serie 7, uses the CLAR platform. This new structure gives it greater rigidity while keeping the weight contained.

Speaking of sizes, it must be said that the new generation BMW 3 Series has grown to Meters long 4,709, both for the sedan and for the family. Of that distance, 2,85 meters are used for battle, four more than in the model that precedes it. Cargo volumes have also grown. In this section the sedan loses out due to its 480 liters minimum capacity (375 liters for the PHEV version). The 3 Series Touring increases the minimum volume to 500 liters, expandable to 1.510 if we lower the second row of seats.

Mechanical range and gearbox of the BMW 3 Series

As usual in BMW, the mechanical offer is extensive. A diverse number of powers and fuels make the 3 Series one of the most versatile sedans on the market. As currently dictated, plug-in hybrid solutions are also integrated, the 320e version. With a power of 204 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque, it has an electric range of up to 62 kilometers. Thanks to this configuration, the DGT certifies it with the ZERO label, something very convenient if we move in cities with protocols and low emission zones.

The offer is made up of four gasoline versions, three diesels and a plug-in hybrid. The range of gasoline mechanics presents powers between 184 and 374 horses. The most performant of the family sports a turbocharged in-line six-cylinder engine. While the rest of his brothers have four-cylinder blocks. In the range of gearboxes we find automatic solutions in all cases. And as for the traction, all the mechanics will have the possibility of integrating into the xDrive scheme except for the access version, and the 340i that will bring it as standard.

As for diesel, given that their sales are down, BMW is committed to offering a more rational range. All engines are four-cylinder with Twin-Power Turbo technology. The powers range from 150 horses of the 318d to 256 horses of the 330d. Transmissions will be fully automatic torque converter type except for the 318d which will only have a manual transmission. That same version is the only one that will not be able to access a xDrive traction, the rest of the mechanics will.

Equipment of the BMW 3 Series

Sportiness is already presupposed to the BMW 3 Series, it has always had it, but for this G20 generation, technology is another of its keys. By using the same CLAR architecture as its older brothers, it can have almost the same technological range as them. This technology is updated in the 2022 revision, having a more modern presentation with the already usual BMW double screen.

Unlike other brands, BMW divides the 3 Series range according to various trim lines: Base, Sport, Luxury, M Sport and M. In each of them we will be limiting mechanics while increasing the load of equipment. At an aesthetic level we will also notice significant changes. From a very decaffeinated Base finish to a sporty finish, not forgetting of course the luxurious touch of a premium brand.

The standard equipment is correct thanks to parking sensors, cruise control, climate control and LED headlights, for example. But being a premium model, the most logical thing is to want more. The BMW 3 Series is capable of offering a lot of technology, among all of it stands out: digital instrument panel, multimedia system with connectivity for mobile devices and touch screen of up to 12,3 inches, laser headlights, panoramic roof and a wide range of driving assistants that make it a car with driving autonomous level 2 expanded.

Test of the BMW 3 Series in video

The BMW 3 Series according to EuroNCAP

In the long list of equipment that has been discussed, we have mentioned driving assistants and active and passive safety elements. Thanks to them, in addition to its rigid structure, The BMW 3 Series is crowned the safest sedan on the market. EuroNCAP has awarded it with all its stars. It stands out mainly in safety for adult passengers with a score of 97 out of 100. It also scores well in child passenger and pedestrian protection with a score of 87 out of 100. These ratings do not change after the 2022 update as there is no change in vehicle structure.

The BMW 3 Series of Km 0 and second hand

Having been on the market since 1975, we find that in the second-hand channel there is a great disparity of offers. The most popular have been the E36, E46 and E90 generations. For this reason they are the most abundant in the second-hand market. They are also the cheapest to acquire for their year and the large number of kilometers they usually accumulate. On the contrary, the first generations keep the price very well since they are beginning to be well considered by collectors.

Although today BMW no longer offers more than two bodies for the 3 Series, it must be taken into account that in the past coupé and cabrio units were sold. These last two raise the sale price for their line and its exclusivity. There are fewer units for sale. As for the last two generations, the prices vary a lot depending on the mechanics and the kilometers accumulated. Y In the Km 0 channel we only have current models, where we can see that there is hardly any difference with the factory prices

Rivals of the BMW 3 Series

The BMW 3 Series has always had a tough rivalry with the rest of the premium sedans on the market. The main rivals are Mercedes C-Class and Audi A4. However, in recent times we must also add more opponents, such as the Jaguar XE and Alfa Romeo Giulia. But nevertheless his German compatriots are his great threat. The good thing is that the 3 Series has always positioned itself as the sportiest, something that attracts a very specific buyer. They are all rivals not only for size, but also for price.

Highlight

• Performance
• internal quality
• ride comfort

To improve

• High price
• Digital instrument cluster
• Access to the rear seats

Prices of the BMW 3 Series

The BMW 3 Series is one of the most desirable sedans on the market. However, its sale price is not particularly affordable for everyone. Bearing this in mind the starting price of the BMW 3 Series is 45.300 euros, without offers or promotions. This amount is related to the access variant, the 320i gasoline with automatic transmission. The top of the range is represented by the excellent 340i xDrive, whose minimum price is 76.650 euros. All this without offers or discounts.

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