BMW 3 Series – Prices, History, Engine, Interior & Exterior, Features, Highlights

Introduction

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BMW 3 Series is a German compact executive car that was first introduced in 1975 as a successor to the BMW 02 Series with its first-generation coming as a 2-door sedan (saloon) which was later expanded to include a 4-door sedan, 2-door convertible, 2-door coupe, 5-door station wagon, 5-door liftback, and a 3-door hatchback body style. The BMW 3 Series is now in its 7th generation whereby the first release of the 3 series E21 was introduced between 1975 and 1983, followed by the second generation E30 between 1982 and 1994, the third generation E36 between 1990 and 2000, followed by the fourth–generation E46 between 1997 and 2006, the fifth-generation E90/E91/E92/E93 between 2004 and 2013, the fifth-generation F30/F32/F34 between 2011 and 2019 and finally the seventh–generation G20 from 2019 to present.

This article focuses on the BMW 3 Series saloon and touring that comes with TwinPower Turbo engine technology in petrol and diesel engine options that not only delivers agile performance but is also extremely fuel-efficient and low in emissions. If you are looking to purchase an affordable vehicle in terms of fuel but with high efficiency, then this article is for you.

The Interior & Exterior

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The 7th generation BMW 3 series grew in length by almost 93 millimeters compared with the previous release which resulted in better interior space. At the front, there is an almost 15-millimeter increase in legroom and the headroom is up by 8 millimeters. At the back, the passengers are afforded better shoulder and legroom.

The 3 Series has a wide range of storage compartments that enhance practicality. At the front row, the front doors have space that can fit 1-liter bottles, and on the center console, you find two large cup holders just in front of the gearshift lever. Extra storage space can be found on the armrest compartment, while at the back, the door pockets contain large door pockets.

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The cargo space for the 7th generation BMW 3 series has increased by 20L which means more cargo space. An elective through-loading system with a 40:20:40 folding back seat backrest offers flexible carrying for bulky goods.

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The interior of the BMW 3 Series provides sophisticated features for the maximum comfortability of the driver and passengers. The interior is nicely complemented with the 40:20:40 split-folding seats that give rise to that extra cargo space that can be useful when need arise; the 3 Series also comes with a smart closing and opening tailgate, a 600W amplifier that comes with 16 loudspeakers, the BMW Navigation system – Professional Multimedia that comes with an 8.8’’ widescreen display, Bluetooth and voice control system. 

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The BMW 3 Series has developed in terms of dimensions; particularly its wider track has led to a more impressive on-the-road presence. The flat stylishness of the revised BMW front grille also helps to give the car a sporting feel.

The Engine & Transmission

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The BMW 3 Series comes in a range of 13 engine options giving buyers an extended range of vehicle options with regards to capability, comfortability, and body style. 

Petrol Engines

The BMW 3 Series comes fitted with a high performing TwinPower Turbo petrol engines including the 3-cylinder BMW 318i Saloon/Touring coming with a 136 hp and 220 Nm of torque operating at a top speed of 130mph, the 4-cylinder BMW 320i Saloon/Touring coming with a 184 hp and 290 Nm of torque performing at top speed between 143-146mph, the 4-cylinder BMW 230i xDrive Saloon/Touring coming with a 184 hp and 270 Nm of torque running at a top speed between 140-144mph, the 4-cylinder BMW 330i Saloon/Touring coming with a 252 hp and 350 Nm of torque performing at a top speed of 155mph, the 4-cylinder BMW 330e iPerformance Saloon coming with an electric motor, a 252 hp and 250 Nm of torque running at a top speed of 140 mph and finally, the 6-cylinder BMW 340i Saloon/Touring coming with 326 hp and 450 Nm of torque running under a top speed of 155mph.

Diesel Engines

On the other hand, BMW 3 Series offers a range of diesel engine options including the 4-cylinder BMW 316d Saloon/Touring coming with 116 hp and 270 Nm of torque equipped by a top speed between 127-124mph, the 4-cylinder BMW 318d Saloon/Touring coming with 150 hp and 270 Nm of torque and a top speed between 130-134 mph, the 4-cylinder BMW 320d Saloon/Touring with 190hp, 400Nm torque, and a top speed of between 143-146mph (140-143)mph, the 4-cylinder BMW 320d ED Plus ED Sport Saloon/Touring with 163 hp and 400 Nm of torque and a top speed between 138-143mph, the 4-cylinder BMW 320d xDrive Saloon/Touring with 190 hp and 400 Nm of torque and a top speed between 142-145mph, the 6-cylinder BMW 330d/330d xDrive Saloon/Touring coming with 258 hp and 560 Nm of torque and a top speed of 155mph and finally, the 6-cylinder BMW 33d xDrive Saloon/Touring with 313 hp and 630 Nm of torque and top speed performance of 155mph. 

Suspension

The BMW 3 Series is built with an innovative system suspension for your absolute driving pleasure. It comes with a 50:50 axle load distribution that ensures maximum road stability with consideration to your current load, the intelligent BMW all-wheel-drive system for all-weather roads adaptability due to its high traction, a standard suspension that comes with high comfort and precision, and the hallmark BMW rear-wheel-drive for perfect steering precision.

Safety

BMW continues to exhibit leadership in the automotive industry brand due to its high safety features. The BMW 3 Series comes with a dynamic safety warning system that warns the driver and brings a car to a standstill after an accident, airbags for the driver and front passenger, a Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), and BMW Icon Adaptive LED headlights for ultimate visibility at all times during driving.

Final Verdict

BMW 3 series price ranges from $890 on the used car market depending on model year, condition of the car, mileage, and trim.If you are looking for an affordable yet executive vehicle then the BMW 3 Series is a perfect match with consideration to the above features. Visit BE FORWARD to make an easy purchase of the latest BMW 3 Series today.

Originally published Apr 10, 2020, updated Oct 11, 2021

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