Overview & Reviews

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 9 of 9.00

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  Yikes, that steering - 2017 BMW 3-Series
  By David Parks - October 16 - 12:13 am

  Within twenty seconds of pulling out from the dealership I said, "Whats wrong w/ this car?" It is the steering. Id read about the steering in the car magazines but I had no idea what it would feel like. Its as though someone at the factory forgot some part when putting the steering assembly together. Its just weird. Maybe I might get used to it if I bought the car but I dont want to get used this this. Ive never felt steering like this in any other car Ive owned/driven.

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  Indeed not the Ultimate Driving Machine anymore - 2017 BMW 3-Series
  By DLBedfordNH - April 10 - 4:44 am

  I wasnt even thinking about the BMW 3 series -- I was looking at the GS350 FSport (MT gave it a glowing review!), the Giulia (CRs example seemed to live in the shop from day one), S6 (close to M5 speed but much less expensive), ATS-V, GT350, used Cayman. My goal was to replace my RX-8 R3, mainly because I want to have my family of 5 all fit in the fun car, and the RX-8s constant need to downshift was not fun anymore after 5 trouble-free years. Therefore I quickly ruled out the Cayman, GT350, as well as then ATS-V sedan (kids still need boosters, and most have a very wide bottom). I drove the S6 first. Its such a quick car, the dual clutch was fast and smooth, and the interior was such a nice place to be! However, it is realistically a $78k car with some options, and it did not feel like a $78k car. Then the GS350 FSport -- it drove like a slightly updated version of my 2009 G37 -- little more numb, cool new gadgets to play with, same acceleration, ridiculously difficult to use "mouse" controller. It wasnt even that quiet cruising on the highway, which was supposed to be THE highlight of a Lexus. Then I thought Id go for the M3, but happened to see a 340i xDrive at the same dealer, with a STICK! It was $64k sticker, with red leather, M Sport Trim, bunch of driver aides and tech stuff. Edmunds own long-term 340i seemed to garner mostly positive reviews, so I was excited and tested it. I wont bore you with all the details of the purchase experience, but they knocked $9k off (nobody knows how to drive stick anymore?), decent deal on the RX-8, and made me wait over an hour to "prep and detail" the car. The biggest impressions so far, after about 500 miles: 1. The M Sport steering wheel is VERY nice, looks great (I stare at it far more than the exterior of the car, so exterior styling ranks very low in my book) and feels nice in the hands. 2. The clutch uptake is lazy (I am coming out of an RX-8, so this may not be fair to the BMW, but I hate it). 3. The gearing is wayyy too tall (performance of the manual tested elswhere is quite a bit slower than Edmunds long-term 340i auto), so despite the mountains of low-end torque, it doesnt give you that "kick" on takeoff. 4. The suspension is MAGICAL -- it stays relatively flat in corners but still soaks up bumps well. In contrast, the G37s suspension is firm enough to make the ride uncomfortably busy on New England roads, but does not keep it as flat while cornering. The GS350 is slightly better. Only the S6 is similar. 5. Getting on the gas out of a corner is so much fun, and the AWD system inspires a lot of confidence! 6. The steering is the same for the 340 as the S6 as the GS350. They are all pretty accurate, all very numb, and the "sport" setting just add effort without making it any more accurate or giving it any feedback. I agree with another reviewer here about the huge difference in handling compared to previous generations of BMWs -- I drove a 2009 328 xDrive when it was new (first time driving a BMW), and immediately was knocked over by the handling! I realized what all the fuss was about! 7. Nobody ever compliments the 3 series for how quiet it is inside. In then end, I went for the 340i because it felt like it was at least 80% as capable as the S6, had the same bland handling, had a manual that wasnt available with the S6, so it was a much better value. Again, the ATS-V was out of the question because the back seats are too small for 3 kids with boosters; the Giulia consistently showed major quality issues that will ruin your driving experience (MT had an article about stranding in the middle of an intersection!!!); every other 5-seater had the same boring steering; so, I never thought Id say this, but the BMW was a great value!

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  A great car! - 2017 BMW 3-Series
  By Vartan M - April 13 - 12:36 pm

  This is my first BMW and I am amazed how fast, comfortable and steady it is on the road. It is a pleasure to be on the road!

