BMW 3 Series review 2021: Best luxury sedan in the segment?

[@rakse9205]

Spot on review! Purchased a 320i here in the Netherlands in Jan 2021. Test drove a C Class, AR Giulia, A4 and for me the 3 series was the best. At least ticked all my requirement boxes. Here the entry level is the 318i. Like you said, the drive is indeed on the firmer side and that's the only minus. The rest is all great. Solid build, great tech, driver centric consoles, powerful engine. I do sometimes feel that I should have added 5K more and gone for the 330i but 320i also has adequate power. At least with the speed limit capped at 100kph during the day in the Netherlands, I guess its all I would ever need. I do not feel the car underpowered launching from red lights too :) I am extremely happy with the purchase

[@thiagonepomuceno4804]

It's so refreshing to see a review of a car that isn't a ute or an SUV from this channel.

[@charlatanshost18]

Great review as always Paul! Really disappointed by that paint job for a vehicle at this price point. I'm curious whether it's a one off, or a consistent production issue for the G20 3 series.

[@swanblake]

Great job on this Paul as always. Exciting to get a car review from you instead of the usual SUV. Very impressed by the new 3 Series. I do wish BMW had more interesting interior /exterior color options like the new Genesis products. My favorite looking 3 Series is the E90/92

[@d08nirav]

Just like the Durometer, can you also please measure and include noise inside the cabin while driving it would be a great addon. Thanks. Love your videos. Keep it up. My support is with you.

[@jamesrobinson46]

+1, great idea

[@lgoldsmith6234]

I've had 7 new BMW's, starting with a 1987 318i, '95 318i, '96 325i, '98 328i, 2000 330i, a 2004 645i which I kept until 2 years ago. A month ago I bought a new 320i with adaptive suspension. This is a wonderful car. I've driven Audi's and Mercs, while great cars neither give you that connected feeling when driven. The quality of build, amazing tech, super road feel with 255's at the rear all go towards making driving this car a rewarding experience. Dislikes - I think the steeling wheel is a little too fat. The paint isn't the best, probably as these are not German assembled - but it's not terrible. I'd have preferred the 330i, but didn't want to spend the extra. The 320i does go well with adequate acceleration - the 8 speed box helps here. Really happy with the car. The long wheelbase sounds great. I'd really like the option here. Great review!

[@navigator8722]

Nice review. Speaking of the firm ride, don´t choose M-Sport without adaptive suspension or choose the regular suspension. And don´t use run-flat-tires, they´re too firm. But this all depends on the road quality you most of the time drive on.

[@gadineifeld3024]

We can all see your (real) favorite BMW Supra as your phones background, Paul. Great review, as always, mate. Keep them coming.

[@nhancao4790]

We need a luxury sedans showdown.

[@CarExpertAus]

Good thinking!

[@User-cb4jm]

@@CarExpertAus and when you do, between the usual suspects (320i, C200, A4), as a wild card chuck in the new Skoda Octavia Limited Edition for good measure. I’d love to see how it fares in your testing against the rest of them. It’s ridiculously generous in its equipment list for a sub $50k car, some options you can’t even get on these luxury cars that cost north of $85k. Plus the power figures are definitely better than base engines from the luxe lot. It will also draw attention to “luxury killer” cars like that. It’s a rare gem, as before it arrived here the best medium mainstream car we had was the Camry SL V6, but the Skoda is a better match up against these Euro cars methinks.

[@mangothing1604]

Established luxury brands vs challengers. BMW, Merc, Audi vs Hyundai, Kia, et al. Is the gap closing? Who is adapting best to changing market needs?

[@jameshinchy7758]

E46 is my personal favourite 3 Series - timeless

[@CarExpertAus]

Beast!

[@miraphycs7377]

I personally like E36 more...

[@kingprone7846]

@@miraphycs7377 the e36 looks mean as hell with those square headlights.

[@angelodewundara3253]

I have a 320d msport . Its all good but have some connection issues with anroid auto constantly. Apart from that its fun to drive

[@JohnAgustinScuderia458595]

One of the best! I even compared to a "base" Alfa Romeo Giulia in my review but do you think is a fair comparison?

[@CarExpertAus]

Yep, definitely a fair comparison. This trumps it on infotainment though. Could also hold its value better as well.

[@HughRussell06]

@@CarExpertAus yeah and arguably reliability as well

[@glenncoreyjp6854]

Had exactly the same spec 320i as a service loan car last week and I have to agree with you Paul that the non-adaptive M-Sport suspension is far too firm. Rest of the package is excellent and I was pleasantly surprised by the engine performance. A 330i with adaptive dampers is still the sweet spot of the range.

