2017 BMW 3 Series 330i Unboxing - So Much To Love About The 3 Series

Today's unboxing review needs little to no introduction - the BMW 3 Series. Specifically, we tested the 2017 330i and, as expected, came away very impressed. Honestly, there's very little not to love about this car. Ever since the original 3 Series launched in 1975, the competition has worked furiously to come up with something better. For the most part, they haven't. However, brands like Audi, Mercedes-Benz and Cadillac have learned a thing or two from BMW when it comes to building a premium sport sedan. Point being, the current 3 Series faces its stiffest competition yet. Our tester came equipped with the 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 248 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic with paddle shifters.
With its Alpine White and Oyster Dakota leather interior, our 330i has real presence, despite the fact that this design debuted for 2012. A refresh happened last year, which should be good enough to keep the 3 Series going until its replacement arrives. The bottom line: the BMW 3 Series represents the Ultimate Driving Machine slogan beautifully, but if it wants to retain the sales crown, BMW will need to launch that successor sooner rather than later. Enjoy the review!
TImestamps
Introduction: 0:15
3 Series history: 0:35
Interior features: 2:20
Rear seat space: 2:55
From the driver's seat: 3:35
iDrive: 4:25
BMW internal debate: 5:55
Safety: 7:25
How does it drive: 7:55
Other features: 8:55
Additional bodystyles: 10:55
Engine and transmission: 11:15
Engine start up: 11:45
Performance and fuel economy: 12:05
Additional engines: 12:35
Exterior: 13:35
Pricing: 14:10
What do I like: 15:10
Don't like: 15:20
Conclusion: 15:50
Special thanks to Niello BMW-Sacramento for letting us film the car. Check out their entire inventory at: bmw.niello.com
Vehicles in this review were provided by The Niello Company, the largest car dealer group in Sacramento. All opinions in these reviews are that of CarBuzz, not that of The Niello Company.

[@Richard-tv5cb]

BMW interior is classical! No shiny plastic! Its all about the drive, where the 330 kicks arse!

[@MTobin1000]

I presently own a C-class and enjoy it very much. However, if I found myself in the market for a new compact luxury sports sedan this car would get my attention. I was not familiar with the current 3 series and all that it has to offer. After seeing your unboxing I'm very, very impressed. You did a very nice job of going over all of the capabilities of this car. I like what I saw. Well done !

[@carbuzzcom]

Glad to have helped you! Yeah, the 3 Series has always been such a fantastic car and likely will continue to be. Thanks, as always, for the compliments.

[@tts.7657]

Inside and out, this BMW is smokin!!!!!

[@cella6]

Very nice video. Thank you.

[@jacobpina5789]

I really love the 3 series better handling than other competition plus the seat goes all the way back look how the went for comfort after a long day u just want to lay back

[@vilikarac6776]

That is the 8" screen buddy...

[@jacobpina5789]

I love how simple the interior Is people ask for to much to be fair it about what u pay for..

[@losangeles.ie91]

I love my 3 series. Mine is mineral white metallic and is way more loaded up than this model. I’m super happy with it. I definitely look forward to driving it every time and enjoy driving it. Plus mine has the 100% digital instrument cluster;)

[@LunaB5488]

Old car now in 2020 but I still love it 😍

[@karlettelambert6397]

I love your review!! Lol..."how many times are you going to fill up at Costco"...😂😂😂 right!

[@theodoreesawjr.8352]

Beautiful!!!!!

[@shuhratpopal2817]

I like the fact that they don't change their interior constantly like cheap cars.

[@expl0de]

When you opened the armrest, on the rear wall, near the USB port, there is some plastic cover. Does it have any function?

[@calvinmichael1097]

Did you film this video in the U.S or Canada ?

[@wentfst]

Man, your reviews are great! Subscribed! One more thing though, if you can add some background music, would be fantastic

[@JsmooVeDaDon]

Best 3 series ever Word 2 !!

[@luckymarwat3598]

pull your seat up a bit and there will be enough rear legroom

[@MatthewMaok]

With the refreshed models I think the sport seats became standard but you could opt for non sport seats. Also, feeling the road? I wonder what it feels like with that electric steering, cause I can definitely feel the road with my e46 and the steering ever so slightly turns with the elevation/bumps of the road (in a good feeling way). I wonder if the f30 is like that.

[@carbuzzcom]

I gotta tell you, there's quite a difference with the electric power as opposed to hydraulic steering. My advice: stick with your E46 and enjoy!

[@juanantonioreyes71]

This will be my first car. So excited

[@ZaStacher]

Juan Antonio Reyes How'd you manage that?

[@juanantonioreyes71]

Stacher. ($) forget it Imma get a 120i or Mazda CX3 on November

[@blexy350]

I was going to say, i would avoid a luxury car as your 'first' car.

[@ledbuzetzky5259]

this may be my 3rd car, in 2 years, if i save money. :p

[@HadEnough745]

sure it will

[@calvin7874]

Does anyone think BMW's interior needs update too? The really need to learn from Mercedes

[@carbuzzcom]

Yes! This interior does need an update but it will be coming fairly soon with a completely redesigned 3 Series.

