2017 BMW 3 Series Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byDan FrioReviews Editor

　　Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to zzdcar, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.

　　

What’s new

　　For 2017, a new four-cylinder engine in midlevel 3 Series models results in a name change (last year's 328i is now the 330i) and a slight power bump. The M Sport package is now standard on 340i models, although the Sport or Luxury package can be substituted at no additional cost. Wireless device charging and Apple CarPlay integration are new stand-alone options, and the 3 Series' iDrive infotainment interface is upgraded to the latest version.

　　

Vehicle overview

　　The 2017 BMW 3 Series should be near the top of the list for shoppers wanting a compact luxury sport sedan. Whether enjoying its blend of features and refinement or putting its smooth optional engine to the test, you'll be impressed. It runs in a crowded class, but the 3 Series is one of the best.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2017 BMW 3 Series 320i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$166/mo  for 3 Series 320i

　　3 Series 320i

　　320i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $33,450 MSRP320i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $35,450 MSRP330i SULEV 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) (Most Popular) - $38,750 MSRP328d 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 8A) - $40,250 MSRP330i xDrive SULEV 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $40,750 MSRP330i xDrive SULEV 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $42,950 MSRP328d xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 8A) - $42,250 MSRP328d xDrive 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 8A) - $44,450 MSRP330e iPerformance 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) - $44,100 MSRP340i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) - $47,900 MSRP340i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) - $49,900 MSRP

　　vs

　　$164/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　BMW practically invented the compact luxury car decades ago, and today's 3 Series advances that heritage. It's the best-selling car in its class, and for good reason. Few can match its artful blend of performance and refinement, though that doesn't stop them from trying. In either sedan or wagon style, the 3 Series makes few compromises. It's simultaneously comfortable and sporty, compact without being confining, and its engines are fuel-efficient and powerful. It's a truly fantastic all-rounder with no significant flaws.

　　Notably, we picked the 2017 BMW 3 Series as one of zzdcar' Best Used Cars.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

4.5 / 5

　　The 2017 BMW 3 Series should be near the top of the list for shoppers wanting a compact luxury sport sedan. Whether enjoying its blend of features and refinement or putting its smooth optional engine to the test, you'll be impressed. It runs in a crowded class, but the 3 Series is one of the best.

　　

Trim tested

　　Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions, although trim levels share many aspects. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2016 BMW 328i xDrive sedan (2.0L 4-cyl. turbo; AWD; 8-speed automatic). NOTE: Since this test was conducted, the 328i has received some revisions, chief among them a new name (now 330i) and a boost of 8 horsepower and 3 pound-feet of torque. Our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's 330i.

　　

Scorecard

Overall	4.5 / 5
Driving	5.0
Comfort	5.0
Interior	4.5
Utility	4.5
Technology	4.5

　　

Driving

5.0

　　The 2017 BMW 3 Series' turbocharged engines are typically overachievers, and the eight-speed automatic is always on point with exquisitely curated shifts. Handling is excellent despite generous suspension travel to improve ride comfort. A great performer.

　　

Acceleration

4.0

　　Other than the 320i, which is expectedly slow given its 180 hp, acceleration is strong. We've tested a bunch of 3 Series models, and all have impressed. In our tests, a 340i xDrive sprinted from zero to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds. Expect the 330i to take about 5.5 seconds.

　　

Braking

5.0

　　The brake pedal has no bite to speak of, and that's a compliment. It's progressive and never abrupt. In panic stops from 60 mph, a 328i xDrive needed just 113 feet to halt, despite wearing less grippy all-season tires. A 340i xDrive was at 118 feet. Either way, it's outstanding.

　　

Steering

4.5

　　The current 3 Series' steering feels more synthetic than past iterations, but it's still a job well done. Words like "telepathic" may no longer apply, but there's gratifying responsiveness and accuracy.

　　

Handling

4.5

　　The supple ride attests to BMW's focus on luxury, but a true sport sedan lies beneath. The harder you push a 3 Series, the better it feels. The optional M Sport lowered suspension increases athleticism without a stiffer ride penalty. Retains a sense of refined performance that sets it apart.

