Relentless progress at the core of the BMW brand.

Update for the global best-seller in the premium midsize class. 

For almost 50 years now, the BMW 3 Series has represented the core of the BMW brand. It epitomises sporty driving pleasure in the premium midsize class and has made significant contributions to design, driving dynamics and technological innovations in this segment time and again across its seven model generations. The character of the current-generation BMW 3 Series has likewise provided a case study in unwavering progress at work. The extensive revisions already introduced for model year 2022 in the areas of design, powertrain, digitalisation and equipment will now be followed up with a fresh package of updates that take the cars’ visual appeal and cutting-edge modernity to new levels. New chassis tuning further enhances the balance between sporting potency and comfort. And when it comes to digitalisation in the new BMW 3 Series Sedan, BMW Operating System 8.5 provides the basis for extremely intuitive and comfortable operation – via the upgraded BMW iDrive with QuickSelect – and for extended navigation functions including Augmented View.

These new technological advances are accompanied by precise design modifications for the exterior and interior. New exterior paint finishes and light-alloy wheels accentuate the aura of sporting elegance radiated by the Sedan and Touring. In the interior, the newly designed steering wheels and instrument panel, plus sophisticated equipment features such as the CraftedClarity glass applications, deliver driving pleasure in an ambience of premium modernity.

The new BMW 3 Series Sedan will be launched worldwide with a production phase-in in July 2024, with local (South African) availability from the fourth quarter of the year. 

BMW 3 Series is the market leader in the premium segment of its class.

The most important sales markets for the new BMW 3 Series are China, Germany, Great Britain and the other European countries, as well as the USA. 

The BMW 3 Series has embodied driving pleasure, elegantly sporty design and sustained technological progress ever since its debut in 1975. It therefore encapsulates the brand’s hallmark features in particularly concentrated form. More than 20 million examples of the BMW 3 Series have been sold around the world to date, with the current, seventh model generation now accounting for almost three million of these alone. Indeed, recent figures showed the BMW 3 Series to be the market leader in the premium segment of the midsize class in China, Europe and the USA. As things stand, one in every eight vehicles delivered by the brand worldwide is a 3 Series. And in some markets, the share of the total BMW sales accounted for by the 3 Series is as high as 25 – 35 per cent. 

One of the standout features of the BMW 3 Series range is the wide variety of power units available to customers. The Sedan can be specified in South Africa with the existing range of one diesel and three petrol engines including the range-topping M Performance models with a six-cylinder in-line engine. The 3 Series sales chart is headed by the BMW 320i Sedan. Around three quarters of the globally available Sedan variant are delivered with a petrol engine. 

A host of awards confirm the appeal of the BMW 3 Series.

Alongside its enduring popularity in car markets around the world, the BMW 3 Series has also amassed a steadily increasing number of prestigious awards decided on by juries and readers’ polls. In 2023 the BMW 3 Series earned both a class win in the “Auto Trophy” awarded by readers of German motoring magazine “Auto Zeitung” and victory in the “Best Cars“ competition conducted by fellow German title “auto, motor und sport”. And the Sedan and Touring (not offered in South Africa) also collected a series of distinctions in markets beyond Germany in recognition of their dynamic qualities, reliability and advanced equipment features.

An unwavering commitment to carbon footprint reduction.

Highly efficient drive systems, intelligent lightweight design and optimised aerodynamic attributes are key contributors to the fine balance between driving pleasure and low fuel consumption and emissions struck by the new BMW 3 Series. The 48V mild hybrid technology used in certain models both sharpens power delivery and enhances efficiency. The bonnet, front side panels, engine subframe, front spring struts and numerous chassis components are all made from aluminium. The proportion of secondary raw materials used in cast aluminium parts for the BMW 3 Series is around 50 per cent. And the aluminium wheel rims offered are made up of as much as around 70 per cent recycled aluminium.

Exterior design, interior and equimpent. 

Progressive aura, refined ambience. 

More than ever, sporting elegance and modernity define the design of the new BMW 3 Series Sedan and new BMW 3 Series Touring. In the current model generation, their driving pleasure-focused character is expressed in clear lines and generously sculpted surfaces. The sophisticated design of the BMW kidney grille and twin circular headlights – both signature brand features – gives the front end an unmistakable appearance. Eye-catching front and rear aprons underscore the cars’ dynamic profile, which can be further accentuated by specifying the optional M Sport package or M Sport package Pro.

