Bmw 3 Series 4dr Sdn 320i Rwd South Africa Review
The Car Connection Skilful Review
Editor
June 13, 2016
Likes
- Superb handling and dynamics
- Powerful and efficient engines
- Elegant cabin design
Dislikes
- Bromidic engine notation with 320i and 328i
- Relatively tight rear seat
- Some interior trims are visually fussy
Buying tip
features & specs
4-Door Sedan 320i RWD
four-Door Sedan 320i RWD South Africa
4-Door Sedan 320i xDrive AWD
The 2016 BMW iii-Series delivers outstanding performance and comfort in a tastefully understated package.
In two years since spinning off coupes and convertibles from the 3-Series to its own iv-Series nameplate, the venerable BMW 3-Serial has already grown into its peel. The 3-Serial lineup—a pioneer in the luxury meaty segment—is already mature with varied powertrains and body styles, ranging from sedans to wagons—even hatchbacks. Each delivers what the 3-Series always has—driving satisfaction both in everyday driving and on curvy mount roads—yet with meliorate fuel economy than in the past, with about three-Series cars at present returning more than than 30 mpg on the highway if you keep it smooth and responsible.
Exterior design is defined past the archetype proportions of a sports sedan. The hood is lower at the nose, just rises higher than the previous model cheers to pedestrian condom regulations; the cabin is larger and longer; and we especially like how the greenhouse doesn't go pinched by a ascent chugalug line most the tail. BMW gave the iii-Series a few styling tweaks for 2016. Headlights and taillights have been redesigned with even more distinctive signatures when illuminated. Front end and rear fascias were likewise reshaped.
The cabin is spacious for those in the front seat, and there'south plenty of room for cargo, but space in the rear seat is even so a scrap tight for adults. Mod interior design makes good employ of compact dimensions, though. Just beware of splashier trim combinations—they can get visually fussy. Often maligned in years past, iDrive has matured into a more usable, if still circuitous, organization, and the available navigation arrangement includes excellent 3-D maps.
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With the same basic turbocharged two.0-liter inline-four equally constitute in the 328i, merely de-tuned to 180 horsepower and 200 pound-feet of torque, the 320i is BMW'due south answer to the Mercedes-Benz CLA Class and Audi A3 sedan. The next stride upwards the ladder is the 328i, rated at 240 hp and 255 lb-ft of torque. The 328d delivers outstanding fuel efficiency with a turbodiesel inline-iv that makes 180 hp.
The 340i replaces the 335i at the top of the standard model's pecking order. Its new turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six produces 320 hp (20 more than the 335i) and 330 lb-ft of torque.
It's not withal available, but BMW has appear the 330e plug-in hybrid with 72 MPGe, 75 mph peak speed on all electricity, and xiv-mile range in total electric mode—or a 5.nine-2nd 0-to-threescore mph fourth dimension.
Rear-wheel drive is standard on all sedan models, with available all-wheel drive. An 8-speed automatic transmission is standard, but BMW offers a 6-speed manual as a no-cost pick for 320i, 328i, 340i, and 340i xDrive models.
A 3-Serial delivers balanced handling and dynamics regardless of body style or drive type, but sedans with rear-wheel bulldoze have a slight edge. It's of import to note that the iii-Series isn't every bit abrupt as it in one case was; it has gotten softer and more comfortable, but it'due south still a capable back-road hustler. The 340i is undeniably potent, but the 4-cylinder turbo in the 328i still offers a lot of speed and fuel efficiency, and working to keep its functioning at full boil might make it more fun.
A 3-Serial Sports Wagon is also bachelor; all wagons come with standard all-bike bulldoze, and with 1 of two engines: the same 240-hp unit constitute in the 328i sedan, or the 180-horsepower 4-cylinder diesel for 328d xDrive Sports Carriage.
All 3-Series Gran Turismo models likewise come with standard all-wheel drive. The 328i Gran Turismo uses the aforementioned 2.0-liter inline-four as the 328i sedan, while the 335i Gran Turismo continues to use the 300-horsepower three.0-liter inline-6 from last yr'southward 335i. While Gran Turismos look similar to the 3-Series sedans, they're heavier, have softer suspension settings, and drive quite differently. The upshot is a less sporty but very amusing family motorcar.
The 2016 3-Series sedan was one time again crash-tested past the IIHS, and it failed to meliorate on its "Marginal" rating in the small overlap frontal exam. But the 3-Serial does maintain good occupant-safety ratings, including mostly "Good" ratings from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the federal authorities.
Base prices for the 3-Series tend to exist fairly reasonable, starting in the mid-$30,000s and rising almost to $50,000. Standard equipment is somewhat sparse in the entry-level 320i, though, and nosotros don't imagine you'll find many three-Series cars without a few pricey options on dealer lots. The Sport Line'southward corrective enhancements are at present standard on the 328i, 328d, and 340i, and there are a host of desirable amenities in Luxury, Premium, Common cold Weather, and Technology packages. Commuter Assistance packages are also available. New this twelvemonth is a Track Handling package with sport-tuned steering and suspension, alloy 18-inch wheels, and brakes with distinctive blue calipers.
With six engine choices, two powertrain options and ii different body styles, nailing downwardly the 3-Series' fuel economy is predictably hard to do. The most frugal pick is the 328d turbodiesel powerplant that manages up to 32 mpg city, 42 highway, 36 combined in rear-drive. The thirstiest is the 340i with all wheel drive and a manual that's rated by the EPA at twenty/29/23 mpg. The base 320i in rear-drive with an automatic is rated at 24/36/28 mpg.
2016 BMW 3-Series sedans and wagons provide the quintessential sporty experience, which is somewhat softened in the larger Gran Turismo hatchback.
There's goose egg flashy about the blueprint of the 2016 BMW 3-Series sedans and wagons. Styling is just right: clean, classic, and elegant, with a sporty flair. When compared to iii-Series designs of the past, the current models wait longer and sleeker, with a ascension chugalug line that cuts through the sheet metal alongside the doors and helps visually lower the hoodline. In profile, information technology'due south a refreshing pause from the trendy wedge we're seeing in so many competitors.
BMW slightly revised front and rear fascias for 2016. Headlights and taillights now take a more distinctive signature when illuminated, air intakes are wider, and bumpers have been reshaped. The overall effect is aggressive, but handsome.
There's as well the 2016 3-Series Gran Turismo, a v-door hatchback with significant dimensional differences: almost viii inches longer overall, almost 4 inches longer in wheelbase, and nearly 3 inches taller. Frameless windows, a large hatchback, and a rear spoiler, along with the coupe-like profile, button this model in a new management that appears as one 3rd fastback, one third carriage, and one third crossover. While its shape and canvass metal are unique, it's nonetheless instantly recognizable as function of the three-Serial family.
We like the fact that the dashboard'southward pattern eschews retro cues with a clean, horizontal instrument panel broken only by a freestanding display monitor. Information technology's adorned with elegantly understated aluminum or wood appliqués.
The iii-Series can be equipped with many different trim lines and appearance packages, but try earlier you purchase considering they tend to make a greater difference inside and some combinations tin exist visually startling. The Sport Line, optional last year, is standard on the 328i, 328d, and 340i. There'southward too an M Sport bundle and—new this year—a Track Treatment package notable for brakes with distinctive blueish calipers.
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Expect confident treatment and excellent dynamics regardless of the 2016 three-Series model yous choose.
The BMW 3-Series has long set the performance benchmark for compact sport sedans. That continues to concord true, fifty-fifty as it has become slightly softer and competitors have gotten much better.
The electric current 3-Series lineup offers several turbocharged engine choices. To start, there are two variants of a turbocharged two.0-liter inline-four: it makes 180 horsepower and 200 pound-feet of torque in the entry-level 320i, while rising to 240 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque nether the hood of a mid-range 328i. Horsepower dips to 180 with the 4-cylinder turbodiesel in the 328d, but torque checks in at a healthy 280 lb-ft. Under the hood of the new range-topping 340i is an all-new turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-vi that produces 320 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque. The 335i Gran Turismo retains last yr's 300-hp six-cylinder engine.
Manual transmissions are however widely offered in the 3-Series lineup, rather than being reserved for entry-level or high-finish trim levels. If you prefer a 6-speed manual to an 8-speed automatic, it's a no-toll pick for virtually 320i, 328i, 340i models. (Only the 328i xDrive is automatic-but.) Sport-model automatics come up with special programming for faster shifts, and in sedans with the 8-speed information technology's so skillful out on the racetrack that we might actually cull the automated over the manual.
You don't have to worry about turbo lag with any 3-Series engine. Boost comes on so quickly and seamlessly it's easy to forget they aren't unremarkably aspirated. The engine note, for instance, is just about the only giveaway that a 328i—with peak torque at simply one,250 rpm—isn't powered by a larger-displacement 6-cylinder engine.
You'll get a driving experience that fully lives upward to long-held standards for handling and dynamics whether you lot choose a sedan or a railroad vehicle. The Gran Turismo is more oriented to comfort, though information technology'due south still confident and responsive, and we'd take it over a taller crossover.