　　

Drivability

5.0

　　Always-on turbo torque means great flexibility in daily driving; there's no need to downshift if you want some oomph. The transmission is expertly programmed, always shifting with grace and precision. The auto stop-start system stays off if you turn it off.

　　

Comfort

5.0

　　BMW has made comfort a top priority lately, and the 3 Series is a case in point. From its absorbent ride to its remarkably quiet interior at highway speeds, it meets luxury buyers' expectations across the board. You needn't care about sportiness to enjoy this car.

　　

Seat comfort

5.0

　　The front seats find a nice middle ground between plushness and snug support. The side bolsters are modestly sized but should suffice for most. There's an ample range of adjustments. The armrests are nicely placed and padded.

　　

Ride comfort

5.0

　　The 3 Series has a lot of suspension travel for a performance car, giving it very good shock-absorption capability. Older 3 Series tended to ride firmly, but this one has true luxury-grade compliance yet still feels sporty.

　　

Noise & vibration

4.5

　　BMW now pipes in a pleasant, throaty synthetic soundtrack through the speakers that you'd never guess was fake. It's quiet while cruising, however, as is the cabin in general, impressively so.

　　

Climate control

4.5

　　You'll have to spend a little bit of time familiarizing yourself with the climate control buttons, but overall it works very well. The ability to vary the upper air vent temperature independent of the floor vents remains a BMW hallmark. Ventilated seats aren't available on the 3 Series, though.

　　

Interior

4.5

　　The 3 Series interior offers an attractive yet restrained design and a sensible control layout with familiar BMW ergonomics. The rear passenger space is better than ever but may yet leave a bit to be desired. Small item storage is hard to come by. Still, a strong effort overall.

　　

Ease of use

4.5

　　Most buttons and stalks are well-placed. The cruise control buttons on the wheel are particularly intuitive. The iDrive controller is complex, but there's a logic to it that becomes second nature. The Tech package includes a wider and better 8.8-inch screen.

　　

Getting in/getting out

4.0

　　The short doors facilitate access in tight spaces. You can't fall down into this sport sedan as you would into a sports car; seat height is where it should be. The front seatbacks can impede rear access a bit if taller folks are up front.

　　

Driving position

5.0

　　The driver seat offers a lot of adjustment range in the up-down and fore-aft directions, and the telescoping steering wheel pulls back far enough for even the tallest of drivers. Once situated, the mirrors, gauges and controls all feel close at hand.

　　

Roominess

4.0

　　The front seats have abundant head- and legroom. The backseat legroom is generous, too, and even our 6-foot-2-inch tester had enough headroom back there. But backseat elbow and shoulder room do feel tight on the door side.

　　

Visibility

4.5

　　Visibility is excellent all around, thanks to reasonably thin pillars and plenty of glass. We applaud BMW for maintaining these traits over time. But a rearview camera and parking sensors should be standard at this price, not optional.

　　

Quality

5.0

　　Quality materials abound, including real metal inlays on the dashboard and the center console. The sun visors feel flimsy, though, and do not slide for extended side-window coverage. Buttons, knobs and levers feel solid and precise.

　　

Utility

4.5

　　The wagon offers max versatility with 53 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The sedan gets handy 40/20/40-split folding rear seats, except for 320i, which offers them as optional. Multiple bike, board, boat racks and carriers are available from BMW Accessories.

　　

Small-item storage

3.5

　　The 3 Series continues to suffer from a shortage of bins or cubbies for phones and other small items. All four doors have decent-sized pockets, though, and there are two front and two rear cupholders.

　　

Cargo space

3.5

　　The trunk measures an above-average 13 cubic feet, and rear seatbacks fold forward via trunk-mounted levers. The wagon offers 53 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

　　

Child safety seat accommodation

5.0

　　Any of the three rear seat positions can be used. Removable plastic covers provide easy access to the lower LATCH anchors, and the three top tether mounts are very easy to get at via covers that hinge upward. There's enough room to fit a rear-facing safety seat without much trouble.