[@tylerhaines2023]

My all time favourite BMW will always be the 2018 M440i Gran Coupe. I don't know man there is just something about long, low slung, 5 door sedans that i just love so much! especially with those frameless windows! gosh id love to own one of those some day, or an Audi RS5 lol

[@CarExpertAus]

Such a nice engine too :-)

[@tylerhaines2023]

@@CarExpertAus Exactly!

[@damdamdamxx]

Love your reviews Paul, have you considered doing a 1 Series review?

[@CarExpertAus]

Yes - just don't have one booked yet. Will try and track one down!

[@ghs7714]

@@CarExpertAus do you review used cars?

[@Jazz350]

I just brought my 320i, it’s my weekend ride specially around the Great Ocean Road, plus it looks killer.

[@dolguldur4706]

Any plan for ute comparison videos in future?its a very competitive market..and maybe ram1500 review too?

[@HughRussell06]

My favourite is the G20 (this generation) M340i sedan, I’d personally spec mine in mineral grey with the black pack

[@CarExpertAus]

That's a ripper engine.

[@tahsin28]

Ya. Anything below Mx40i doesnt make any sense. 2litre engines with comparable luxury and quality is in most cheap mass market cars now.

[@philz417]

Mine too!! Wish they were rear wheel drive. So that it could potentially be more cheaper and fun??

[@larjkok1184]

@@philz417 Yours isn’t rear wheel drive?

[@philz417]

@@larjkok1184 I thought G20 generation M340i were AWD. Well what’s sold in Australia at least

[@davidperry3531]

Good review. I have a 330i M Sport and it is a great car. The firm ride you talk about is part of the sports sedan characteristics. I do not find the default comfort setting at all uncomfortable even with 19” wheels and though the car has an adaptive setting, I hardly use it. In fact the sport mode is used far more often. Handling, performance, comfort , economy and driving enjoyment are the key features of this car.

[@Grandmasterjord]

If you have the M Sport package with the M Sport suspension, do you automatically get adaptive dampers as well?

[@davidperry3531]

@@Grandmasterjord yes, on the 330i M Sport but not the 320i M Sport which is an option.

[@Grandmasterjord]

@@davidperry3531 Interesting! Thank you! 👍🏻

[@bvedant]

@@davidperry3531 this is not true for the US market. The M-Sport Package is required to option in M-Adaptive Suspension, which can either be had a-la-carte or included with the Dynamic Handling Package. The M-Sport Package comes with static M-Sport Suspension as standard. Also with M-Adaptive dampers, you're inherently using adaptive suspension in the comfort setting as it will change to be more forgiving. Nothing happens to the suspension with the static M-Sport like the car reviewed in this video. So understandably your car will provide a more comfortable and forgiving of a drive than the one in this review.

[@DrAhmedRaouf]

As always I love you review; waiting for EQA & the new C300e plug in hybrid

[@PinnèdbyMarkJKohler-t2u]

Thanks for comment, you can consult my support team for assistance and further detailed information < *W•H•A•T•S•A•P•P•* > (+1

[@jockmarshall7601]

Favourite 3 Series is the 320d, you can't beat torque and the amazing fuel economy.

[@aleks0001]

Doesn't exist anymore. Petrol and Hybrid only available now.

[@jockmarshall7601]

@@aleks0001 only in Australia. You can get the 320d in other countries.

[@mctc1037]

The LWB 3 series is actually offered in Thailand, and Malaysia will be getting it soon as it is assembled here. The 330Li M sport will be the only variant of the LWB offered though.

[@sampannadahal2188]

Paul, waiting for the all new Toyota Land Cruiser and for BMW x7

[@CarExpertAus]

X7 coming soon, LandCruiser still a little while away :-)

[@raiyanmahbub5563]

Hi Paul, great review. Waiting for the genesis gv70 review

[@simoncouch1523]

Another wicked review, thank you! If you truly had to pick this or a Mercedes C class which one would you take :)

[@oliverthegreat201]

Just bought the 320i x drive m sport and pick it up in 3 days.

[@ivanvukoja4690]

How happy you are with the car after one year of ownership? Reliability isues?

[@JamesyMusial14]

I like the Durometer, and I almost stopped you in the street too but I left you alone 😂 I seen you at Warringah mall Northern beaches a couple months ago which surprised me as I assumed you live in Victoria as the cars all have VIC plates ?

[@anonymous3207]

Waiting for land cruiser review 😁

[@CarExpertAus]

Still trying to get our hands on one :-)

[@gojo5265]

Hi I’m new to this channel. Loved the X5 and Passat reviews, could you do BMW X6 and Audi A4?

