Used 2019 BMW 3 Series

Just when the competition thought it was safe to get back in the water, along comes the 2019 BMW 3 Series Sedan touting a new design with an old-school attitude. Getting back to its roots as a driver’s car first and foremost, the new 3 Series features a more powerful standard engine and a new suspension. BMW says pricing will be nearly identical to the outgoing 2018 3 Series, and that’s only counting the 330i models, which are first out the gate. Later on, the M340i lineup will debut as 2020 models, promising even more thrills. Oddly, BMW is still behind the 8-ball when it comes to some high-tech features, making things like Apple CarPlay and blind-spot monitoring optional instead of standard.

BMW’s all-new 3 Series Sedan returns to its roots, delivering brilliant handling with a new engine that strikes a nice balance between brute power and fuel efficiency. Given its additional three inches in length, long hood and wide stance, the 3 Series is playful and surprisingly agile. The new 2.0-liter twin-scroll turbocharged engine increases horsepower by seven, but more important it adds 37 additional lb-ft of torque. Mated to a superb 8-speed Sport Steptronic automatic transmission, the 330i takes less than 6.0 seconds to rocket to 60 mph. Power delivery comes on smooth but steady, reminding us of the way a BMW motorcycle delivers its power. The standard suspension employs what BMW calls “lift-related” mechanical shock absorbers that are basically able to control shock dampening without the assist of fancy (and sometimes expensive) electronics. In testing, our 330i M Sport ripped through the curving mountain roads of Portugal like it was riding on rails. The M Sport trim, by the way, is a must-have upgrade, adding an M Sport suspension, a thick-grip sport steering wheel, 19-inch wheels and lumbar support for the sport seats, among other goodies. A $700 Adaptive M suspension brings those advanced electronic controls we were talking about earlier, allowing the 3 Series to enjoy even greater differentiation among its Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus driving modes.

Clean and elegant, the interior of the new 3 Series is hardly revolutionary. In other words, it is typical BMW. Soft-touch surfaces abound, as do intelligent touches like proper knobs and switches where needed. A large 8.8-inch touch screen linked to BMW’s iDrive controller handles the rest of the in-car functions and features. Seating is firm and supportive and we especially like the sport seats in the M Sport version. Thanks to its elongated body, the 3 Series finally has a back seat fit for tall adults. Trunk size has increased to 17 cubic feet and can be expanded via the 40/20/40-split-folding rear seat.

The 2019 BMW 3 Series Sedan gets a more noticeable exterior, although its overall shape is still a familiar one. A more aggressive hood and front-end treatment keep the 3 Series relevant. The body is nearly three inches longer compared to the outgoing model, yet the chassis is now 25 percent more rigid and 124 pounds lighter. The front and rear track are also wider, and the 3 Series retains its near 50:50 front-to-rear weight distribution that helps it handle so well. M Sport models are easily identified by their additional exterior add-ons including high-gloss trim around the kidney grille, rear diffuser and windows, as well as larger 19-inch alloy wheels.

M SPORT TRIM
A must for the driving enthusiasts, the M Sport takes a good-driving car and makes it great. Upgrades to the base 3 Series include Variable Sport Steering, 19-inch wheels with performance tires, blind-spot warning, fog lights, cornering lights plus unique exterior and interior treatments including sport seats with M-specific upholstery.

TWIN-SCROLL 2.0-LITER TURBO
BMW’s latest engine employs a twin-scroll turbocharger, direct gasoline injection plus variable-valve and Double VANOS variable-camshaft timing to produce an impressive 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The engine is smooth, responsive and efficient, devoid of turbo lag or surge.

The 2019 BMW 330i comes with a long list of expected creature comforts, yet is missing items like Apple CarPlay and a full set of driver assists now standard on most competitors. The most basic Sport Line trim includes LED headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels, power-folding/heated side mirrors, 14-way-power front seats, 10-speaker audio with prewiring for satellite radio, iDrive controller and 8.8-inch touch-screen interface, Bluetooth, a rearview camera, 3-zone automatic climate control, a power moonroof and rain-sensing wipers. Standard driver assists include front-collision warning with pedestrian and bicycle detection, low-speed emergency braking plus lane-departure warning and adaptive cruise control.

Packages bundle the best 3 Series options where you’ll find such necessities as an upgraded audio system with Apple CarPlay compatibility, navigation, a head-up display, leather seating, blind-spot detection, Extended Traffic Jam Assist, automatic parallel-parking assist, park-distance control, automatic high beams, a surround-view monitor, laser headlights, a heated steering wheel, 12.3-inch configurable digital cockpit and a Harman Kardon audio system. An available Track Handling Package adds an M Sport differential and M Sport brakes. BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive is available on all trims.

The 2019 BMW 3 Series is powered by a 2.0-liter twin-scroll turbocharged 4-cylinder engine mated to an 8-speed Sport Automatic transmission. Power is routed to the rear wheels (RWD), but BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive (AWD) is optional. For now, no word on manual-transmission or diesel-engine options, but next year the M340i will debut with a 382-horsepower straight-6.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 (330i, 330i xDrive)
255 horsepower @ 5,000-6,500 rpm
295 lb-ft of torque @ 1,550-4,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 26/36 mpg (RWD), 25/34 mpg (AWD)

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 (330i xDrive Gran Turismo, 330i xDrive Sports Wagon)
248 horsepower @ 5,000-6,000 rpm
258 lb-ft of torque @ 1,250-4,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 23/33 mpg (AWD)

3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 (340i xDrive Gran Turismo)
300 horsepower @ 5,800-6,000 rpm
300 lb-ft of torque @ 1,300-5,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/29 mpg (AWD)