　　

Technology

4.5

　　The standard 6.5-inch iDrive display is adequate, but the 8.8-inch screen is the true luxury touch. The iDrive system is easy to use with straightforward menus, crisp graphics and quick processing. The controller touchpad can be used to handwrite inputs using your finger.

　　

Audio & navigation

5.0

　　The standard audio system is nice; the optional 16-speaker Harman Kardon surround system is even better. This latest iteration of BMW's iDrive is well sorted, with a main touchpad control knob surrounded by a simple button array.

　　

Smartphone integration

4.0

　　BMW Apps offers connectivity for select smartphone apps but comes optional with the Technology package. Apple CarPlay is a stand-alone option. There's no Android Auto integration yet.

　　

Driver aids

4.5

　　A full suite of driver aids, including a rearview camera, parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, is available. They work well, but you've got to pay for them.

　　

Voice control

3.5

　　Voice controls seem clunky and hard to work, but a longer press and hold breaks through to our paired smartphone's Siri voice command structure, which is excellent. It's nice to have this feature because smartphone operating systems do this better.

　　

Which 3 Series does zzdcar recommend?

　　If cost is no obstacle, we'd take a 340i with the Technology package. It's got a dreamy smooth six-cylinder engine, an elegant, advanced infotainment system and, for good measure, a wonderful sound system. That said, the 330i packs good punch from its turbo four-cylinder and delivers many desirable features when equipped with the Tech and/or Premium bundles. If driver aids and safety are a top priority, also check the boxes for the Driver Assistance or Driver Assistance Plus packages.

　　

2017 BMW 3 Series models

　　The 2017 BMW 3 Series is available in sedan and wagon body styles. (The 3 Series Gran Turismo hatchback is reviewed separately, as are coupe and convertible models collectively known as the BMW 4 Series.) Sedans come in 320i, 328d, 330i, 330e and 340i trim levels with standard rear-wheel drive. All-wheel drive (called xDrive) is optional on all but the 330e plug-in hybrid. The wagon is available only in 330i xDrive and 328d xDrive trims. The 320i is the cheapest way into a 3 Series, but it lacks many standard and optional creature comforts. Best to start at the 330i.

　　The 320i starts with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (180 horsepower, 200 pound-feet of torque) and a choice of a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission. Standard feature highlights include 17-inch wheels, remote locking and unlocking, push-button start, automatic wipers, dual-zone automatic climate control, premium vinyl upholstery, BMW Assist emergency telematics, Bluetooth connectivity, the iDrive infotainment interface, a 6.5-inch display and a nine-speaker sound system.

　　The 330i has a more powerful 2.0-liter engine (248 hp, 258 lb-ft of torque) as well as power-adjustable front sport seats, power-folding and heated side mirrors, auto-dimming mirrors, paddle shifters for automatic transmission-equipped models, driver-seat memory functions and split-folding rear seatbacks.

　　The 328d and 330e sedans come similarly equipped. Both also use a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired only to the eight-speed automatic, but the 328d engine uses diesel fuel and generates 180 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. The 330e engine takes conventional gasoline but is augmented by an electric motor for a combined 248 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque.

　　The 328d and 330i wagons are equipped like the sedans and also come with a panoramic sunroof, roof rails, a power liftgate and the eight-speed automatic transmission.

　　Finally, the 340i sedan has a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine (320 hp and 330 lb-ft), the contents of the Premium package (see below), LED headlights, keyless entry and ignition, a sunroof and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system (optional on most other models). The M Sport package (see below) is also standard, but its contents can be replaced by those from the Sport or Luxury packages.

　　There are several option packages for the 2017 3 Series. In our opinion, the main ones to look out for are Premium and Technology as they further equip the 3 Series with a host of desirable convenience and tech-oriented extras. Other popular picks include the Track Handling package (improves handling) and the two Driver Assistance packages that add many advanced driver safety aids.

　　

2017 3 Series Highlights

Type: SedanWagonPlug-in HybridDieselWagon

　　Trim: 330i xDrive SULEV328d xDrive330i xDrive SULEV

　　

Base MSRP	$42,950
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	26 MPG
Cost to Drive	$172/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	17.5 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles