https://www.edmunds.com/bmw/3-series/2017/review/rating
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by Dan Frio
Edmunds Editor
edmunds expert review
The 2017 BMW 3 Series should be near the top of the list for shoppers wanting a
compact luxury sport sedan. Whether enjoying its blend of features and refinement or
putting its smooth optional engine to the test, you’ll be impressed. It runs in a crowded
class, but the 3 Series is one of the best.
BMW practically invented the compact luxury car decades ago, and today’s 3 Series
advances that heritage. It’s the best-selling car in its class, and for good reason. Few
can match its artful blend of performance and refinement, though that doesn’t stop them
from trying. In either sedan or wagon style, the 3 Series makes few compromises. It‘s
simultaneously comfortable and sporty, compact without being confining, and its
engines are fuel-efficient and powerful. It’s a truly fantastic all-rounder with no significant
flaws.
what’s new
For 2017, a new four-cylinder engine in midlevel 3 Series models results in a name
change (last year’s 328i is now the 330i) and a slight power bump. The M Sport
package is now standard on 340i models, although the Sport or Luxury package can be
substituted at no additional cost. Wireless device charging and Apple CarPlay
integration are new stand-alone options, and the 3 Series’ iDrive infotainment interface
is upgraded to the latest version.
we recommend
If cost is no obstacle, we’d take a 340i with the Technology package. It’s got a dreamy
smooth six-cylinder engine, an elegant, advanced infotainment system and, for good
measure, a wonderful sound system. That said, the 330i packs good punch from its
turbo four-cylinder and delivers many desirable features when equipped with the Tech
and/or Premium bundles. If driver aids and safety are a top priority, also check the
boxes for the Driver Assistance or Driver Assistance Plus packages.
trim levels & features
The 2017 BMW 3 Series is available in sedan and wagon body styles. (The 3 Series
Gran Turismo hatchback is reviewed separately, as are coupe and convertible models
collectively known as the BMW 4 Series.) Sedans come
in 320i, 328d, 330i, 330e and 340i trim levels with standard rear-wheel drive. All-wheel
drive (called xDrive) is optional on all but the 330e plug-in hybrid. The wagon is
available only in 330i xDrive and 328d xDrive trims. The 320i is the cheapest way into a
3 Series, but it lacks many standard and optional creature comforts. Best to start at the
330i.
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The 320i starts with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (180 horsepower, 200
pound-feet of torque) and a choice of a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic
transmission. Standard feature highlights include 17-inch wheels, remote locking and
unlocking, push-button start, automatic wipers, dual-zone automatic climate control,
premium vinyl upholstery, BMW Assist emergency telematics, Bluetooth connectivity,
the iDrive infotainment interface, a 6.5-inch display and a nine-speaker sound system.
The 330i has a more powerful 2.0-liter engine (248 hp, 258 lb-ft of torque) as well as
power-adjustable front sport seats, power-folding and heated side mirrors, auto–
dimming mirrors, paddle shifters for automatic transmission-equipped models, driver-
seat memory functions and split-folding rear seatbacks.
The 328d and 330e sedans come similarly equipped. Both also use a turbocharged 2.0–
liter four-cylinder engine paired only to the eight-speed automatic, but the 328d engine
uses diesel fuel and generates 180 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. The 330e engine takes
conventional gasoline but is augmented by an electric motor for a combined 248 hp and
310 lb-ft of torque.
The 328d and 330i wagons are equipped like the sedans and also come with a
panoramic sunroof, roof rails, a power liftgate and the eight-speed automatic
transmission.
Finally, the 340i sedan has a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine (320 hp and 330
lb–ft), the contents of the Premium package (see below), LED headlights, keyless entry
and ignition, a sunroof and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system (optional on
most other models). The M Sport package (see below) is also standard, but its contents
can be replaced by those from the Sport or Luxury packages.
There are several option packages for the 2017 3 Series. In our opinion, the main ones
to look out for are Premium and Technology as they further equip the 3 Series with a
host of desirable convenience and tech-oriented extras. Other popular picks include the
Track Handling package (improves handling) and the two Driver Assistance packages
that add many advanced driver safety aids.
trim tested
Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions, although trim levels share many
aspects. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2016 BMW 328i
xDrive sedan (2.0L 4-cyl. turbo; AWD; 8-speed automatic). NOTE: Since this test was
conducted, the 328i has received some revisions, chief among them a new name (now
330i) and a boost of 8 horsepower and 3 pound-feet of torque. Our findings remain
broadly applicable to this year’s 330i.
Edmunds Scorecard
Overall
4.5 / 5.0
Driving
5.0 / 5.0
Steering
4.5 / 5.0
Handling
4.5 / 5.0
Brakes
5.0 / 5.0
Acceleration
4.0 / 5.0
Comfort
5.0 / 5.0
Seat comfort
Ride comfort
Noise/vibration
Interior
4.5 / 5.0
Getting in/out
4.0 / 5.0
Quality
5.0 / 5.0
Ease use
4.5 / 5.0
Driving position
5.0 / 5.0
Utility
4.5 / 5.0
Cargo space
3.5 / 5.0
Small items storage
3.5 / 5.0
Technology
4.5 / 5.0
Audio nav
5.0 / 5.0
Voice control
3.5 / 5.0
Smartphone
4.0 / 5.0