BMW 3 Series review (2012-2018) - What Car?

The BMW 3 Series is one of the best compact executive cars you can buy. It ticks just about all the boxes.
It’s a shame that refinement and steering feel is below par.
What do you think of the BMW 3 Series? Let us know in the comments below!
Read the full review here: goo.gl/Tp5TlF
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WATCH NEXT:
BMW 1 Series review goo.gl/6KaN2b
BMW 5 Series review goo.gl/90VhdS
BMW 3 Series Touring review goo.gl/9vFEGY
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[@johnalderweild6442]

The people who love this car are true drivers, it's truly the ultimate driving machine.

[@pikaso6586]

Yes but only if you're happy to spend a fortune on repairs and time on the side of the road with your yellow vest on! The less reliable cars out there!

[@rappide]

@@pikaso6586 so, what car is most reliable in this segment?

[@Hs-dp4tq]

@@pikaso6586 its worth it

[@diegorieragarcia6225]

@@pikaso6586 that is not correct. Series 3 are among average rankings world wide in reliability, if you go by the data. SO yeah, not the most reliable, but not bad either, just fine.

[@raftonpounder6696]

@@pikaso6586 nonsense. BMWs are not unreliable. That’s a myth. And they’re simple to work on.

[@elikemnutefe]

These machines are not just ordinary cars, the aggressive look alone puts you in the mood for a fierce ride. The sound of the engine between shifts is always Bethoveenous to my ears.

[@theokan89]

A car for people who like driving

[@jeffl1944]

Arven Tahtyan Not for fat American Chevy suburban drivers with there stupid kids

[@azadr9231]

Excellent review. Thank you.

[@HS-PGX]

When I rented one in a South Africa, I was bloody impressed. I even ran it off the road when I ended up driving on a gravel path when the satnav told me to go forward. I loved the drive, the feel on the road is bloody amazing, the steering feels so sturdy, the only thing that let me down was the lack of equipment. The suspension coped really well with said gravel road. The engine itself was really powerful even though we only had a 318i. Really packs some punch. The next generation looks bloody great. I got a 5 series though, since I needed a larger car. We had 4 people in the car and quite a lot of luggage, so we didn’t like it too much, but it generally was fine. At least the passengers in the back had some air vents!

[@XtaticVideo]

Nice footages, thanks!

[@NICKFOXTV]

Nice one, look forward to future content.

[@mahemahesh1907]

Very nice and one of the my favorite car 😎

[@rubskrubbi5975]

🔥🔥🔥 my favourite colour as well

[@granvillebarraclough8846]

You never get traction control lights flashing with the Xdrive though tyres must be replaced 4 at a time .

[@whitemoon5752]

I own BMW328 Longer version, and I am loving it in all aspects and I don't mind the special attention sometimes when people turn their head to see the trade mark BMW adaptive LED head lights.

[@alexanderbreschi90]

Longer version?

[@robertmcdonald4691]

Bought my 3 Series 320ED automatic in 2013. Still going strong with only 32k miles on the clock 👍

[@kevshaw31]

sat nav is not standard on the 320d m sport..just to.let you know

[@47blackdeath]

I'm not worried about the handling and traction so much. I am a bit about the timing chain for that engine. Anyone knows if they fixed the problem for it in this model?

[@zhbedren]

The timing chain was a problem in the 2013 year model i think, the b38 b48 b58 engines do not have those problems, i have a b38 318i 2017 f30, spent 0 dollars on the car other than the regular service and maintenance..

[@scubasausage]

Love my 2013 328i

[@charleslou7502]

Anyone got issues with their 2014 328 model?

[@do51lab97]

Why do we buy anything else?

[@SuperKiko112]

No money or too rich to buy bmw

[@husseinal-bazzaz3979]

How come your car had the steering wheel of a 5 series ? Im building my own car now with bmw, how can i ask for this option, does the steering wheel have a name i can refer to ?

[@crashero]

Hussein Al-Bazzaz this 3 series has the m package. Bumpers, seats, wheels and steering wheel

[@NorthSea0il]

Trying to find one of these cars in the right spec/options is a absolute nightmare. I'm currently on the hunt for a f30/f31 330d under 60,000 miles. (Must have) M sport pack 19" wheels Bi-xenon/led headlights M sport brakes 8.8" Screen HK stereo Heated seats Rear View camera (Would be nice) Adaptive dampers Sunroof 360 camera Heads up display Heated steering wheel

[@03Deltaintegrale]

My brother got the 430d GC and adaptive dampers make a massive difference. Between Comfort and sport its like having two different cars. Such a quick car as well. Good luck on your search

[@macyekk]

I have an issue of rattling door lock pins and very annoying air noise while driving at 70mph or more.

[@mickadatwist1620]

Use superglue to permanently lock the noisy door.

[@macyekk]

@@mickadatwist1620 mate, it was 7 years ago

[@vume7722]

Are engines for F30 made in Germany?

