MODEL REVIEW

BMW 3 Series

BMW 3 Series

BMW 3 Series at a Glance

BMW 3 Series

When you’re looking for a luxury sports sedan, there’s no substitute for the original. Discerning drivers in Eatontown, Long Branch, and Asbury Park, NJ often turn to the icon that started it all: the BMW 3 Series.

Each model year proves time and again how the BMW pedigree continues to be the gold standard. The team at Circle BMW explores the many areas in which the BMW 3 Series excels and why it remains the benchmark for all models within its segment.


STANDARD HORSEPOWER

STANDARD HORSEPOWER


255 HP
STANDARD ACCELERATION (0-60 MPH)

STANDARD ACCELERATION (0-60 MPH)


5.6 seconds
CENTRAL TOUCHSCREEN SIZE

CENTRAL TOUCHSCREEN SIZE


14.9 in.
COLORS

COLORS


13
POWER MOONROOF

POWER MOONROOF


Standard
BMW OPERATING SYSTEM 8.5

BMW OPERATING SYSTEM 8.5


Standard
HEAD-UP DISPLAY

HEAD-UP DISPLAY


Available

Meet the Original: The 3 Series

Explore the categories below to discover more about the features of the BMW 3 Series.

DESIGN

BMW 3 Series

An integral aspect of being an icon is serving as a symbol of the brand. The BMW 3 Series represents with its distinctive kidney grille and classic, streamlined design that, while enhanced each year, truly never goes out of style.

Superior Exterior

One of the most notable expressions of any vehicle’s appearance is its exterior paint color. In line with the quintessential 3 Series are such timeless hues as various shades of white, black, and grey. Still, a veritable palette exists, so your BMW can fully express you. Feeling bold? Choose one of these striking paints:

  • Vegas Red
  • Mineral White
  • Arctic Race Blue
  • Dravit Grey
  • Frozen Portimao Blue II

Additionally, you can customize your BMW 3 Series with an available design package that overhauls the look and feel of the vehicle. The M Sport includes Shadowline exterior trim, 19-inch M dual-spoke bi-color wheels, and more. The aerodynamic rear spoiler and M Sport suspension upgrade further add to this sports car’s mystique.

Lush Life

While the exterior of the BMW 3 Series is announcing its presence to other drivers and passersby, its cabin will speak volumes to you and your passengers. Power front heated front seats with memory are swathed in standard perforated SensaTec upholstery or available Vernasca Leather. They can whisper in subdued shades or articulate more audibly in vibrant Tacora Red.

The standard 2-way power glass moonroof expands the interior while providing everyone on board with natural light, fresh air, and sky views. Standard open-pore fine wood or brushed aluminum trim further refines the cabin and is a constant reminder that the 3 Series is considered a classic for a reason.

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PERFORMANCE

BMW 3 Series

Another reason to choose a luxury sports sedan, of course, is the pure pleasure you’ll derive from driving it. Whenever you’re behind the wheel of the BMW 3 Series, you may find yourself wanting to take the long way home.

Pick Your Power

Starting off, the 330i core trims come with a 2.0L BMW TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder engine and an 8-speed Sport Automatic transmission with Sport and Manual shift modes. This standard motor provides a burst of energy that commands the road with 255 horsepower, sending you to the front of the pack.

The BMW 3 Series M models enhance already impressive strength to dazzling degrees. The M340i sedan uses a 3.0L 6-cylinder engine combined with a mild electric starter for crisper acceleration. This mighty motor exerts 386 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque as it accelerates from 0-60 MPH in just 4.4 seconds.

Full Throttle M Models

As you’ll soon see, power can always be amplified. In fact, remarkable strength is a signature of the BMW 3 Series, particularly with the M Series. Each of the different M series trims caters to sports car enthusiasts who need adrenaline.

Trim
Horsepower
Acceleration (0-60 MPH)
M340i/M340i xDrive386/386 HP4.4/4.1 sec.
M3473 HP4.1 sec.
M3 Competition503 HP3.8 sec.
M3 Competition xDrive523 HP3.4 sec.

Each 3 Series model delivers heart-pumping thrills that make driving the highlight of your day. Once you rev the engine and launch forward, you’ll be eager to command the pavement with authority.

