The 3-Series is offered in Sedan or Sports Wagon body styles. Sedans are offered in 320i, 328i and 335i variants. The 320i makes 180 horsepower and the 328i makes 240 horsepower, both employing a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. The 335i offers a 300-horsepower 3.0L turbo six. All three engines employ twin-scroll turbocharging for quick responsiveness as well as strong torque output just above idle, which makes them feel like much larger engines. New-generation 8-speed automatic transmissions help the cars achieve excellent mileage, too -- up to 33 mpg on the highway with the 335i Sedan and up to 34 mpg with the 328i Sedan.
Special xDrive versions of the Sedan and Sports Wagon offer all-weather capability to the 3-Series.
The M3 is seen by BMW as a separate model altogether, although it's essentially a top-performance model based on the Sedan. It comes with a 425-horsepower, twin-turbocharged 3.0L straight-six and a standard 6-speed manual or optional 7-speed M Double Clutch Transmission, plus Electronic Damping Control with an optimized M Dynamic Mode. Compound cross-drilled brakes are also included, as are an M variable differential lock and an M Drive button that allows you to save personalized settings.
Separately, those who like the idea of a sport sedan but want to make an especially green statement might want to consider the ActiveHybrid 3. With its TwinPower turbocharged 6-cylinder engine, 8-speed automatic transmission and a sophisticated electric-motor and management system, the ActiveHybrid 3 delivers 335 horsepower to the rear wheels and can accelerate to 60 mph in as little as 5.3 seconds, yet it achieves EPA ratings of 25 mpg city, 33 mpg highway. The system permits operation on electric power alone for up to 2.5 miles, as well as coasting with the gasoline engine off at up to 100 mph. The lithium-ion battery pack reduces trunk space somewhat.
Sedan and Sports Wagon models both have Auto Start-Stop, which shuts the engine off at stop lights and quickly starts it again when the brake is released. There's also a Driving Dynamics Control system, to customize driving specifics, with Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Eco Pro modes.
3-Series Sports Wagon models are distinguished by their elongated roofline and exemplary utility and versatility compared to the other models. Available only in 328i trim, Sport Wagons feature comparable trims and materials to sedans, yet offer four cargo-floor tie-downs, a storage tray under the floor, a deep stowage compartment and a partition net, all to help keep cargo secure, while the rear seatbacks can be folded down as needed in three separate sections, with a 40/30/40 split. Compared to the last-generation wagon, there's more width between the wheel arches and a wide tailgate opening, scuff plates and available racking systems for outdoor gear or storage boxes help make the most of it. A Top View rearview camera system and a BMW Parking Assistant are there to help with visibility and make parking easier.
Most of the 3-Series lineup is offered in Sport Line, Luxury Line and Modern Line versions, with each of these distinguished by separate trims, materials and details. There's also an M Sport package that brings an entire set of appearance features that give a nod to the M3 in appearance -- and add a firmer M Sport suspension.
Major options include a variable-ratio steering system, the Adaptive M Suspension, a Head-Up Display, Active Blind Spot Detection, Lane Departure Warning and a High-Beam Assistant. The rear-view camera Surround View feature and the available Adaptive xenon headlamps swivel with the steering angle to help see around corners are also available.
A Wide Variety Of Options
Athletic Driving Feel
Fuel Efficiency
High-tech Options
Long List Of Appearance Packages And Trims
Compact Size And Maneuverability
Practicality And Comfort
For 2015, the BMW 3-Series receives only minor changes to packages and equipment. Bluetooth audio streaming is now standard across the model range.
The BMW 3-Series is a family of sporty sedans and wagons sized at what would be considered a compact car in the U.S. The 2015 BMW 3-Series Sedans and Sports Wagon models are built on a platform that made its debut with the 2012 model. Across its entire lineup, the 3-Series models stand out for being athletic, responsive and fun to drive, as well as more fuel-efficient than most other alternatives. The F30 redesign brought more back-seat space and cargo space to sedans, as well as a more sophisticated and isolated ride. M3 models, meanwhile, continue to be one of the most practical high-performance cars on the market.
