Review Spec Price and Manual

The 2012 BMW 3 Series is a mid-size executive car built since 1975 and is currently in its fifth generation. It’s BMW’s most popular model to date and for years has been the benchmark for rivals to match in the executive class. Today the car is available in Sedan, Coupe, Convertible and Touring wagon bodystyles, as well as a high-performance M3 guise.

While overseas the BMW 3-Series is available with a range of four-cylinder gasoline and diesel units, in the U.S. the base model comes with a six-cylinder gasoline unit. Space in the 3-Series is adequate for four adults, although a fifth can be squeezed in should the need arrive. Pricing in this segment is very competitive, with the 3-Series starting from $33,150. This puts it on par with rivals like the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, which starts at $33,600 and Infiniti G37 at $33,250. Another rival, the Audi A4 starts at just $31,450, but its base model only comes with a four-cylinder engine.

The first generation 3-Series, the E21, was launched in 1975 but didn’t arrive in the U.S. until 1977. It served as the replacement for the 2002 and was originally only available as a two-door and with four-cylinder engines. The first BMW straight-six in the 3-Series didn’t arrive until 1977.
 Driver aid Dynamic Stability Control will help you keep out of trouble, while six airbags will help you out if you don’t. Run-flat tyres will do exactly what they say on the tin to enable you to travel up to 150 miles at 50mph should your car suffer a puncture. The 3-series also benefits from BMW’s Active Steering which, in the event of understeer being detected, corrects the car. It achieved a full five star rating following its EuroNCAP crash test.

Air conditioning, CD player, foglights, onboard control, keyless entry and Start/Stop button control all come as standard. The model we drove also features sports suspension, shortened gearshift, illuminated door handles , cruise control, rear parking sensors and superb sports seats.