[@erick9112]

Exactly

[@evolution8662]

I was kinda worried when the guy slide the seat forward...what if the controls fail......lol....

[@monkeylove178]

Is this the b46 or b48 engine??

[@wilmermendoza7752]

Why didn't they just made a v6 instead of A 4 liter engine. Needs to be a v6 twin turbo.

[@miguelzavala8427]

This or the luxury line???

[@vm197]

Drove one a few days ago...there's too much turbo lag when you're moving from rest

[@BaNzAiXBaNaNa]

You gotta put it in sport mode dawg. You will definitely get a lag when it’s in comfort but it’ll just from rest when it’s in sport

[@xTheShady1x]

I'm sure the redesign is coming. First was the 7 series, this year is the 5 series...From the top down is how most automakers do their redesigns.

[@carbuzzcom]

Indeed, I predict the new 3 Series will debut at Frankfurt next September.

[@Jacobk66]

Audi is quite a bit cheaper - your looking at around $50k for a Prestige Quattro that's pretty loaded. The 330i XDrive is almost $60k for the same

[@thanos8914]

Rico William literally exactly what I did plus 3 years ago I was in hs😭

[@oclaytonyoung]

i feel like it has class leading back leg space room though

[@carbuzzcom]

I believe the new Audi A4 has more rear seat legroom, but not much. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class also has a snug fit out back. I guess it's just part of the price one has to pay when opting for one of these luxury German sport sedans.

[@mariovalentino4941]

But if anyone has issues with back seat leg room they can buy the 3 series gt...! BMW has it covered, simple!

[@Arctice36]

CarBuzz - Unboxing Everyday Cars and Supercars the Audi A4 is 4 inches longer, the 3 series is more compact but still spacious enough

[@gerryweibob]

top speed is electronically limited to 255 miles per hour.....?

[@carbuzzcom]

Sorry, 155 mph.

[@melvinjohnson7033]

The engine beauty cover looks different (better). Is this the same crappy, problematic N20 turbo four popper as before? Also is this the same detuned engine as in the 2017 320i. Would appreciate if any BMW aficionados could clear that up for me.

[@melvinjohnson7033]

I ask what I want when I want. Your not the question police.

[@melvinjohnson7033]

Go for it.

[@twai8036]

Why no digital dash?!

[@malin3344]

It does

[@robrto2411]

You sound like a fan boy...

[@avinashsehgal385]

Can you help me between this and the new c class

[@carbuzzcom]

Well, it depends on your preferences, honestly. The 3 Series may be a bit more driver enthusiast oriented while the C-Class (at least the base models) are somewhat more conservative. It really all boils down to what you want and don't want.

[@avinashsehgal385]

CarBuzz - Unboxing Everyday Cars and Supercars thks

[@JustLatino]

BMW interior looks like, that of any other car. And that is not a good compliment, since its a luxury brand.

[@GutsAndGlory734]

0-60 in 5.4 sec

[@kdomster9141]

love the bimmers but this steering wheel belongs in Borolla or Camcords, also no BMW should come with yellow 40 years old tech headlights period!!! Base NAV with base smaller screem should come standard along with back up camera. Than for 35K usd base price it would sell much much better. All "premium" options should be available on top of base equipment I have listed above.

[@carbuzzcom]

Again, this generation 3 Series is a few years old (despite its recent refresh). The technology in cars today moves very fast, so it's understandable and forgivable for this gen 3 Series to show some age. It still drives beautifully though. Hard to beat that.

[@kdomster9141]

No doubt it still drives like a BMW, it simply must offer standard features I have mentioned if it wants to be viewed as premium .

[@kdomster9141]

Dude, 40K usd 330i has yellow bulbs not the lights you are showing , these HID/Led are on cars spec'd at 45K usd....

[@kdomster9141]

Jackass, in US it does not until 45K usd , 80% of 320i and 330i on the dealers lot cost under 45K usd and do NOT have these lights but cheap and cheesy yellow bulb headlamps , even Corolla has LED headlamps and cost 3 times less!!!

[@kdomster9141]

Jackwagon, 300i does not exist, This video shows 47Kusd 3 series, so it takes 15Kusd of options to get these modern lights ! For just the cost of options on this car I could buy a Corolla with LED headlights and that is paranoia.

[@jasonhorst5490]

Wait 3 years find a clean title 30K Miles for half the price. Can't tell the difference from new

[@2pkjs1351]

Jason Horst exactly what I did , low Milage and great to drive without getting ripped off

[@slashtrio]

Shoaib K same 😎👍🏼

[@nicolestevenson7193]

Correct!!!

[@MachoChacho]

BMW 3 series or CLA Mercedes

[@tonyvega7268]

the interior look the same.. to me a few things that they change.

[@carbuzzcom]

BMW has slightly tweaked this car's interior since it first launched. Nothing major, but there have been definite improvements along the way.

[@Kk58226]

15 minutes I won't get back... There is misinformation in some spots that I wish were corrected

[@elmin2323]

Needs apple car play!

[@mikemulhearn3220]

+Gas Pedal you can get it for free by finding a cars vin that has it equipped.

[@TrevForPresident]

@@mikemulhearn3220 please explain

[@erick9112]

Interior needs upgrade to the likes of Mercedes and Honda.

[@ItsYaBoiJerm]

Interior is basic af, I guess it is a 3 series so u cant complain too much

[@mibrahim5215]

Looks ordinary car compared to the Merc C class 2017

[@BaNzAiXBaNaNa]

Except it drives better than ordinary cars, C class included

[@azalru]

Tesla Model 3 has a more spacious cabin and storage. Also more sporty and can drive itself.

[@westside123ist]

interior never changes (the cabin) , basic and old, when i say old i referee to as every year looks the same. Bmw corportation is laughing, look at the previous year bmw, cabin looks the same, i cant even tell a detail difference. I didn't want to compare luxury cars, since we are on the subject check out Mercedes cabin or audi, constantly changing. heads up kids.

[@hiramrosajr8231]

yet still looks the same, smh

[@blkj1973]

The interior is very plain

[@herrdoktorknowitall]

Who let this grimy hipster on the lot?

[@carbuzzcom]

Uh, the dealership.

[@robrto2411]

Next time talk while showing the car... not after recording it

[@bjd15664]

Take the advice of a 22 year old lol

[@ivanronin8209]

Half of the parts of this car are made in Eastern Europa . Still with a manual parking brake...?? Come on ... even Honda has electronic brake now ...shame ..and you have to lease it because they are not reliable at all ..No thanks !

[@carbuzzcom]

Uh, a lot of car parts today are made in Easter Europe, as well as Mexico, China, and India. Get used to it. As far as not having an electric parking brake...like I said, this generation 3 Series has been around for a few years now and a replacement is coming in the near future. And yes, I've heard that some BMWs have had some reliability issues.

[@pflau1]

A manual parking brake is needed for certain style of drifting.

[@iiplaya]

Elan Musk i hate electronic parking brakes, i’m good. enjoy

[@kimwhitney3453]

Audi's are so ugly!!! Lol And I'm glad BMW is keeping their screens smaller!! After all, this is a car not a living room!!! Kudos BMW!! 👏

[@markkalendr4691]

Need help Bmw3 series Lexus IS 300 Acura TLX Infiniti Q50 Don't like Mercedes

[@Kobe-qk4fe]

Mark Kalendr bmw

[@blexy350]

Mark Kalendr I have Infiniti and have no regrets. Lexus would be a great choice too. They are cheaper to maintain.

[@jeffwertz2953]

If you want a "drivers" car.... You should put the Alfa on you list as well. ;)

[@tonyynewyork]

That steering wheel is out dated , garbage

[@Lizestechreviews]

The back is plain and ugly, Audi interior is better, it’s not a V8, it’s not even THAT luxury,. I can’t find one reason why this is worth $50,000. It’s literally because it has a bmw label on it

[@blexy350]

I think it comes down to how conservative you want your car to look too.

[@slashtrio]

Audi interior is better but exterior looks like a 2010 jetta

[@danimoosakhan]

Garbage interior tbh. C class and A4 are better.

[@slashtrio]

Danial Khan A4 looks like a Jetta

[@ivanronin8209]

Interior is garbage compere to Audi . Lets be honest here

[@JimNortonsAlcoholism]

Audi is a dressed up VW

[@ClueSign]

You can dress an Audi up all you want but it all comes down to the type of ride you like. BMWs always seem to give you more less comfort yet more connection to the road, imo

[@melvinjohnson7033]

True.

[@richiechou1605]

Garbage? Have you ever sat in a 3 series before? Audi's interior is nice but its not exactly luxurious. As a BMW and Merc owner who has close friends who have Audis, the Audi interior is pretty much a re-skinned VW interior with S Line badges/some shinnies and an uglyass gear shifter. If you have the right spec, the much superior BMW interior is classy and luxurious without being too loud like a Merc.

[@Adspecter]

Audi is for business class people in their 40s and 50s

[@gottgaame]

This a women's car

[@Tundra0128]

M J no such thing as a "womans" car lol take your sexist ass out of here

[@gottgaame]

JTundra maybe I hurt your feelings. Too bad. This is a women's car it's not sexist there's nothing agressive about it. It's not a challenger or a Porsche 911

[@Tundra0128]

M J its plenty aggressive lol look at the front bumper and front face in general sexy as hell. Rear tail lights look great interior is awesome. But i get it you cant afford a car like this so you gotta trash on it. By the way if you don't like the car you didn't have to click the thumbnail just sayin

[@slashtrio]

It depends on the color and the wheels. Same for c class. I have a 328i all black with dark tinted windows and 18 inch sport wheels, it definitely looks aggressive yet classy. Well in my opinion. Obviously a challenger is like a giant cock and balls, so you can’t be more masculine that that. 😉

[@fatimaarbee7997]

I a looking for a BMW 2017 model in Kwa Zulu area

[@Lizestechreviews]

The back is plain and ugly, Audi interior is better, it’s not a V8, it’s not even THAT luxury,. I can’t find one reason why this is worth $50,000. It’s literally because it has a bmw label on it