The BMW 3 Series can now also be ordered with new exterior paint finishes and light-alloy wheels to add an extra touch of individualisation. In the interior, the progressive aura of the cockpit with BMW Curved Display is further enhanced by new steering wheels, visual modifications for the instrument panel and modernised decorative elements. Seat surfaces in the new M Performtex variant come as part of the M Sport package.

Fresh design updates enhance the sporting elegance of the exterior.

The spectrum of exterior colours available for the new BMW 3 Series Sedan comprises two solid and seven metallic paint finishes. New additions to the range include Arctic Race Blue metallic and Fire Red metallic.

The selection of optional light-alloy wheels also welcomes attractive new arrivals. Cars specified with the M Sport package will be available with new 19-inch M light-alloy wheels in double-spoke design, giving their side view an even more dynamic appearance. Customers can order these wheels in either a Jet Black finish or a bi-colour variant. Meanwhile, the BMW Individual range also includes new 19-inch light-alloy wheels in Y-spoke design and a bi-colour finish. All the new light-alloy wheels are fitted with mixed-size tyres.

Progressive cockpit with new sports leather steering wheels.

Advanced new features have also been introduced in the interior, which help to give the cockpit a clean and pared-back look. Newly designed steering wheels add further intensity to the driving experience. The progressive premium character of the cars is also showcased by high-quality materials and new interior trim elements. The optional instrument panel Luxury in Sensatec has a further refined surface structure and decorative stitching in a contrasting colour.

The new BMW 3 Series Sedan come as standard with the latest-generation steering wheels featuring a fundamentally redesigned sports leather steering wheel with a polygonal rim in two-spoke design. The M Sport package brings a new M leather steering wheel with three spokes, a flat-bottomed rim and a discreet centre marking in the 12 o’clock position. Both of the newly designed steering wheels have illuminated multifunction buttons and gearshift paddles. Fitted as standard, the paddles enable particularly swift manual interventions in the gear selection process and underscore the sporting profile of the new BMW 3 Series.

Digital climate control, selectable light moods.

The introduction of the latest-generation BMW iDrive with QuickSelect based on BMW Operating System 8.5 also brings optimised operation of the ventilation and climate control functions. An operating concept focussed squarely on touch control and natural language enables a further reduction in the number of physical buttons and controls in the cockpit. Temperature selection, intensity of ventilation, seat heating and – if specified – steering wheel heating can now be adjusted on the BMW Curved Display or by voice command with the help of the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. New adjustment controls for the air vent grilles in the centre of the instrument panel and on the driver’s and front passenger side of the cockpit allow the intensity and direction of airflow to be adjusted using rotating and tilting movements.

The interior lighting now includes cascade lighting integrated into the trim around the central seam vents as standard. It can be adjusted for colour and brightness according to personal preference, with users able to select from nine colour worlds. Their choice of colour and brightness settings are stored as part of their profile. If the ambient lighting is specified, the individually adjustable light mood also extends to the front footwells, the storage compartment in the front section of the centre console and the contour lines of the door panel trims. The functionality of the interior lighting also includes an atmospheric Welcome and Goodbye Animation and light signals indicating an incoming phone call and optionally also an open door.

New seat surfaces in M Performtex.

As an alternative to the black cloth seat surfaces fitted as standard, the new BMW 3 Series Sedan can also be ordered with sport seats in Sensatec perforated. These are available in Black, Tacora Red or Cognac. The optional Vernasca leather trim is now offered in four colour variants.

The black surfaces of the sport seats in new M Performtex trim embody progressive sporting appeal. They are included in the M Sport package or as part of standard equipment for the M Performance models. This innovative velours covering combines high material quality and a sporty design with low weight and a sustainability-optimised production method. Cars with the M Sport package and the M Performance model can also be ordered with sport seats and M sport seats in Vernasca leather with black surfaces and blue contrast quilting.

New interior trim elements, exclusive accents with CraftedClarity.

Extensive revisions have also been made to the range of interior trim elements. Dark Graphite matt comes as standard in the new edition of the BMW 3 Series.

The use of extremely high-quality materials also allows distinctive touches to be included in other areas of the interior to enhance its modern premium character. For example, customers can now specify CraftedClarity glass applications – another new addition to the options list. These give the gear selector lever, BMW iDrive Controller and Start/Stop button a particular air of exclusivity, both visually and in how they feel to the touch.

Extensive standard equipment, high-quality options.

Standard specification for the new BMW 3 Series Sedan includes M High-gloss Shadow Line, a rear-view mirror with automatic anti-dazzle function and the Parking Assistant including Park Distance Control (PDC) with sensors at the front and rear. Also fitted as standard are three-zone automatic climate control and BMW Live Cockpit Plus with the fully digital BMW Curved Display including the BMW Maps navigation system.

