Vehicle Overview
BMW’s compact 3 Series is the luxury automaker’s bread-and-butter model. It’s available as a sedan, Gran Turismo hatchback or wagon. Numerous drivetrains are offered, including a diesel version. The five-seat 3 Series comes with rear- or all-wheel drive and competes with the Audi A4, Cadillac ATS and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
(Skip to details on the: 3 Series Gran Turismo and M3)
New for 2016
The sedan and Sport Wagon body styles of the 3 Series gain mild styling updates, suspension and steering revisions, and new features, including available LED headights. There’s a new 340i sedan powered by a 320-horsepower six-cylinder engine, and the available navigation system supports over-the-air map updates. An available Track Handling Package for gas-powered models features variable sport steering, an adaptive suspension, sport brakes with high-temperature pads and gray 18-inch light-alloy wheels.
Significant Standard Features
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Push-button start
- Manually adjustable front seats
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Bluetooth streaming audio
- iDrive multimedia system with 6.5-inch screen
- Required in every new car: front airbags, antilock brakes and an electronic stability system
Significant Available Features
- Full-LED headlights
- Automatic high-beam headlights
- Leather upholstery
- Power front seats
- Heated front and rear seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go technology
- Lane departure warning
- Forward collision warning with mitigation feature
- Navigation system with over-the-air map updates
- Harman Kardon surround-sound stereo
- Sunshades for rear windows
- Power moonroof
3 Series Gran Turismo
The 3 Series Gran Turismo is a four-door, coupelike hatchback version of BMW’s compact luxury car. It’s a larger car overall, measuring nearly 8 inches longer and more than 3 inches taller. The result is a roomier cabin, especially for backseat passengers who get 2.8 inches of extra legroom. The front and rear seats are also positioned higher for easier entry and exit.
What’s Special
- 240-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (328i)
- 300-hp, turbo 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder (335i)
- Eight-speed automatic transmission
- All-wheel drive
- Split-folding rear seats
- Cargo area has tie-down points, hooks and underfloor storage
- New high-gloss black exterior trim and standard sport seats
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M3
The M3 is a high-performance version of the 3 Series sedan that was redesigned last year. It’s powered by a turbocharged six-cylinder engine that’s rated at 425 hp.
What’s Special
- Six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch transmission
- Track-optimized cooling system
- Keyless entry now standard
- Harman Kardon surround-sound system now standard
- New LED taillights
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