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TECHNOLOGY

BMW 3 Series

Since drivers of luxury sports sedans relish time spent on the road, you’ll want to know that your BMW will keep you informed, engaged, and safe, mile after mile. The 3 Series delivers, with many innovative and intuitive technologies.

Cutting-Edge Infotainment

Even its first-level 330i trim proves that the base model of the 3 Series is far beyond basic. Its standard iDrive 8.5 Operating System and BMW Curved Display include:

  • 14.9-inch Central Information Display
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™
  • BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant
  • Wireless device charging
  • Cloud-based Navigation with OTA updates

Plus, the My BMW App enables you to use your smartphone to lock/unlock doors, check tire pressure, fuel, and battery levels, and find nearby POI (points of interest). Additionally, the available Head-up Displayprojects driving information, such as speed and navigation, directly onto the windshield, making it safer to stay in the know without taking your eyes off the road.

State-of-the-Art Safety

Speaking of safety, BMW takes this crucial area as seriously as you do, which is why every 3 Series model features a wide range of intuitive driver-assistance systems. With the available Active Driving Assistant package, you’ll benefit from:

  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Traffic Jam Assistant
  • Evasion Aid
  • Frontal Collision Warning with City Collision Mitigation
  • Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go

The optional Parking Assistance Package provides additional active features, including Surround View with 3D View, so you’ll have even more peace of mind every time you get behind the wheel. Plus, it will help you look like a parking pro by locating suitable spots and then automatically steering your 3 Series into and out of the space—completely hands-free.

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BMW 3 Series vs. The Competition

BMW 3 SeriesAudi A5

The Audi A5 starts and stops with its standard 2.0L 4-cylinder engine. The BMW 3 Series takes it further, with available M power and a performance-tuned 8-speed transmission. Its larger, curved display continues to define the segment, despite Audi’s nod with a curved display of its own. From raw capability to digital command, the 3 Series leaves the A5 behind.*

Quick Facts
3 Series
vs
A5
523 HPMAX HORSEPOWER268 HP
8-speed automaticAVAILABLE TRANSMISSION7-speed automatic
12.3 in./14.9 in.INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/ CENTER TOUCHSCREEN11.9 in./14.5 in.
BMW 3 SeriesVolvo S60

Luxury sports sedans come with certain expectations. You expect a certain level of performance. You expect bigger, better standard amenities. In short, you expect more. When comparing the BMW 3 Series and the Volvo S60, one model not only meets those expectations, but it also exceeds them. It won’t take long to see that you get more with the 3 Series.*

Quick Facts
3 Series
vs
S60
255 HPSTANDARD HORSEPOWER247 HP
StandardMULTI-COLOR AMBIENT LIGHTINGNot Available
StandardWIRELESS CHARGINGNot Available
BMW 3 SeriesMercedes-Benz C-Class

Although the BMW 3 Series and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class can go toe-to-toe in many areas with only minor distinctions separating them, there are a few in which their vast differences become quite apparent. Looking closely at both models, you’ll note that the 3 Series clearly takes the lead to stand head and shoulders above the C-Class.*

Quick Facts
3 Series
vs
C-Class
StandardHEATED EXTERIOR MIRRORSNot Offered
StandardCLOUD-BASED NAVIGATIONAvailable
14.9 in.CENTER TOUCHSCREEN11.9 in.

The BMW 3 Series: Better Than Ever

BMW 3 Series

There’s a lot of perseverance involved in being the original, the one that first paved the way for others to follow. Certainly, it’s not easy being an icon, unless the first is also the best. Many discerning drivers in Eatontown, Long Branch, and Asbury Park, NJ believe that one is the BMW 3 Series.

If you’d like to find out firsthand if this celebrated luxury sports sedan lives up to its legendary status, contact the team at Circle BMW to schedule your test drive. You’ll soon enjoy an elevated driving experience behind the wheel of this pre-eminent “Ultimate Driving Machine™.”

All of the tools you need to move forward with experiencing a new BMW 3 Series for yourself are conveniently available right here online.


* Most accurate information used at the time of posting.