Among the highlights on the list of individual options allowing customers to adapt the interior to their requirements and tastes are – alongside sport seats and ambient lighting – the Harman Kardon surround sound system, pre-heating, an electrically operated glass roof for the Sedan and a panoramic glass sunroof for the Touring model.

Powertrain and driving experience.

Greater electric range for plug-in-hybrid models and improved ride comfort. 

With a choice of three petrol and one diesel engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology – including an exceptionally powerful six-cylinder in-line unit for the M Performance models – the new BMW 3 Series Sedans come equipped with an eight-speed Steptronic transmission as standard, complete with shift paddles on the steering wheel for quick manual interventions in the gear selection process.

The various engines available for the BMW 3 Series produce outputs ranging from 135 kW up to 285 kW for the six-cylinder in-line petrol engine found under the bonnet of the M Performance models. The six-cylinder in-line petrol unit and all diesel engines come with mild hybrid technology for more dynamic power delivery and greater efficiency. To this end, their 48V starter generator puts an extra 8 kW on tap.

Chassis offers an even better blend of sportiness and comfort.

The chassis technology of the new BMW 3 Series also benefits from rigorous development work. Both the Sedan and Touring variants have always set the standard for driving dynamics in their respective segments. The blend of sporting flair and ride comfort for which the BMW 3 Series is renowned has now been further refined across all model variants with a series of targeted updates. The stiffer mounting connecting the rear dampers to the body is just one of the measures used to achieve this.

Thanks to these relentless development endeavours, drivers will enjoy a notable increase in comfort across all driving situations – regardless of the road surface conditions and the selected driving mode – without any loss of the customary 3 Series dynamic prowess. This also has a positive impact on acoustics when the car is handling peak forces triggered by the road surface. As a result, its handling exudes even greater overall precision, composure and controllability. The force needed to turn the steering wheel has also been reduced in Comfort mode to achieve superior steering comfort in everyday driving.

Available as an alternative to the standard variant is the M Sport suspension included as part of the M Sport package. Adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers and variable sport steering is also available on models with the M Sport package.

Advanced assistance systems for driving and parking.

A wide selection of assistance systems enhance comfort and safety when driving and parking in the new BMW 3 Series Sedan and new BMW 3 Series Touring. The front collision warning system with brake intervention, Cruise Control with brake function and the new Intelligent Speed Assistance function are some of the features that come as standard. The standout optional extra is the Driving Assistant Professional package comprising the Steering and Lane Control Assistant and Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go function, plus automatic Speed Limit Assist, route speed control, traffic light recognition, the Evasion Assistant, Crossroads Warning with city braking function, Wrong-way Warning and Front Crossing Traffic Warning.

Besides Park Distance Control, the standard Parking Assistant also enables automated manoeuvring into and out of parking spaces, as well as featuring a Reversing Assist Camera and the Reversing Assistant. There is also the option of the Parking Assistant Plus with Surround View and Remote 3D View functions.

The M Performance models in the new BMW 3 Series range. 

Elite sporting models with a distinctive character. 

The sporting character of the new BMW 3 Series can be experienced in a highly concentrated format with the range-topping Performance model from BMW M GmbH. Featuring a powerful six-cylinder in-line engines, a bespoke chassis set-up and signature M design cues both inside and out, the distinctive personality of these elite sporting models clearly shines through in both the driving experience and their looks. And there is now a new steering wheel and new seat upholstery to freshen up the cockpit.

The M Performance model from the new 3 Series is available with a petrol with a displacement of 3.0 litres and endowed with M‑typical performance attributes. Its healthy appetite for revs and instantaneous power delivery are the result of the latest M TwinPower Turbo technology – which is tailored individually to each engine – and 48V mild hybrid technology, whose output of 8 kW produces an electric boost effect. The straight-six power unit is partnered by an eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission with an ultra-sharp shift action. The BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive system is also on hand as standard to enhance agility and traction.

The six-cylinder in-line petrol engine in the BMW M340i xDrive Sedan generates maximum output of 285 kW and peak torque of 500 Nm. M Sport suspension with variable sport steering, the M Sport differential and M Sport brakes are also included as standard to deliver the blend of dynamic longitudinal and lateral performance, precision and exhilaration at the wheel for which M models are renowned.

Individual look with M-specific design features.

