New vs old BMW 3 Series: what are the top 5 differences?

By Martin Pretorius

 

BMW knows very well not to tamper with a winning recipe, which is why the evolution of the 3 Series happened in gradual steps through the years. Of course, it’s a very different car to what it was three or four decades ago, but the differences between successive individual generations were never all that dramatic. The latest 3 Series represents a major step forward over its predecessor, however, so we decided to highlight some of the improvements over the old one.

 

1. Revised and retuned engines and drivetrains

While the basic engine selection remains fundamentally the same as before, the new (G20-generation) 3 Series features enough detail mechanical changes to almost qualify as all-new. Take the 320d as an example: it’s still a 2.0-litre turbodiesel as before, but the turbo setup has been upgraded to a twin-turbo arrangement to reduce lag and ensure a wider operating range. Combined with a new-generation version of the excellent ZF 8-speed automatic gearbox, it performs better but drinks a little bit less.

Electronic re-tuning and hardware upgrades realise extra performance in the petrol engines as well, while fuel efficiency is also improved across the board. At the top of the (non-M) range, the M340i will feature heaps of extra power, as well as all-wheel drive – a first for any South African-market 3 Series. 

 

2. Loads of new technology

By the time the old (F30-generation) 3 Series ended its production run, its competitors had caught up in the technology stakes. Digital dashboards and semi-autonomous driving abilities have become de rigueur, and even BMW’s ConnectedDrive suite wasn’t really all that unique anymore.

For the new G20, BMW invested heavily in developing new user interfaces and sharper digital displays. They also added their most-advanced driver aids, making the new 3 Series a car which can almost drive itself. In fact, the newly designed digital dashboard leaps right to the front of its class, and new drivetrain tech makes the new car both better to drive and more efficient. 

 

3. It’s bigger than before

It’s almost a given that a model will grow as each new generation is introduced – in fact, this has been a consistent theme throughout the model evolution of the BMW 3 Series from the beginning. The new car doesn’t break this trend: it’s longer and wider than before (albeit with a millimetre or so lower roofline), and it rides on a longer wheelbase.

Most of the benefit from this growth is reflected in the rear seating area, where passengers are now greeted with ample cabin space and extra room in which to move around. In fact, the latest 3 Series is edging very close to the overall dimensions of a 1990’s era 5 Series – but then again, the 5 Series has had its own growth spurts as well...

 

4. Sharpened handling

It’s not only the bodyshell which has grown bigger than ever. Under the skin, the G20’s footprint is significantly larger, thanks to substantial increases in its track width, both front and rear. Not only do these increases improve cabin space, but they also improve the 3 Series’ handling balance.

The engineers also spent a lot of time refining the suspension geometry, steering response, and spring- and damper tuning, leading to the most dynamically-adept 3 Series in many years. Even without the optional M Sport suspension or (equally optional) adaptive dampers, the G20 3 Series rides more comfortably, but also elevates its handling prowess to the point where the 3 Series once again deserves its reputation as a proper driver’s car.

 

5. Increased refinement

With the F30-generation, BMW’s engineers changed their development focus somewhat, sacrificing some ultimate sportiness to increase comfort levels. The new G20 builds on that foundation, and takes the concept a few steps further. Not only is the ride comfort better than ever, thanks to clever multi-stage dampers and redesigned subframes, but the cabin is also quieter ever before. 

Detail refinements such as acoustic glass and more-extensive noise insulation contributes to this improvement, along with a stiffer body (leading to fewer resonances) and fully-encapsulated engines. The combined effect is so profound that even the diesel engine becomes all but inaudible inside the car.

 

Quieter and more comfortable, smoother to ride in but better to drive, high-tech yet easier to live with, stronger on performance yet more frugal at the pumps: the new 3 Series really improves on its predecessor in every way. Its future sales success is guaranteed – and well deserved, too!