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BMW 3 Series

EPA MPG: 28 mpg
Average Retail Price
$6,425 - $13,600

RECALL ALERT:
There are 9 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Road Test

The BMW 3 Series is an excellent car that boasts high quality, attention to detail and a long list of high-tech features. Sure, it's a bit less engaging to drive than it used to be, with less tactile steering. But the car is agile, steady and well balanced, even when pushed hard. It also still delivers a very satisfying and balanced overall driving experience.

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2013 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car
vs. Similar Cars

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
Marginal
IIHS Side Crash
Good
NHTSA Overall Crash
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
Marginal
IIHS Side Crash
Good
NHTSA Overall Crash
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

BMW vs. Other New Car Brands

BMW vs. Other New Car Brands

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
Marginal
IIHS Side Crash
Good
NHTSA Overall Crash
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

2013 Luxury compact cars Ratings

$6,550 - $13,525
economy-icon
EPA MPG 28 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$9,725 - $10,750
economy-icon
EPA MPG 25 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$6,300 - $8,700
economy-icon
EPA MPG 24 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$6,050 - $7,100
economy-icon
EPA MPG 21 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$6,550 - $9,425
economy-icon
EPA MPG 25 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
Features & Specs
Body Style
    convertible
    coupe
    sedan
Seating
2 front, 3 rear
Drive Wheels
AWD, Rear
Engines Available
  • 2-liter 4 turbo (240 hp)
  • 2-liter 4 turbo (180 hp)
  • 3-liter 6 turbo (320 hp)
  • 3-liter 6 plugin hybrid (335 hp)
  • 3-liter 6 (230 hp)
  • 3-liter 6 turbo (300 hp)
  • 4-liter V8 (414 hp)
Transmissions Available
  • 7-speed sequential
  • 8-speed automatic
  • 6-speed automatic
  • 6-speed manual
Warranty
Coverage varies among versions of this vehicle

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties
Model History
2019-
Current Generation

The redesigned 3 Series sedan brings new infotainment tech, standard advanced safety features, improved handling, and better fuel economy. The 330i is fitted with a punchy 2.0-liter, turbo four-cylinder engine paired with a smooth and responsive eight-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is available. Handling is nimble, but the ride is firm. Seat comfort and fit and finish are first rate. The iDrive infotainment system is logical to use once mastered. Forward collision warning and city-speed automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection are standard. All-speed AEB, BSW, ACC, and LCA are optional. The M340i, powered by a 3.0-liter turbo six-cylinder, and the 330e plug-in hybrid arrived in 2020. The infotainment system was updated in 2023 with a larger, curved display and touchscreen-based climate controls. 2024 was the last year for the plug-in hybrid version. A 2025 refresh brought styling changes, further infotainment updates, and revised suspension tuning.  

2012-2018
2012 Redesign Year

The 2012 redesign is a bit larger, softer and a little less fun than previous versions. BMW even offers hybrid and diesel versions for those who want frugality with their fun. Within this generation, we think the best bet is a 328i with the Premium package. We'd also get the backup camera, which is included in the Driver Assistance package. If it snows where you live, you'll want xDrive all-wheel drive and the Cold Weather package. Dyed in the wool driving enthusiasts might prefer to keep things simple, going with a 320i with the manual transmission and the Sports package. This adds sports suspension and seats, along with the choice of summer or all-season performance tires. Throw in heated seats and the folding rear seat, skip leather and a moonroof. For 2017, BMW introduced new four-cylinder engines, changing the 328i to the 330i, and cars with navigation get the latest (and somewhat simplified) version of the iDrive infotainment system.

2006-2011
2006 Redesign Year
The 3 Series is almost universally considered the benchmark sports sedan. Offered with rear- or all-wheel drive, the model delivers pinpoint handling and a snug, but impeccably finished interior. Over the years it has been offered with a wide variety of four-, six-, and even V8 engines, as well as in sedan, convertible, and wagon formats. Regardless of the version you choose, the compliant ride, punchy engine and fun-to-drive formula remain. While this version of the 3 Series BMW offers more interior room than the previous version, responsive steering and handling make it as nimble as some sports cars. Track-monster M3 versions tilt the needle all the way toward sportiness.
1999-2005
1999 Redesign Year

The 3 Series is the car that defines a sports sedan, with rear- or all-wheel drive. The model delivers pinpoint handling and a snug, but impeccably finished interior. Over the years it has been offered with a wide variety of four-, six-, and even V8 engines, as well as in sedan, convertible, and wagon formats. Regardless of the version you choose, the compliant ride, punchy engine and fun-to-drive formula remain. While this version of the 3 Series BMW offers more interior room than the previous version, responsive steering and handling make it as nimble as some sports cars. Track-monster M3 versions tilt the needle all the way toward sportiness.