The performance capabilities of this elite athlete is clearly flagged by M‑specific design features crafted to meet technical requirements in terms of aerodynamics and cooling air supply. These include the large air intakes in the front apron, along with the M exterior mirror caps in Black high-gloss and the rear apron with its prominently styled diffuser. The BMW M340i xDrive Sedan also sports a body-coloured M rear spoiler.

A mesh-design BMW kidney grille, exclusive 19-inch M light-alloy wheels and trapezoidal exhaust tailpipe trim further add to the individual appearance of the range-topping sporting quartet.

Modern sports car ambience in the cabin.

Inside the M Performance models, M-specific equipment details help to deliver a focussed driving experience in a modern sports car ambience. M Sport seats covered in Vernasca leather come standard.

A new version of the M leather steering wheel dials up the intensity of the performance experience with its flat-bottomed rim, red centre marker and contrast stitching in BMW M GmbH colours. Interior trim strips in the new Aluminium fine-brushed finish, M door sill trim, M pedals, an M driver’s footrest and M-specific graphics for the BMW Curved Display are further standard features that help to imbue the flagship sporting models with their distinctive personality.

Display and control/operation system, connectivity. 

The new BMW Operating System 8.5 and innovative digital services. 

The latest version of the BMW iDrive display and control/operation system with QuickSelect is fitted in the new edition of the BMW 3 Series Sedan and BMW 3 Series Touring, enabling vehicle functions to be controlled intuitively and providing access to digital services. It is now based on BMW Operating System 8.5 and features a new-look home screen and QuickSelect rapid-access tech, bringing an improved menu structure that takes its cue from consumer electronics devices.

Working in tandem with the BMW Curved Display and BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, the new BMW iDrive is geared even more rigorously to operation using touch control and natural language. The climate control functions, including the seat heating and – if fitted – the steering wheel heating, are also now controlled digitally.

BMW iDrive with QuickSelect allows functions to be selected directly from the home screen with rapid-access tech.

The BMW iDrive home screen now continuously displays the navigation system’s map view in a large format or another individually selectable view. The system’s QuickSelect functionality also paves the way for a flatter menu structure, enabling the driver to select the desired function directly from the home screen without any need to enter submenus.

On the driver’s side of the control display, there is a bar of widgets for accessing e.g. media or phone functions that can be navigated by swiping vertically. Swiping a widget horizontally then displays additional related information and settings options. The widget bar can be customised by installing new widgets, removing existing ones or changing their arrangement.

And the home icon at the lower edge of the control display makes it possible to return to the home screen from any application with a simple tap of the finger. Icons for direct access to the climate control menu, All Apps menu and, if activated, Apple CarPlay^® and Android Auto^TM can also now be found next to the home icon.

Enhanced navigation with BMW Maps and Augmented View.

The BMW Maps navigation system forming part of the standard BMW Live Cockpit Plus in the new 3 Series range makes it easier to input destinations and can offer additional information while driving. Further new features include better usability of filters, a flatter menu structure with touch buttons shown directly on the map view and proactive route recommendations.

The optional BMW Live Cockpit Professional adds not only the BMW Head-Up Display, but also the Augmented View function. This supplements the navigation system’s map display by showing a live video stream of the driver’s view on the information display or control display and augmenting it with contextual real-time information. At confusing junctions, for instance, an animated directional arrow is integrated into the video image to help the driver take the best turn-off for the planned route.

Individual user experience with the BMW ID and My BMW App.

The arrival of BMW Operating System 8.5 makes it even easier to personalise the user experience in the BMW 3 Series by simplifying the process for linking the vehicle with the BMW ID and My BMW App. Customers initially sign in to the vehicle with their BMW ID by scanning a QR code with their smartphone. The personal user profile is then imported automatically. Synchronisable settings are loaded and the key detected in the vehicle is associated with the BMW ID.

At the same time, the vehicle is added to the My BMW App – the universal interface that serves as a gateway to BMW’s digital ecosystem. It provides information on the vehicle’s status, its remaining range and any servicing and maintenance requirements. Depending on the car’s specification, it also enables access to various remote functions, such as locating the vehicle or locking and unlocking the doors. The optional Remote 3D View function gives drivers the ability to call up a three-dimensional live image of their vehicle’s immediate vicinity on their smartphone.

Besides this, the My BMW App also lets users send destination addresses from their smartphone to the vehicle’s navigation system for route planning, or access the online BMW ConnectedDrive Store where upgrades and additional functions for the new BMW 3 Series can be initiated, purchased or extended over the air. The “My Trips” feature including Efficiency Trainer and monthly review provides the user with valuable data and evaluations for distance travelled, consumption and average speed, as well as offering helpful tips for driving efficiently.