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  This car rocks -- if you spec it right! - 2017 BMW 3-Series
  By Grimmer1968 - January 3 - 7:51 am

  Weve been driving our new 2017 330i x-drive wagon, with M-Sport package and adaptive suspension, for a few hundred miles now. Its a sheer pleasure. First, the wagon looks gorgeous and is very distinctive with its Estoril Blue color and Coral Red interior. The 250 hp G-48 engine purrs along with a pleasant sound and is very fast. At 90 mph the car is smooth and rock-steady. The ride is a nice balance between comfortable and firm. The safety tech and version 5.0 infotainment features are state-of-the-art. What really brings it all together from a handling and comfort standpoint is the adaptive suspension, which is a no-brainer at $1000. You wont find another wagon nearly this good, and virtually no crossovers and SUVs -- including BMW;s -- compare with the looks and handling.

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  No longer the 3 series - lost soul - 2017 BMW 3-Series
  By JerseyDrew - April 14 - 5:49 am

  If youve driven a previous generation 3 series, and fell in love like I did, this car may disappoint you. My 2011 BMW 328i xDrive wasnt perfect by any means - uncomfortable seats, crappy MPG, and nearly exploded on NJ potholes- but it had a "soul". The steering was weighted perfectly - no gimmicky sport/comfort/ ECO pro mode, brakes had a nice bite, and car always felt confident going twice the recommended speed limit through exit/on-ramps. Throaty inline 6, and I could go on... this new model may appeal to Lexus/Mercedes-Benz owners - shiny, colorful displays, and cool lights. The car is definitely more comfortable to drive around town (softer suspension and electric steering). MPG improved greatly (average +10 mpg compared to older model). Thats all I can say- I guess BMW is trying to appeal to the mass market buyer. Until the 3 goes back to its roots, Im planning on buying an Audi next.

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  Awesome - 2017 BMW 3-Series
  By Dorothy G - December 2 - 1:05 pm

  This is my second 320ix BMW and I love them. They hug the road, pick-up is remarkable, the interior is roomy and the design is the best around, but of course design is subjective. I like the smooth flowing lines of the interior and the classic outside shape. Road noise factor is pretty good but I wish it was better, I like a quiet ride. I like the AWD so I can get around in the snow and ice. Option packages are good but I think a bit pricey. I do wish it took "regular" grade gas and not mid grade for obvious reasons.

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  Overall, good. Problems with hybrid system - 2017 BMW 3-Series
  By Dan O - November 21 - 8:42 pm

  I really love the looks, driving, and performance of this car. Mileage is fantastic with the hybrid system. I can drive to and from work on total electric power leading to a combined MPGe of 68. However, the hybrid system has some issues with cold weather. It often wont allow total electric driving and doesnt show the range available on electric power. Also, the system isnt charging to its full range.

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  SUV? - 2017 BMW 3-Series
  By Cary - September 30 - 5:16 pm

  I had a 2003 Lexus IS300 Sportcross for 13 trouble-free years and despirately wanted to stay with a Toyota product. Unfortunately Toyota has seen fit to make C pillars so big you can easily hide an Escallade in the blind spot and thats just not okay. Reluctantly I jumped ship and leased a 2015 328i Wagon. True to the reviews it was very luxurious and handled well but it was a luxury car... not so much a Sport Wagon. Thanks to an idiot who couldnt see 4,000 pounds 10 feet away and decided to make her left turn anyway I recently found myself back in the market. With no viable options to even consider I leased a 2017 330i Sport Wagon. The specs say its the same size as the 2015 but it drives like a small car instead of a mid-size and feels like a compact sports sedan. Steering is much heavier, turbo-lag is non-existent and it just feels right. Oh yea... and theres a ton of cargo room in the back.

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  Fantastic 340xi - 2017 BMW 3-Series
  By Billmcp - August 14 - 7:39 pm

  I have just had my 340xi a couple of days. Estoril blue, beige interior. The manual transmission is like butter. I even like the rev matching after getting used to it. New I drive is much better than previous versions. Only slight negative is the steering, the feel of my old 2009 328 was better. Every thing else is a definite upgrade. I will update later after more time with the vehicle. Now after 3000 plus miles, the car seems better than ever. I am using the sport mode more that causes the car to respond more like my old 2009. The gas mileage is pretty good at 27 combined. The only negative I have found is sometimes the trunk seems to open by itself, I do not know if it has to do with the sensor for the hands free trunk release or accidentally going off in pocket.