The 328i is probably our choice of the lineup for a balance of power, fuel economic system, and sticker price. It works well with an automated transmission, churning out torque in the low-to-mid rev range; with a manual transmission information technology will zip to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. BMW has put tremendous effort into making the 3-Series more fuel efficient, and the EPA rates the 328i at 35 mpg on the highway, when equipped with an automatic.
The approachable 335i wasn't much quicker than the 328i, but the new 340i certainly is with a 0-to-60 mph time in the mid-four-second range. And this isn't fifty-fifty an M3, with its twin-turbocharged three.0-liter inline-half dozen making 425 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. A special M-DCT dual-clutch gearbox and Active M Differential make a dreamy pair on the rail, but we can't aid only think we'd rather take the precise-shifting manual for ours.
All 3-Series cars now become an electric ability steering system that loads and unloads nicely, and gives y'all—when you finally reach the three's impressive limits of grip—a piffling feedback from the road. We'd only wish for a better sense of the roadway surface earlier you arroyo those limits, which is what the hydraulic steering provided. A premium variable sport steering option permits easier parking along with sharper treatment past altering the ratio mechanically, fugitive the digital transitions that tin brand electric ability steering systems frustrating.
Driving Dynamics Control is included for the entire iii-Serial lineup. With a rocker switch that's right beside the driver's knee, you can toggle between Eco Pro, Comfort (default), Sport, and Sport+ modes. With Sport, yous get sharpened steering response, delayed shift points, and such, while Sport+ allows more than sideslip from the stability control.
BMW offers a diverseness of sport-tuned options that can add together seriousness, if non outright punch, to the lesser cars. At that place's an available M Sport package that drops ride height for sedans by 0.iv inches, firms up springs and dampers, and includes larger anti-roll confined forth with larger 18- or xix-inch M alloy wheels. A new Track Handling package for gasoline-powered models includes variable sport steering, the Adaptive M Sport suspension and brakes with distinctive blue calipers. While these packages do offer improvements you lot tin feel, they aren't necessary if y'all're looking for good ride quality combined with satisfying, crisp command for all but serious runway utilise.
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The 2016 BMW 3-Series wagons and Gran Turismo provide more utility, but the sedans have practiced trunk infinite, likewise.
Although its dimensions have grown considerably in recent years, the 2016 3-Series is nevertheless very much a compact sport sedan. That ways you'll find plenty of space up front, where a wide range of adaptability enables nigh anyone to find a comfortable position—this is true whether you choose the base seats or upgraded Sport seats with extending thigh bolsters and stronger side bolstering. The rear seat is a different story. While in that location's now enough space for adults, and information technology's fine for brusque trips around boondocks, taller passengers will yet come up brusk on leg room.
We'd similar a wider body opening, but space is proficient, and with the right selection package you lot can move your foot under the rear bumper to open the body when your hands are total. The Sports Wagon provides much more utility, and offers an appealing compromise for agile families who desire an engaged driving experience and a good mensurate of practicality.
The Gran Turismo may expect, simply, like a hatchback variant of the sedan and carriage, merely it's actually a much unlike car with a longer wheelbase, extra height, and interior volume that's nearly midsize. There'southward a college driving position, and while rear-seat passengers gain several inches legroom they likewise see limited headroom thanks to a sloping roofline—a blueprint chemical element that as well restricts space in the rear cargo area.
In all variants of the 3-Series, you get the latest version of iDrive, which uses a controller on the centre console to navigate menus for non-essential functions. It's much more intuitive than earlier versions of the organization, and nosotros don't run into it as a deal-breaker, still you lot'll want to spend some time getting a tutorial at the dealership. What we do like very much, however, is the capacitive bear on pad atop the controller—a absurd feature that allows you to trace out letters, for instance when specifying a destination.
We tin can't fault ride quality in nigh any iii-Series model. Sportier wheel and tire combinations may diminish the isolation you'd experience in a standard 328i with higher-contour tire, just not by much. And that's not something we could say about many iii-Series rivals, where the ride in performance-oriented competitors can get downright harsh. Likewise, though route noise is evident on coarser surfaces, the BMW's motel stays much quieter than many rivals.
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The 2016 BMW iii-Series doesn't take impeccable crash scores, just its bachelor active-safety set helps make upwardly for that.
Whatever 2016 BMW 3-Series should provide good occupant protection in virtually crashes.
Federal safety authorities have given the 2016 iii-Series a five-star overall rating, including four star frontal and five-star side bear upon ratings.
The 2016 BMW 3-Series only managed "Marginal" scores in the IIHS pocket-sized overlap frontal category—corresponding to a higher gamble of injury in such a crash. Nonetheless in almost other exam areas from the IIHS, this model has earned top marks.