BMW M Performance Parts. 

Distinctive additions express the passion for motor sport. 

The BMW 3 Series epitomises driving pleasure in the premium segment of the midsize class. In addition to the M Sport package and M Sport package Pro available from the factory, the products included in the BMW M Performance Parts range offer further scope for bringing even greater dynamic appeal to the appearance and driving properties of all the model variants.

These model-specific retrofit options from the Original BMW Accessories list were developed using the proven expertise of BMW M GmbH in motor sport. The specific aerodynamics and exterior components for the new BMW 3 Series Sedan underscore the dynamic aura of the two models, as do the light-alloy wheels in the BMW M Performance Parts line-up.

Munich. The new BMW 3 Series Sedan is picking up more speed on its way to its market launch in the first half of 2019. The BMW M GmbH is now presenting an extremely dynamic model variant of the new sports sedan. The BMW M340i xDrive Sedan (combined fuel consumption: 7.5 l/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions: 172 g/km*) is powered by a newly developed straight six-cylinder petrol engine with 275 kW. Together, high engine performance, M-specific suspension technology and intelligent four-wheel drive provide for outstanding driving dynamics that are unparalleled in the midsize segment. The exceptional sporty character is underscored by model-specific design and equipment features. The Los Angeles Auto Show (30 November – 9 December 2018) will serve as the setting for the world premiere of the BMW M340i xDrive Sedan. The market launch will commence in the USA in July 2019, followed by Europe in July. South Africa will follow from September 2019.

Acceleration, cornering dynamics, agility, precision, braking – the BMW M340i xDrive Sedan is setting new benchmarks in all areas relevant to driving dynamics. It makes consistent use in particular of the vehicle concept of the BMW 3 Series Sedan, which is oriented towards sporting driving pleasure and comprises a low centre of gravity, optimised weight, well-balanced axle load distribution as well as increased body rigidity and uprated suspension mountings. Moreover, the suspension technology and aerodynamics are precisely tuned to the new power unit’s high performance characteristics. In addition, the M Sport suspension, variable sports steering, an M Sport differential, the M Sport brake system and 18-inch M light alloy wheels with mixed tyres are all standard equipment features for the BMW M340i xDrive Sedan.

Straight six-cylinder engine with superior power development and characteristic sound.
The power plant developed for the BMW M340i xDrive Sedan raises the vehicle’s characteristics in areas of performance, response, revving power, running smoothness and efficiency, so typical of BMW straight six-cylinder engines, to a new level. The 3-litre engine features an aluminium crankcase and an aluminium cylinder head. The turbocharging system, which was constructed according to the TwinScroll principle, has also been redeveloped. The integration of the compact steel exhaust manifold and turbocharger effectuates rapid boost pressure development. A mass moment of inertia reduced by around 25 percent enhances turbine response and a wide opening, electrically controlled waste gate contributes towards better emission values. Fuel supply is performed by means of High Precision Injection technology, the injectors of which now operate at an injection pressure increased to up to 350 bar. The current version of M TwinPower Turbo technology is complemented by fully variable valve control VALVETRONIC and variable camshaft control Double VANOS.

The drive technology, which has been extensively redeveloped and numerous details of which have been completely renewed, provides the six-cylinder with an increase in output by 35 kW to 275 kW vs. the most powerful engine previously used for the BMW 3 Series, as well as an increase in maximum torque by 50 Nm to 500 Nm. As a result, the car has also clearly gained in sporting prowess. The BMW M340i xDrive Sedan completes the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds – half a second faster than the top-of-the-range model of the previous generation of the BMW 3 Series Sedan.

Power development and speed increase are accompanied by the characteristic sound of the straight six-cylinder engine, which has gained additional presence thanks to the M Sport exhaust unit. Above all in the SPORT and SPORT+ modes, which can be activated via the Driving Experience Control switch, the valve-controlled exhaust system generates a particularly distinctive sound. The sound development that accompanies the engine’s dynamic power delivery is also intensively perceptible inside the BMW M340i xDrive Sedan. The dual-pipe M Sport exhaust system is fitted with two petrol particulate filters, enabling the BMW M340i xDrive Sedan to meet the requirements of the Euro 6d-TEMP emissions standard. Combined fuel consumption is 7.5 litres per 100 kilometre* and CO₂ emissions are172 grams per kilometre.*