[@HughRussell06]

Imo this is better than the new c class

[@CarExpertAus]

Agreed!

[@HughRussell06]

@@CarExpertAus yeah, better design and build quality. Based on what other reviewers in Europe have said (carwow), Mercedes cut costs with it (lots of plastic) in the interior. And I like having other engine choices besides 4 cylinder hybrids

[@andrewd7586]

Here’s a thought Paul… throw that bloody service book in the boot!🤬🤪 I do.👍🏼

[@oversteer_9339]

Freakin love this thing. Its enough as a daily. I would personally go for the 330i. I think thats the one that would satisfy my taste for power. On a tighter budget however, 320i all dayyy

[@ABL973]

E46 was my favourite. I've had E30, E36, E46, F30.

[@avirathomas3802]

Long wheelbase 3 series is available in India, 320d and 330i versions along with regular size for the same and the top end 340i M Sport. India is also the only market with a long wheel base E class in right hand drive.

[@sizwe1131]

Fantastic review. Very detailed and informative. Keep up the great work.

[@yaaasonii]

Hi Paul can you make a review of the BMW 1 series hatchback.

[@CarExpertAus]

We don't have one coming through the garage in the next little while, but I can see if we can track one down.

[@yaaasonii]

@@CarExpertAus sure

[@danmurphy5889]

Hey Paul, how do you compare the older hydraulic feel and heavy steering of the e90 3 series with these newer models?

[@JTisGOD]

Can you do a list of your favourite current cars and break thrm down into price brackets?

[@bretter4368]

My comment is on the BMW service packages, - I've got a late model 2l turbo, with prepaid service pack. What they don't tell you is that this only gets you an oil change every 25000km , supposedly when the computer says it's needed, but in reality it's 25k. This in my opinion is not enough. What do you think? Other "services" are really inspections only. The fact these don't often line up means you have to go to the service centre more than once a year. I regard this skimping on oil changes as a cost saving exercise by BMW, a rip-off.

[@TheMafroman]

Another great review, thanks Paul and team!

[@MrArslanmukhtar]

Paul, I’m curious what cars do you have for yourself and family ? What do you prefer

[@markchesterfield6118]

Thanks Paul, another great, honest review. Please keep up the great work! Over the years I've owned (mostly affordable, second hand) Jags, Mercs and Saabs and looking back they have been great vehicles and well differentiated from the mainstream brands in design, technology and performance. Now I own a current model Kia Cerato Sport+ hatch that cost me well under $30k on road. In terms of design (subjective), tech, safety and equipment it compares very well to this $70k BMW. I'd love the BMW's engine but for a small stretch I could have had the Cerato GT. Do you think technology has democratised the car industry to the point where it becomes increasingly difficult to justify a price tag well over double the alternative? Is this Beemer twice as good as the Cerato (Mazda 3, Subaru Impreza, Ford Focus, etc.)? Unless of course, you just HAVE to have that BMW badge... I'd love to see the odd review of 'cheap' versus 'expensive', comparing similar sized cars from the mainstream and the luxury segments.

[@petermuller74]

Paul, after your opinion on what is one quietest car you've experienced NVH speaking? Would be good to see a vid on this maybe?

[@tokouso6746]

Do more sedans and hatch backs

[@CarExpertAus]

Will try!

[@robsgarage69xw]

I've had an 2007 BMW E90 320 MSport since new. It's been a pretty good car overall but not without it's faults. Biggest complaint I have is the 2 litre engine is known for leaking oil and you'll need to spend $$$ to fix it. I've done 130K and it needs a bunch of seals replaced for the second time. The second complaint would be that for some reason and at random, some interior parts like the interior door handle will start getting sticky and melting for no apparent reason while all the others are just fine. Otherwise I've spent very little money other than regular servicing and maintenance.

[@danielmolina80]

You need to replace the PCV valve.

[@kdegraa]

I’ve heard BMWs of today have a lot of plastic parts, especially part housings holding different parts together. As a result they do not last much longer than the warranty period before things start breaking on them.

[@mvnorsel6354]

My thought exactly.

[@impulsesv6489]

E90 M3, that V8 is heavenly!

[@sanujayahewage9473]

You should do a review on the older f30 330i and compare it to this g20 variant

[@callumfreebairn8082]

hell yeah! am going to boston & will hire one there for the family

[@anoopw13]

The car you are driving is with Msport suspension?

[@callumfreebairn8082]

the whole world needs the long wheelbase version

[@ArminAKB]

Could you do a review on the 2022 Seltos when it comes out ?

