2012 BMW 3 Series Baltimore

Check out our New BMW 3 Series Inventory in MD

New for 2012, a six-speed automatic transmission, previously available for an added cost, is now a no-cost option for 3 Series models. The all-wheel-drive 328i xDrive coupe gains standard 17-inch wheels fitted with all-season tires. For all versions, BMW Applications, a feature that allows a variety of iPhone applications to run through the iDrive system, is an option. The BMW 3 Series is available in sedan, wagon, coupe and retractable-hardtop convertible body styles with room for five or four people depending on the model. The BMW 335i delivers a special mix of sporting performance, practicality and European luxury in a compact package. Te 2012 3 Series includes the 328 and turbocharged 335 models, and represent BMW's bread-and-butter model.

2012 BMW 3 Series Design

 The new BMW 335is features a modified front end without fog lights to allow more air intake. Along the sides, it gets lower aero skirts. The rear features a unique bumper, black chrome exhaust tips, additional air ducting, and a black lower diffuser. The diffuser's shape helps air flow over the rear axle. The 328 features a long hood and short front overhangs. Coupes and convertibles have different front and rear styling touches. The 335is has a unique front air dam with larger air intakes. The 3 Series Sport Wagon is identical to the sedan from the center roof pillar forward. Rearward, its roofline tapers slightly all the way to the rear of the car, while the bottom line of the rear windows tapers upward slightly, creating a teardrop shape. Roof rails are standard on the wagon, and its rear gate opens electrically, with a switch on the key fob or dashboard. The rear glass opens separately, which is convenient for quickly loading lightweight items.

Handling of the 2012 3 Series

Two gasoline engines are available for the 2012 335: a 300-horsepower, single-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder for the 335i and a 320-hp, twin-turbo 3.0-liter for the 335is. The twin-turbo for the 335is can temporarily boost torque to 370 pounds-feet from 332 for more power. The 328's engine is a naturally aspirated 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder. BMW's xDrive permanent all-wheel-drive system, available in all but the 3 Series Convertible, greatly enhances all-season capability. xDrive delivers most of the power to the rear wheels most of the time, maintaining the sporting feel associated with rear-wheel drive, but it's great for getting the 3 through the worst winter slop without dramatics. Braking is excellent in all 3 Series models. The large brake calipers and rotors deliver more clamping force than most competitors. And thanks to BMW's electronic management, the brake pads move within a hair of the rotors if the driver suddenly releases the gas pedal, even if the driver hasn't yet considered slamming on the brakes.

Inside the '12 3 Series

2012 BMW 3 Series sedans seat five, but there's room for only four in the coupe and convertible. The iDrive system, available only with an optional navigation system, is BMW's latest version, revamped with better graphics, more shortcut keys and improved menu functionality.  The BMW 3 Series cabin takes the best of several ideas first applied in the larger 5 Series and 7 Series models, synthesizes them for a smaller car and improves them in the process.There are subtle interior differences in the models across the 3 Series lineup. The coupe, for example, has different instrument script and a third wood trim option not offered in the sedan. But the essentials, including dashboard, console and front seats, are the same across the four body styles. The dashboard has a pronounced horizontal format, with more community and less driver orientation than previous 3 Series cars. There are actually two dash designs. The standard setup has a single bubble, or hood, over the gauge cluster, while the optional navigation system is installed in a dash that accommodates it with a second hood in the center.

3 Series Trim Levels 2012

The 2012 BMW 3 Series models come standard with automatic climate control, a climate-controlled center console, a choice of aluminum or different wood interior trims, heated windshield washer nozzles, rain-sensing wipers, a power moonroof, 10-speaker AM/FM/CD, and Dynamic Cruise Control. Vinyl upholstery is standard with leather optional.

The BMW 328i sedan is powered by a 230-hp 3.0-liter inline-6. The 328i xDrive sedan adds xDrive permanent all-wheel drive. A 6-speed manual comes standard, and most models are offered with a 6-speed Steptronic automatic.

The BMW 335i sedan and 335i xDrive sedan feature a turbocharged version of the 3.0-liter inline-6, delivering 300 horsepower. The 335i models come with power front seats with memory and Logic 7 audio.

Conclusions

Safety features include front-impact airbags that deploy at different rates depending on the severity of impact, front passenger side-impact airbags and full-cabin, curtain-type head protection airbags. The convertibles add knee airbags that help keep front passengers from sliding under the seat belts. Active safety features, designed to help the driver avoid collisions, include Dynamic Stability Control and the latest generation antilock brakes. The ABS preloads the brake pedal when the driver suddenly lifts off the gas pedal, and includes a feature that lightly sweeps the brake discs dry every 1.5 seconds when it's raining. For more on this model, visit the official BMW 3 Series website!

Some information for this review was obtained from NewCarTestDrive.com