In this article:
Who is the BMW 3 Series a good car for?
What is the BMW 3 Series like to drive?
Tech features in the BMW 3 Series
Similar cars to the BMW 3 Series
Is the BMW 3 Series a good car?
The BMW 3 Series nameplate officially arrived in 1975 and is still going strong. With each iteration, the German automaker manages to improve on the last.
Who is the BMW 3 Series a good car for?
The BMW 3 Series is considered a good car for maturer individuals. While certainly the driving assistant systems and performance will appeal to a large portion of the population, the price point does tend to align more with professionals wanting to commute to the office in style and comfort.
Is the BMW 3 Series a good first car?
Offering good safety, reliability and comfort, those fortunate enough to be shopping for a BMW 3 Series as a first car can rest assured that it does make for a good first car.
Is the BMW 3 Series a good family car?
With easy drivability, loads of practicality and being economical, the BMW 3 Series has everything to make it a good family car.
Is there a Hybrid BMW 3 Series?
While at the moment you won't find any hybrid BMW 3 Series models here in South Africa, the automaker has committed to incorporating hybrid technology into the entire BMW product range by the year 2030, and as this plan progresses, we might see a hybrid model launching locally.
View the latest used BMW 3 Series for sale in South Africa>
What’s it like to drive?
The BMW 3 Series has evolved over the years into a vehicle that will tick all the boxes for many motorists. With its range of petrol and diesel motors, the Bavarian marque has managed to achieve a good balance between performance and frugality leaving few wanting for more. Combine this with the latest in semi-autonomous driving systems, and you have a vehicle that appeals to both the sporting enthusiast and the daily commuter.
Reviewers opinion:
"We feel that while it's crammed to the brim with tech, it echoes the driver-orientated approach of the years gone by, something that many felt was lacking from the last few versions of the company's best-selling sedan."
- Chad Lückhoff, AutoTrader.
Read the full BMW 3 Series review >
What does it look like?
Exterior
Interior
What is the BMW 3 Series like inside?
The interior of the G20 BMW 3 Series offers a driver-centric layout with clean lines and opulent trim pieces. You can run your hand over any surface and notice the quality of the materials and fitment. If you option the BMW Infotainment Professional package you will find a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment display in the place where the 8.8-inch screen would have featured.
The system completely transforms the interior into a connected environment with quick access to the vehicle settings or your favourite navigation app via the Apple CarPlay or Android Auto functionality. With this optional package, you won't even have to touch the screen as it features gesture control. Alternatively, you can just say "Hey BMW" to activate the voice control assistant and talk to your car.
Style
Upfront the BMW 3 Series in its current G20 form retains a more conventional kidney-grille layout. It's not too big, nor too small and is still in its horizontal orientation. While the 3 Series remains easily recognizable in its silhouette, it departs from earlier models as it now has more angular design cues in the headlamps and taillamps. The more rectangular taillamps in combination with the slightly flared wheel arches do make the car appear wider and a lot more sporty.
Tech features
- ABS
- Electronic Brake Assist
- Stability control
- Traction control
- Hill-start assist
- 6 Airbags
- Air conditioning
- Multifunction steering wheel
- Hands-free function with USB interface
- Exterior mirror heating
- LED headlights, rear lights with LED technology
- BMW Live Cockpit with high-resolution touch-enabled 8.8-inch Control Display
Price and specs
Which is the cheapest BMW 3 Series?
The cheapest BMW 3 Series is the BMW 318i in base trim - prices usually start from R 697 524
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How much does it cost?
|
BMW 318i |
from R 697 524 |
|
BMW 318i Sport Line |
from R 723 524 |
|
BMW 320i |
from R 731 762 |
|
BMW 318i M Sport |
from R 747 424 |
|
BMW 320i Sport Line |
from R 757 762 |
|
BMW 320d |
from R 774 816 |
|
BMW 330i |
from R 776 876 |
|
BMW 320i M Sport |
from R 781 662 |
|
BMW 320d Sport Line |
from R 800 816 |
|
BMW 330i Sport Line |
from R 802 876 |
|
BMW 320d M Sport |
from R 824 716 |
|
BMW 330i M Sport |
from R 828 976 |
|
BMW 330d |
from R 873 400 |
|
BMW 330d M Sport |
from R 925 500 |
|
BMW M340i xDrive |
from R 1 139 216 |
*Pricing correct at time of publishing and subject to change without notice.
Comparisons.
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