[@bvedant]

Those LWB models are also available in India and I don't really see the point of them. If you want more space and you're spending extra buy a 5 Series.

[@DarrylRadcliffe]

I still think the e90 model range was the best design. Compact, but spacious enough and sporty and menacing with the MSport trim. Don’t get my started on the 4.0 V8 M3!

[@mickeydee3595]

It's a shame BMW don't do the "hot feet cool head" feature anymore. My e36 and e39 had it. Best thing in the world

[@optom888]

Can vouch for adaptive dampers, which I have on my 330i, had non-adaptive dampers on my previous model F30 328 and the ride was jarringly stiff. Adaptive is so much more comfortable, yet handling is still great

[@marnuscoreyempanadaslooseb6760]

Agreed. I haven’t driven a G20 with adaptive yet and let me tell you, you need it. I drove a 2016 330i with adaptive and it was tremendous and turned the F30 which in my opinion is the worse 3 Series they’ve made into a good car.

[@miraphycs7377]

I disagree with that Paul. When I was shopping for my Infiniti Q50, I test drove most of the compact rear drive sports luxury sedan and personally felt the Cadillac ATS/CT4 had the best driving dynamics in the segment. Period case closed. The Germans were nowhere near the Cadillac nor even something like the Lexus IS or Jag XE. Ranked from best to worst in driving dynamics imo: Caddie ATS/CT4>Jag XE=Lexus IS>Infiniti Q50 (non-DAS)>C450=M340i>A4>TLX(previous gen) and overhyped G70 was the worst of the bunch.

[@CarExpertAus]

We don't get the Infiniti or the Cadillac in Australia.

[@stevem2323]

Stop reading at BMW is nowhere near Cadillac, sorry.

[@localguy123]

Any opinions on the reliability and maintanence of BMW's??

[@PinnèdbyMarkJKohler-t2u]

Appreciate your compliment..for more guidance WhatsApp.....+:::1:::9:::0:::3:::3:::4:::1:::9:::7:::8:::3::

[@samihasib]

Excellent review

[@justindaniel5959]

Some of the F30 drivers that moved over to the G20 have confirmed the ride is firmer. I also noticed the F30 has cloth in the door pockets, G20 does not. Battery In the G20 is now where i keep my tools tyre repair kit in the F30. Rear Passengers Sit more upright in the G20 vs F30.

[@mattf20c27]

Sync button gone on the AC controls is one, plastic feeling paddle shifters is another. Other then that, to me G20 is comprehensively better, in every facet, even in ride.

[@davidperry3531]

@@mattf20c27 sync for A/C is still there. You just go into the menu for A/C on the dash.

[@dal5225]

Nice review!

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks!

[@rimmerblues1586]

Everyone praises the Adaptive suspension set-up but i'm more skeptical especially long-term. I have a 2018 2-series with adaptive dampers and at first it was seemingly useful but really 'Sport' setting is far too stiff and coupled with runflat tyres it feels every road defect. On the other hand 'Comfort' mode really is comfortable, however after a couple of years or 20K miles it has became very underdampened and bouncy and on fast highway the car is too floaty with a disconcerting amount of sway at the rear and now after 30+K miles it's even worse! When driving i'm constantly switching between comfort & sport coz neither is good, but stay in comfort most and use sport if i have heavy loads - that's what it seems best for. I so desire a passive M-Sport or even SE/Luxury set-up on my next beemer - i'd prefer m-sport as i feel it would keep it's consistency longer and not "go off" as much as SE. With an F31 335d xDrive it only had SE suspension and was perfect for UK roads but after 20K miles it did begin to show much roll but it was still well composed. With previous BMWs you used to be able to un-spec M-Suspension on M-Sport models for comfort, can u no longer do that? Is adaptive the only comfort option for M-Sport models or have to settle for a lower spec SE/Lux model? How are G20/G21 owners finding their Adaptive Dampers after 30K+ miles/kms, still holding-up well or gone soft?

[@brainsmatterpodcast]

E30 is far more desirable I think, yes it doesn’t have the modern bells and whistles but I think it looks much better. But that being said, my favourite is the pre-3-series 2002 Turbo, the grandfather of them all ☺️ I find it frustrating that in a country like Australia manufacturers would sell cars without a spare wheel, not even a space saver. Tyre goo won’t go far halfway across the Nullarbor!

[@JJ-vy2rh]

Great videos Paul though mbux is a better system and they have better dash

[@socoaustin1244]

Love BMW my #4 beamer just pick up 330I last month Yeahhhh🙏😍💗

[@DEATHSTARER]

The E21 323i JPS (Johnny Player Special) by far my favourite 3 Series Bimmer.

