Bmw 3 Series

BMW 3 Series

The BMW 3 Series is, and always has been, the leader of the pack when it comes to compact executive saloon cars. It just keeps getting better and better as time goes on. No longer just a rear-wheel-drive motorway express, the 3 Series has a range of engines and the option of xDrive (all-wheel-drive) plus hybrid technology.

The Exterior

Precision, clean lines and bold contours have always marked out the 3 Series Saloon. The latest iteration is longer and wider than previously and the wheelbase has been extended to the benefit of passengers. Four contour lines on the bonnet lead to the ever-present kidney-shaped grille that sits between the twin headlights.

A pair of character lines rise to the rear of the car at door-handle level and a contour line near the side skirts guides the eye to the sculpted rear wheel arches. Another BMW feature is the ‘Hofmeister kink’ – the familiar counter-swing at the trailing edge of the side window. A BMW hallmark, this element of the window frame is now integrated into the C-pillar, giving the rear doors a ‘free-standing’ glass edge.

Surface contours lead into the rear apron from the side skirts and extend in an upwards movement via the rear lights up to the spoiler lip on the boot lid. At the rear slim, darkened light units house L-shaped tail lights.

As always with this famous German brand, there’s plenty of options to personalise the 3 Series. For M Sport models, for example, buyers of new vehicles can specify Adaptive M suspension that now results in a perceptible variation in the damping characteristics when switching between the driving modes using the Driving Experience Control switch. Drivers can select ‘Comfort’ mode for relaxed driving, ‘Sport’ mode for a dynamic driving style, while ‘Adaptive’ mode automatically adjusts to the driving style and, depending on the equipment specified, to the route itself. This forms part of the M Sport Plus package. 17”, 18” 19” wheels are fitted depending on the model.

The Interior

The interior is designed to accentuate the spaciousness of the cabin and the driver-focused cockpit. The instrument panel has a modern, light look with horizontal lines, high-quality trim and contours that extend into the doors. The newly-designed instrument cluster on the current model and the Control Display form a large surfaced screen grouping. Displays and buttons for the air conditioning are at the centre of the instrument panel while the light functions are operated via a panel of buttons next to the steering wheel.

The range of standard and optional interior trim elements available for the instrument panel and centre console is almost entirely new. As well as open-pore fine wood options, customers can choose from a variety of aluminium trims including a new Aluminium “mesh effect” interior trim.

As befits this esteemed car, there’s been an increase in standard equipment and the entry level SE model features a substantially improved specification. It includes Adaptive LED headlights with cornering light and eyebrow indicators, BMW Welcome Light Carpet, Interior Ambient Lighting with up to 11 colour settings, Parking Assistant with reversing camera and latest generation reversing assistant, a leather Sport steering wheel and BMW Live Cockpit plus, with its 8.8-inch central instrument cluster. That’s pretty comprehensive and it is all backed up by the latest in safety equipment.

Driving The BMW 3 Series

Three diesel’s get things going: The 148bhp 318d model or, for a little more power, there’s the 187bhp 320d instead, getting briskly to 62mph in just 6.8 seconds. Lastly, there’s the 330d. Its 261bhp six-cylinder engine offers more acceleration;62mph (100kph) arriving in 5.5 seconds.

Drivers who prefer petrol-powered vehicles can choose the entry-level 318i, or the 181bhp 320i. Step up another notch to the 254bhp 330i for yet more go but the popular choice these days is the 330e. This is a plug-in hybrid has similarly brisk performance to the 330ibut adds around 25 miles of pure electric driving. The two engine range toppers have M designations; these six-cylinder cars are where the real power lies.

This is a great car to drive with handling, suspension options and steering that make any version a true driver’s car. It’s quiet and refined too unless that is any customer who wished to import from the UK to Kenya, New Zealand and elsewhere, the BMW M340i xDrive. This power-house has a 374hp 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine with grippy xDrive all-wheel-drive traction.

Should I Buy One?

Well, millions of satisfied 3 Series owners can’t be wrong. This VAT-qualifying best-seller has options and engines to suit all needs. Ask us here at MHH International for more information. Our website has detailed listings for each model.