In the IIHS modest overlap test, which simulates what happens when the front corner of a vehicle collides with either another vehicle or an object such as a utility pole or tree, sends the vehicle into a five-foot-alpine rigid bulwark at xl mph, lining upwards the vehicle so that the bulwark is struck by 25 percent of the full width of the vehicle.
A host of driver assists are available, only they tend to be optional rather than standard. ADriver Assistance parcel includes a rearview camera and rear parking sensors, while the Driver Assistance Plus package adds a surround-view camera, blind spot monitor, lane deviation warning, speed limit data, and an agile standoff mitigation arrangement.
The 3-Series receives the IIHS "Advanced" rating in front crash prevention, when equipped with the Driver Aid Plus package and its Collision Warning with Urban center Braking role. That packet also adds a surround-view camera, blind spot monitor, lane departure warning, speed limit data, and an active standoff mitigation organization.
A 2016 BMW 3-Series doesn't come cheaply, merely with à la carte options you tin can get what you want without paying for anything you lot don't.
With a starting cost in the mid $30,000s, the entry-level 320i comes with a relatively sparse list of standard features for a premium-brand car. They include automatic headlights and wipers, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth phone and audio, faux-leather SensaTec upholstery, and 17-inch wheels.
Upgrading to the Premium parcel brings leather seats, power front end seats with driver-side retentiveness, satellite radio, keyless ignition, a hands-free trunk lid, a sunroof, and machine-dimming heated mirrors. There are also Common cold Weather, Driver Assistance, and Lighting packages. A Sport package adds features such as eighteen-inch wheels and sport seats, while a new Runway Handling package features an adaptive sport pause, sport-tuned steering, and brakes with blue calipers.
In add-on to a more powerful version of the turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4, the 328i comes with more standard features than the 320i—but the differences aren't notable and option packages are similar. Starting in 2016, Sport Line features are standard starting at the 328i level.
The 340i, with a starting toll in the high $40,000s adds the new turbocharged iii.0-liter inline-half-dozen and lots of standard equipment such as 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, a sunroof, power sport seats, a xvi-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, keyless ignition, and a hands-gratuitous trunk chapeau. You'll even so have to pop for the Luxury package to get leather, though. Cardinal packages include 1000 Sport, Track Handling, Applied science, and Driver Assist or Driver Assistance Plus with a total slate of assists.
The Gran Turismos—328i and 335i—take base of operations prices that range from the high-$30,000s to mid-$40,000s. They tend to mirror the standard and optional equipment found on the 328i and 340i sedans.
Almost options can exist ordered à la card, then cars can be tailored to personal wants and needs—just exist aware that each box you tick sends the MSRP e'er skyward.
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Fuel efficiency is pretty good for sport sedans, there's a highly efficient diesel fuel, and a 330e plug-in hybrid with a projected lxx+ MPGe is slated to make an appearance soon.
The 2016 BMW three-Series delivers enough of performance, just non at an undue cost to the environment. Even the 340i with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six is rated for 33 mpg on the highway, according to the EPA. Things but get better with the lineup'due south other engines, with highway ratings of 35 mpg for the 328i, 36 mpg for the 320i, and 42 mpg for the 328d. What'southward more, with a relatively judicious use of the accelerator pedal, it's frequently possible to achieve these numbers in existent-earth driving conditions.
With six engine choices, 2 powertrain options and two different body styles, nailing downwardly the 3-Serial' fuel economic system is predictably hard to do. The well-nigh frugal selection is the 328d turbodiesel powerplant that manages up to 32 mpg metropolis, 42 highway, 36 combined in rear-bulldoze. The thirstiest is the 340i with all bike drive and a manual that's rated by the EPA at 20/29/23 mpg. The base of operations 320i in rear-drive with an automatic is rated at 24/36/28 mpg.
The entire 3-Series lineup enhances fuel efficiency with a start-end system that shuts the engine off at stop lights; this happens merely when automatics are in drive or manuals are in gear with clutch and brake pedals depressed. A Brake Energy Regeneration system, used in some models, further reduces fuel usage past delaying aggressive alternator usage until you brake. You lot'll also relieve gas with an Eco Pro way that softens throttle response, shifts earlier, and makes accessory functioning more than efficient.
BMW is dropping the ActiveHybrid 3 for the 2016 model year. Information technology will be replaced by a plug-in hybrid called the 330e. According to early ratings from the EPA, the 330e volition manage simply 14 miles of electrical-only ability, 72 MPGe, with a combined rating of 31 mpg.
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