[@ikshuaggarwal8525]

My Favorite is 320d😁 E 46 & E 90 in particular

[@bilalinsydney]

Paul mate will do you a review on a new series 3 wagon?

[@yudhipamungkaspungki6082]

Best BMW entry level

[@JasonChristian]

On point with the type badge on 3.20 lol

[@BoderoTV]

So would you buy a c class or this car?

[@vladthelad9377]

Please review the 2021 Volvo v60

[@kaustubhs_]

range rover velar review pls?

[@CarExpertAus]

Will try and track one down.

[@quinty26]

You went in on the paint job😂. Yup, that is your modern day BMW.

[@Tsukuyomi8]

I like this dashboard snd not that tablet thst have nowadays

[@suriyaprakash2964]

3 series LWB version is launched in India this year 320ld

[@campbellreither550]

I just purchased an extremely low km (30,000), E90 320i. It is absolutely beautiful, and tight as a drum, it feels like a modern new car. A bit of an ugly duckling new, I think they look fantastic now. Apparently, they were built extremely solidly and the steering is hydraulic and very communicative.

[@craigdavid6668]

30,000km on a 3 series is approaching the end of its life😂

[@campbellreither550]

@@craigdavid6668 oh haha

[@elthamtreehugger5320]

A model 3 long range AWD with similar price would be my preference

[@kevinlee509]

would you compare this with new facelift g70?

[@malsmith2012]

G70 for sure! TTV6!

[@nothellewheels5351]

Hmmm, I completely disagree with CarExpert regarding the firmness of the car. We're talking BMW here dude. You want flimsy and spongy ride get the Mercedes. In BMW bible firm is a must!

[@Gigantic889]

I’m 182 cm and still comfy in rear seat of this 3 series G20. But when i look at you that just 3 cm above me, you look so tight in rear seat. Why that 3 cm looks so different. Does your leg Longer than your torso??

[@rheloadedlele1811]

Is it available in diesel?

[@glennmurphie7229]

Is adaptive dampers the same as adaptive suspension? Have an x3. Think it has the latter?

[@rimmerblues1586]

Yes. Also know as EDC (Electronic Damper Control) and VDC (Variable Damper Control), but i'm not sure it's the 1,2,3 & 4 Series "adaptive" system is the same as on 5 & 7 Series as i think on higher Series' the suspension id more "active" and reads the road and adapts/adjust accordingly whereas lower series just a 2-stage system that makes the dampers stiff/hard or compliant/soft depending on user settings.

[@d.k.1394]

I think I shall keep my mazda😊

[@EnliteSolutions]

Hi’ on ur car reviews can u plz provide us the country of origin. Eg BMW 3 series coming from Mexico ?

[@mvnorsel6354]

What I've learned is adaptive dampers tick, respray tick.

[@JohanSchmidt]

heads up - at 21 mins, your text say 11.4 mm turning circle

[@suryakiran6744]

Where is the spare tyre stored or does it not come with one?

[@darcybolton920]

Is anyone else over the BMW split grill? I think it looks super dated now, they need to do something new with it

[@jameswestgarth4020]

On the first aide kit in the boot I saw a mini logo.

[@pigeonpoo1823]

It's a decent looking machine, but it really is a big car. For ref, the current (outgoing) M2 is the same size as the E46 M3 CSL, which is the best looking BMW EVER!!!!!!

[@SanthoshKumar-ye3sh]

Please have this launched in India too...

[@rcast3763]

How does is campare to the 330i?

[@sam01010101]

Long wheel base for sure. Love my 3 series but it's too tight in the back seat.

[@PinnèdbyMarkJKohler-t2u]

Appreciate your compliment..for more guidance WhatsApp.....+:::1:::9:::0:::3:::3:::4:::1:::9:::7:::8:::3::

[@walterthorne4819]

Greetings…I drive a 750il e38……today the dealer gave me a loaner 330i 2023…..don’t like it…reminds me of my in-laws Ford Focus. The engine is super busy.. engine cuts off when stopped in traffic, twitchy steering, , …to give credit…many, many convenient featured…likely very safe in a crash, in my judgment too many computers, too many screens…it does accelerate quickly but very busy engine, corners like on railroad tracks. …Drive carefully!

[@mabuleonkars9706]

My favourite is the E90 M335i

[@rhyskelly3823]

2004 E46 330ci still dream care

[@peterb66]

The E46 is my favourite 3 Series.

[@stuartmunto4755]

Is it just me, or do BMW's Door handle recesses look odd and far too big?

[@zynlabdn2981]

Love this