(6th of 7 vehicles)
If you regard driving as both an "act" and an "art," you'll enjoy the 3 Series. After 35 years, BMW's volume model remains the defining example when consumers reference a &
As good as the 3 Series is, it's not for everyone. With rear-wheel drive, the handling on dry pavement is more balanced, but less secure when roads are wet, icy or snow-covered. And that same comm
BMW has been playing this particular game – sport sedan, coupe, convertible and (if you will) sport wagon – about as long as anyone. To that end, they have reduced handling to an absolute science, with all driver inputs – steering, throttle and braking – perfectly executed, unless "driver error" rears its ugly head. A balanced platform, communicative steering, composed ride and ach du lieber braking serve as the benchmark in the 3 Series' competitive segment. Of course, the various powertrains all deliver s
Read the Full 2012 BMW 3 Series Review
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why ads?Based on 15 Ratings for the 2012 - 2013 models.
Review this carBy jessesrq (FL) on Monday, March 11, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 1,000
overall rating 9 of 10rating detailsPros: "fit and finish, engine, transmission, brakes"
Cons: "standard audio, start/stop, option prices"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
"After driving VWs, Volvos, Acuras, and one Mercedes, I finally decided to "step up" to a BMW. So far I have no regrets. First, the bad: The F30 3-series is a little softer than previous generations, with a bit more roll in the corners even in my Sport Line model. The lumbar support does not hit my back perfectly. The start/stop is a bit rough. The standard sound system is a bit weak. The good: The 8-seed transmission is brilliant, so intuitive that I hardly use the paddle shifters. The drive modes are useful. In EcoPro mode on the highway I average 36 MPG. In Sport mode, the car is a blast. (I cannot even see the need for the 335i's bigger engine.) The electronics are comprehensive, mostly intuitive, and entertaining. The more I drive the car, the more I discover thoughtful details that make BMWs special, and by their absence, make other cars feel like appliances. Advice: Pay a bit more for the Sport Line, Modern or Luxury trim lines. The car feels a bit cheap inside without the thicker steering wheel, metal trim bits, and upgraded seats from the optional lines."
13 people out of 14 found this review helpful
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By Henry (TX) on Saturday, March 09, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 100,700
overall rating 10 of 10rating detailsLikely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
"I've had this car since new. And I love it still. Comfort and Convenience fall short because, well... it's a sports car."
1 person out of 2 found this review helpful
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