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The BMW 3 Series is a compact executive car produced by the German automaker BMW since May 1975. It has been the company's best-selling model, accounting for around 30% of the BMW brand's annual total sales. The 3 Series has won numerous awards throughout its history, including "Car of the Year" titles from multiple automotive publications. In this article, we will discuss the unique features of used BMW 3 Series cars, specific features of the five most popular BMW 3 Series trims, five reasons why a used BMW 3 Series is a great purchase, and popular alternative cars in the UK.
Unique Features of Used BMW 3 Series Cars
Rear-Wheel Drive: One of the unique features of BMW 3 Series cars is that they have rear-wheel drive. This configuration gives the car a more dynamic and engaging driving experience, as the rear wheels are responsible for propelling the car forward. It also allows for better weight distribution, which can improve handling and performance.
TwinPower Turbo Engines: Most BMW 3 Series cars come with a TwinPower Turbo engine, which provides a balance of power and efficiency. The turbocharger increases power output while improving fuel efficiency, resulting in a car that is both fun to drive and economical.
Sporty Design: BMW 3 Series cars have a sporty design that is both sleek and aerodynamic. The car's low profile and aggressive lines give it a powerful presence on the road, while the long hood and short overhangs give it a classic look that is instantly recognizable.
Luxurious Interior: BMW is known for its high-quality interior design, and the 3 Series is no exception. Used BMW 3 Series cars often come with leather seats, a premium sound system, and other luxury features that make the driving experience more comfortable and enjoyable.
Advanced Technology: BMW 3 Series cars are packed with advanced technology features, such as a heads-up display, adaptive cruise control, and a touchscreen infotainment system. These features make driving safer and more convenient, while also enhancing the overall driving experience.
Dynamic Stability Control: BMW 3 Series cars come with Dynamic Stability Control, which helps keep the car stable and under control in adverse driving conditions. This feature uses sensors to detect when the car is about to lose traction, and then applies the brakes and reduces engine power to help keep the car on the road.
BMW ConnectedDrive: BMW ConnectedDrive is a suite of connected car services that allow drivers to stay connected and informed while on the road. This feature includes real-time traffic updates, weather reports, and remote access to vehicle functions.
Efficient Dynamics: BMW's Efficient Dynamics technology is designed to improve the car's fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. This technology includes features such as regenerative braking, auto start-stop, and low rolling resistance tires, which work together to make the car more eco-friendly.
Specific Features of Popular BMW 3 Series Trims
BMW 320d SE: The BMW 320d SE is one of the most popular BMW 3 Series trims in the UK. It comes with a 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo diesel engine that produces 190 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque. Other features include LED headlights, a 6.5-inch infotainment system, and a 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat.
BMW 330i M Sport: The BMW 330i M Sport is a sporty trim that comes with a 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo petrol engine that produces 258 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque. Other features include a sport-tuned suspension, M Sport brakes, 18-inch alloy wheels, and a leather-wrapped M Sport steering wheel.
BMW 330e: The BMW 330e is a plug-in hybrid that combines a 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo petrol engine with an electric motor. It has a total system output of 292 horsepower and 420 Nm of torque, and can travel up to 37 miles on electric power alone. Other features include a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.25-inch infotainment system, and a Harman Kardon surround sound system.
BMW M340i: The BMW M340i is a high-performance trim that comes with a 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo petrol engine that produces 374 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque. Other features include M Sport suspension, M Sport brakes, 19-inch alloy wheels, and a sport-tuned exhaust system.
BMW 330d xDrive: The BMW 330d xDrive is an all-wheel-drive trim that comes with a 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo diesel engine that produces 265 horsepower and 580 Nm of torque. Other features include a sport-tuned suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels, and an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Reasons to Buy a Used BMW 3 Series
Performance: The BMW 3 Series is known for its outstanding performance, with responsive handling and powerful engines that provide a thrilling driving experience. Even used models can offer impressive acceleration and handling that make driving fun and exciting.
Reliability: BMW has a reputation for building reliable cars, and the 3 Series is no exception. With proper maintenance, a used BMW 3 Series can provide many years of trouble-free driving.
Luxury: The BMW 3 Series is a luxurious car that offers a high-end driving experience. Used models often come with features such as leather seats, premium sound systems, and advanced technology that provide a comfortable and enjoyable ride.
Value: The BMW 3 Series is a popular car, which means that there are often many used models available on the market. This can make them more affordable than other luxury cars, while still offering the same level of performance and luxury.
Resale Value: BMW 3 Series cars have a strong resale value, which means that they hold their value well over time. This can make them a smart investment for those who are looking for a car that will retain its value over the years.
