2012 BMW 3 Series Sedan: Video Road Test and Review

The BMW 3 Series sedan was completely designed for the 2012 model year in order to help it maintain its dominance over the entry-level luxury four-door segment. The BMW 3 Series is offered in two distinct trim levels, with each offering a wide variety of comfort and convenience options as well as the kind of dynamic handling and above-average acceleration that have come to define the sport sedan.

The BMW 328i represents the most affordable edition of the automobile, starting at an MSRP of $34,900. The BMW 328i leaves the factory with a 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine between the front fenders that can be counted on to produce 240 horsepower and 255 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard with the 328i, but buyers can also choose to equip the sedan with an eight-speed automatic. Fuel economy for the latter gearbox is rated at 24-mpg city and 36-mpg highway, thanks in part to an automatic engine start / stop feature.

Inside, the BMW 328i offers dual automatic climate control, imitation leather seats, the iDrive vehicle interface and the ability to control the sedan’s suspension, throttle and steering response via the Driving Dynamics Control system. As with all BMW 3 Series sedans, front, front side and side curtain airbags are included free of charge, as are front knee airbags.

Opting for the BMW 335i (MSRP $$42,400) swaps in a 3.0-liter, turbocharged six-cylinder engine that churns out 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque. Transmission choice remains the same for the more robust edition of the BMW 3 Series sedan, but fuel economy falls somewhat to 23-mpg city and 33-mpg highway. A sunroof, HID headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels and power front seats become standard with the 335i.

A number of interesting options are available with the BMW 3 Series sedan, including three new ‘style’ lines that are intended to offer additional visual personality and subtle changes to trim and equipment levels: Luxury, Sport and Modern. Available features that can be added to the 3 Series include an automatic parking system, a navigation system and a head-up display. All-wheel drive can also be paired with either engine choice.

A list of cars similar to the 3 Series Sedan include the 2012 Mercedes Benz C Class, 2012 Audi A4 and 2012 Infiniti G Sedan.

See more details about the 2012 BMW 3 Series Sedan.