[@samuelkaufmann358]

Yes

[@ramniwas-vo9eb]

What you prefer first an manual transmission BMW or an automatic BMW ?

[@ishtiaqrazamushtaq6363]

ramniwas bairwa automatic

[@skreech01]

Ishtiaq Raza-Hussein American spotted

[@nilcialinasemedotavares4144]

Me 320d 190 ps , 400nm !!! Manual gearbox!!! 0-100 7s up to 8s

[@cletusmbuyisa4480]

I have the BMW and it's white BMW 3 Series 320i 2017 November 13

[@hacivat2776]

Is it good on reliability so far

[@VictorRodriguez-nq9xc]

Iwould really love a BMW bcus everything about it is nice & good but the maintenance expenses are what have stay always from these beautiful cars..😩

[@raftonpounder6696]

Not so. Simple to work on and rarely give bother.

[@alexanderbreschi90]

Why would someone choose this over the touring is strange to me. The coupe I get, but even that unless it’s an M but the 2 series. For a normal 3 series I would only choose the station wagon

[@philip244]

Looks better

[@chopin4321]

bmw 320d.... very pleasant,,, maybe the most easy going... I just lay back and enjoy it... just love my 12 year old 200 k km aut 320d... average normal maintenance... effortless power delivery from low revs... musical... very secure car... enough acceleration to have fun... very light sensation... it flies to me... very musical,,,, don´t recommend M or race suspension... just average 19´ tires...the best for bumps and road holes... so confortable... I don´t like faster cars... make you aggressive... I could have any other "better car" but no way... will never change model... just has perfect equilibrium... less is more... minimalist... zen... and just love that power from low revs... my next baby... white color... safer than any other color... and with best sound system harman kardon... and family car... touring... what else... mozart playing inside...

[@archersterling4044]

I... am... convinced....

[@jarraandyftm]

Jesus.

[@Luuuugn]

Ive been thinking of the 335 m sport for a while now but to be honest after test driving it im not to convinced anymore. You dont get alot for the money in my opinion

[@aarvin1]

Isn't that jacket used when you're at sea and you're drowning ?

[@DerHalbeEuro]

The envy in the comment section shows why this car was a good purchase. Love all the hate :>

[@stevejam767]

All that luxury and tech and the pedals are offset.

[@remf4519]

The 2012 320d is a dream and is happiest on motorway. Cruise is invaribly 68-71 mpg av. My only complaint is that for a 3 series it is big so parking in a tight spot can be help with park-assist. It gives loads of power over 2,000 rpm and great economy under 2,000 rpm.

[@Thevoiceofreason84]

REMF I have just purchased one approved used with 55k fsh , I’m being told about timing chain issues constantly but plan to service every 8k miles

[@hairyhippy2445]

I'm sorry but not all F30s come with DAB radio

[@danstanford89]

They dont all come with satnav either maybe the lci versions do, but this review says its for cars from 2012 so very misleading

[@jamesphilipson1289]

Winds me up whenever I see a manual gearbox in one of these. Kind of defeats to point of a luxury vehicle to me. Pointlessly changing your own gears like a chump

[@melonheadman1]

More control in how you want the car to drive in a manual

[@jamesphilipson1289]

bbclovespizza i have a manual car and put it dozens I’ve had an automatic once. You’re in control either way

[@melonheadman1]

@@jamesphilipson1289 you clearly don't know how to REALLY drive then. Automatic restricts you, end of story

[@jamesphilipson1289]

bbclovespizza no, I’m not a track guy or anything. I’m interested in just tootling about like most or like the guy in the video. Ideally I’m an auto you’d have the option of paddle shifters and that would be enough for the odd B road

[@dopiaza2006]

@@melonheadman1 This is what I thought until I drove the current automatic offerings. Totally different league from the thirsty dreary slushboxes of old and in most cases faster than the manual equivalent. I didn't expect to be converted but I am.

[@danstanford89]

Satnav isn't standard mine doesn't have it 😪

[@lukearmitage1533]

People banging on about bmw true drivers car.what model have you got?320d.give me a break if you've not got a petrol it's not a drivers car might aswell have a Toyota at least it will be reliable.

[@lukaszg74]

Still better than electric

[@HarleyRog]

You’ve obviously never owned one and don’t know what you are talking about. The Diesel has more hp and twice as much torque than the petrol equivalent.

[@MrGregHiller]

I'm afraid that your remarks are incorrect. In fact with modern diesels from Mercedes and BMW, one can even say that the opposite is the case. - Maybe ask a dealer if you can maybe have an extended test period with, say a 320d. You'll be singing a different song afterwards.