Popular Alternative Cars to the BMW 3 Series in the UK
Mercedes-Benz C-Class: The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a compact executive car that offers a comfortable ride and a luxurious interior. It is a popular alternative to the BMW 3 Series, with similar performance and features.
Audi A4: The Audi A4 is a premium compact executive car that offers a stylish design and advanced technology features. It is known for its comfortable ride and high-quality interior, making it a popular alternative to the BMW 3 Series.
Jaguar XE: The Jaguar XE is a compact executive car that offers a sporty design and engaging driving experience. It is known for its sharp handling and powerful engines, making it a popular alternative to the BMW 3 Series for those who value performance.
Lexus IS: The Lexus IS is a luxury compact executive car that offers a smooth and comfortable ride. It is known for its reliability and high-quality interior, making it a popular alternative to the BMW 3 Series for those who prioritize comfort and reliability.
Volvo S60: The Volvo S60 is a premium midsize sedan that offers a luxurious and comfortable driving experience. It is known for its advanced safety features and eco-friendly engines, making it a popular alternative to the BMW 3 Series for those who prioritize safety and sustainability.
In conclusion, the BMW 3 Series is a compact executive car that offers a thrilling driving experience, luxurious features, and advanced technology. Used models can provide a high-end driving experience at a more affordable price point, and the car's strong resale value makes it a smart investment. With rear-wheel drive, TwinPower Turbo engines, sporty design, luxurious interior, advanced technology, Dynamic Stability Control, BMW ConnectedDrive, and Efficient Dynamics, the BMW 3 Series is truly the ultimate driving machine. However, for those looking for alternatives in the UK, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4, Jaguar XE, Lexus IS, and Volvo S60 are all popular options that offer their own unique features and advantages.
A Short History of the BMW 3 Series
The BMW 3 Series is a compact executive car produced by the German automaker BMW since May 1975. It was introduced as the successor to the BMW 02 Series, and has since become the company's best-selling model, accounting for around 30% of the BMW brand's annual total sales.
The first generation of the BMW 3 Series, known as the E21, was introduced in 1975. It was available as a two-door sedan or a two-door coupe, and was powered by four-cylinder engines ranging from 1.6 to 2.0 liters in displacement. In 1977, a six-cylinder engine was added to the lineup, and in 1980, a diesel engine became available.
The second generation of the BMW 3 Series, known as the E30, was introduced in 1982. It was available as a four-door sedan, a two-door coupe, a two-door convertible, and a five-door wagon. The E30 was notable for its improved aerodynamics, which reduced drag and improved fuel efficiency. It was also the first BMW to feature the now-iconic "kidney" grille.
The third generation of the BMW 3 Series, known as the E36, was introduced in 1990. It was available as a four-door sedan, a two-door coupe, a two-door convertible, and a five-door wagon. The E36 featured improved suspension and handling, as well as a wider range of engines, including a six-cylinder engine that produced up to 240 horsepower.
The fourth generation of the BMW 3 Series, known as the E46, was introduced in 1998. It was available as a four-door sedan, a two-door coupe, a two-door convertible, and a five-door wagon. The E46 was notable for its improved safety features, including side airbags and stability control. It was also the first BMW to feature a 330i model, which had a 3.0-liter engine that produced up to 225 horsepower.
The fifth generation of the BMW 3 Series, known as the E90/E91/E92/E93, was introduced in 2005. It was available as a four-door sedan, a two-door coupe, a two-door convertible, and a five-door wagon. The E90 was notable for its improved fuel efficiency, with some models achieving up to 68 mpg. It also introduced the first BMW M3 with a V8 engine, which produced up to 420 horsepower.
The sixth generation of the BMW 3 Series, known as the F30/F31/F34, was introduced in 2011. It was available as a four-door sedan, a five-door wagon, and a four-door "Gran Turismo" hatchback. The F30 was notable for its improved technology features, including a larger infotainment screen and a heads-up display. It was also the first BMW to feature a hybrid model, the 330e.
The current generation of the BMW 3 Series, known as the G20/G21, was introduced in 2018. It is available as a four-door sedan and a five-door wagon. The G20 is notable for its improved performance, with the M340i model featuring a 3.0-liter engine that produces up to 382 horsepower. It also features advanced technology features, such as adaptive cruise control and a digital instrument cluster.
Throughout its history, the BMW 3 Series has won numerous awards and accolades, including "Car of the Year" titles from multiple automotive publications. It has become known as the ultimate driving machine, offering a thrilling driving experience, luxurious features, and advanced technology. With over 45 years of history behind it, the BMW 3 Series continues to be a popular and iconic car in the UK and around the world, and it shows no signs of slowing down. With each new generation, BMW has continued to innovate and improve upon the 3 Series, making it one of the most beloved and respected cars on the road today.