2013 BMW 3 Series

BMW PARKING ASSISTANT
This feature helps you to maneuver into parallel parking spaces by first measuring a potential space's size to be sure the car will comfortably fit, then automatically steering into it. The driver just has to operate the accelerator and brake and keep an eye on the area around the car.

SURROUND VIEW SYSTEM
Cameras in the outside mirrors provide a bird's-eye top view of the area around the car to aid maneuvering in tight spaces, while the selectable Side View function uses cameras in the sides of the front bumper to monitor traffic crossing in front of the car.

BMW calls its 2013 3 Series interior "straight out of the BMW design handbook," meaning an uncomplicated look with tight fits, simple shapes and upscale materials. The cockpit, angled toward the driver by seven degrees, presents important controls within easy reach, and the rear cabin is a bit roomier than before. The four circular dials are speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge and oil temperature – but there's no coolant-temperature or oil-pressure gauge. The console-mounted iDrive controller is handy to both driver and front passenger, and its freestanding central screen boasts a flat-TV-like trans-reflective, high-resolution display.

When BMW's 1977 3 Series replaced the respected but ungainly 2002, its styling was a pleasant surprise. Thirty-six years later, its evolving design has never again surprised, and that's a good thing. Line up all six generations, and the evolution is apparent. Each new 3 Series logically follows the one before it, remaining conservative but contemporary for its time. Even to the casual observer, there is never a doubt what it is. Today's slightly longer and taller model differentiates itself mostly by adding more character lines and creases and visually connecting its headlamps to its signature twin-kidney grille. Similarly, the equally-iconic M3 maintains its long-standing tradition of elevating the 3 Series' athletic looks to the next level by way of distinctive front and rear fascias, quad exhaust outlets, and a wider, more aggressive stance.

Three gasoline engines are offered in 2013 3 Series lineup: A 240-hp 2.0-liter turbo-4 in 328i models, the 300-horsepower 3.0-liter inline turbo-6 (now available in nearly all BMWs) in 335i models, and a potent 414-horsepower naturally-aspirated V8 reserved for the range-topping M3. Each boasts the unique combination of BMW "Valvetronic" fully variable intake-valve lift, "Double Vanos" dual-cam phasing, and direct gas injection. Both turbocharged mills offer a choice of 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic transmission driving the rear or (with newly-available xDrive) all four wheels. A 6-speed manual gearbox or a quick-witted dual-clutch 7-speed automatic is available on M3 models. Unlike its high-performance challenger, the Audi S4, the M3 is not available in all-wheel-drive configuration. The new ActiveHybrid 3 marries a 55-hp electric motor (packaged inside the 8-speed automatic housing and driven by a lithium-ion battery) to the turbo-6 for a combined 335 hp (not the sum of both peak outputs, since both engine and motor can't operate at max power simultaneously).

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
240 horsepower @ 5,000 rpm
255 lb-ft of torque @ 1,250 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 23/34 mpg (manual), 23/33 mpg (automatic)

3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6
300 horsepower @ 5,800 rpm
300 lb-ft of torque @ 1,300 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/30 mpg (manual), 23/33 mpg (automatic)

3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 (hybrid)
335 horsepower @ 5,800 rpm
332 lb-ft of torque @ 1,300 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 25/33 mpg

4.0-liter V8
414 horsepower @ 8,300 rpm
295 lb-ft of torque @ 3,900 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/20 mpg, 13/20 mpg (convertible, manual)

Starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2013 turbo-4-powered 328i sedan is $37,395 (about $2,500 more than the 2012), the 6-cylinder 335i base stickers for $43,695, well-optioned examples can easily approach $60K, and the new ActiveHybrid 3 starts just north of $50K. For xDrive AWD on non-hybrid models, add $2,000. The 2013 BMW M3 coupe begins just over $62,000, while the hardtop convertible commands a hefty $9,000 premium over its fixed-roof counterpart. A comparably-equipped Infiniti G37, Audi A4 or Cadillac ATS will be less expensive, but the BMW badge and image typically return a higher percentage at resale time. The standard 2013 3 Series coupe and convertible models range from about $40K to $62K base MSRP, but keep in mind that those are still on the old 5th-generation platform. To see what others are paying for the BMW 3 Series in your area, be sure to check out KBB.com's Fair Purchase Price at the bottom of this page.

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