[@HarleyRog]

Greg Hiller 320i ,184hp (was 180 when I bought mine 3 years ago) 320d 190hp... 320i torque 300 (was less when I bought mine 3 yrs ago), 320d torque 400. Which part is incorrect? I’m always happy to be put right when I get my facts wrong. Modern Diesels are streets ahead of what they used to be back in the ‘70s. They are smooth, longer lasting than petrol ones, need less new parts like plugs etc and do more mpg. What’s not to like for an average road car? (Remembering that most drivers do not thrash the life out of their very expensive pride and joy) the only down side is that they are becoming the villain of the play when you get on to the pollution side of things. Having said that, my road tax is £30 a year compared to my old 1800 Focus Diesel which was £120 so they can’t be that bad! Oh, and incidentally, they both have an identical acceleration 0-60 (7.1 seconds) and the “slower Diesel” has a higher top speed. over to you Luke Armitage....

[@lukearmitage1533]

my opinion isn't wrong it's because you have just bought a BMW and you don't want to hear it. You're quoting the spec sheet at me.diesel engines are much heavier than petrol ones because they are made of cast iron to cope with the extra pressure. So how can a nose-heavy car that only revs to 6 be a drivers car? my wife has just had 2 520d and a Jag xe d for work which was all very nice to drive but was not a drivers car. It isn't a dig at BMW the Jag is just as bad both better than my diesel Toyota but nowhere close to my old Megane Rs.a drivers car means good on the limit not good sat in traffic listening to radio 1 on the way to work or doing 50mpg on the m1.

[@Banism24]

wow

[@Moultonist]

You don't mention that the standard suspension set-up is useless.

[@SebWDesign]

Poor review unfortunately, the microphone quality was very muffled...

[@swift2117]

These cars are horrible without the adaptive suspension. Not sure if it's decent with it. But trust me don't touch one without adaptive suspension.

[@robertmcdonald4691]

Worth paying the extra £750. Love it

[@swift2117]

@@robertmcdonald4691 unfortunately I didn't have the option, I bought it second hand.

[@KevBoy3D]

God that interior :(

[@drunkensessions]

Why would you review a 4 year old car?? WHY???

[@SuperSimmy01]

It's the recently face lifted model

[@saadsiddiqi3861]

first like, first comment

[@terrylynch1615]

Why do you call a Sedan a Saloon?? A Saloon was a bar in the wild west??

[@dopiaza2006]

Because we speak English. We invented it. Everyone else just borrows and bastardises it.

[@cannonball9478]

Because England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 invented the language

[@VW-Fan]

Big.Money.Waste - really cant see why people buy this car

[@vonKartoffel]

you have never driven one have you?

[@ISTVAN1127]

Once you drive one, you will never drive anything else. Work hard so that you can afford one👍

[@ISTVAN1127]

+A Barat ...and I love every second of it!!!👍

[@ISTVAN1127]

+Lehumo Mogale I agree with you, whatever you tried to communicate. 🤔

[@albasheer2014]

LMFAO the car in your DP, what the hell is that, a 2001 vauxhall corsa?!

[@realalerules1147]

Such a boring looking car.

[@ISTVAN1127]

You are right! A Toyota Corolla has my blood boil cause it's so exciting! Work hard, buy one than you change your opinion!

[@Kofi_Mensahs_BurnerAccount]

You must drive crap French cars. That’s why real driver’s cars like this don’t interest you.

[@hyylo]

lol. Tesla model 3 is going to destroy these old gas/oil dinosaur car companies.

[@ISTVAN1127]

BS!!!!!!

[@chibakadai]

+hyylo Definitely. Just like Model S did to S Class and Model X will to Cayenne.

[@TheFickow]

+hyylo You are wrong... These green electric cars arent so green you know.... sure they dont emmit any gases out but the proces in building them, the batteries causes more pollution then exaust gases from cars trucks ... all for all you cant compare these 2 cars for its 2 different worlds. At least on objectiv criteria..

[@catalin633]

+Andrej Ficko The cost of prospecting for oil, the extraction of oil (there BIG pollution it generates), the process of making the petrol or diesel fuel (pollution from the plants), cost of the transportation for crude oil, petrol, diesel (huge pipes on great distances, the ships who consume huge amounts of diesel to transport OIL, trucks... ) Yes, most of the energy for electric cars comes from coal and other polluting sources, FOR NOW...but OIL for car...there is no other place for it to come from... Green energy sources are only going to increase and become cheaper whereas sources for OIL are only going to decrease and cost more...

[@ISTVAN1127]

+Georgescu Cătălin Your argument is week because the real pollution in this world comes from agriculture, more exactly the raising of cows for beef at and unprecedented scale. Cows produce some much waste/ poop that has gas way more toxic and destructive to the ozon than co2 from cars. All the rainforest deforestation is the direct result to this immense agricultural destruction. All so called " green " companies who fight for the Earth know about this but shut up because they are paid off. Watch documentaries on Netflex. So, electric pos car? Yes for the person who does not care about the driving experience, engine/ exhaust noise etc, and for the immense number of morons who text while driving. Ce zici? Numai bine.

[@abhishekmahangare1111]

This is LCI