Straddling the thin line between being luxuriously bold and being practically mild is the 3 Series Sedan from BMW Philippines. Neither a large sedan, nor a compact sedan, the 3 Series Sedan fills in that gap which separates its higher end cars from its more pocket-friendly offerings here in the Philippines for a much wider choice. Subtle, yet sexy lines and moldings embellish the 1 Series Sedan, and that same perfectionist German Engineering attitude continues through the inside as well. Being able to set four people, with extra spaces for those travel-essential things, the 3 Series Sedan gets the nod for being family-friendly. Powered by a triad of engine choices for the most discerning Pinoy automobile enthusiasts – a 2.0L and a 3.0L with petrol and diesel options, encased in a body shell that radiates an extensively well-thought-out array of trim variants to choose from (with some trims having the EfficientDynamics and/or the xDrive options), the 3 Series Sedan surely is one to blend in perfectly with the modern-day Filipino lifestyle. Sporty yet subtle, luxurious yet humble.
Platform, Chassis and Powertrain
The current 3 Series is under the G20 chassis code of BMW. This designation is the nameplate's 7th generation and was also offered in a variety of body styles in other countries. BMW based the G20 on its Cluster Architecture (CLAR) platform, which uses high-strength steel and aluminum. The predecessor to the G20 generation is the F30. The car occupies the compact segment and its wheelbase measures in at 2,851 mm for standard variants. Its length comes in at 4,709 mm, width at 1,827 mm, and height at 1,422 mm. Suspension is provided for by a set of MacPherson struts in the front and a multi-link suspension in the rear, damped by a set of hydraulic shock absorbers. The underbody of the 3 Series is also covered, which greatly improves its aerodynamics. BMW also engineered the 3 Series to have a 50:50 weight distribution and up to a 50% increase in body rigidity.
Power is provided for by a 2.0-liter BMW TwinPower Turbo inline-4 cylinder gasoline engine that pushes out 156 hp and 250 Nm of torque mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission with Steptronic.
Technology Features
The tech features available in the BMW 3 Series Sedan cater to the needs of the modern driver. Ambient lighting enhances the mood for nay drive, as well as an interior rear-view mirror with auto-dimming or anti-dazzle function. As for the infotainment system, the 318i variants come with an 8.8-inch infotainment system with BMW's famed Drive system. Utilizing a dial and a touch screen for flexibility, the 3 Series houses one of the more intuitive head units of its class. The screen is complemented by a 5.1-inch instrument cluster. Connectivity options for the 3 Series include Bluetooth and USB. On top of that, other features include an automatic tailgate, park distance control for the front and rear, a rearview camera, and a follow-me-home function for the headlights.
For driver aids and comfort features, you get an engine start/stop function, brake energy regeneration, comfort access system, cruise control will automatic braking, driving experience control, steering wheel controls, a parking assistant, and BMW's Servotronic system.
Exterior
The 3 Series is available with the Sport package of BMW, and that includes the Sport Line body kit, which presents an upscaled but sporty look. Automatic headlights are standard, as well as LED headlights with extended contents, LED foglights, and LED taillamps. The sedan rides on 18-inch alloy wheels wit ha V-spoke design wrapped in run-flat tires.
Interior
The interior of the 318i is spacious and features BMW's sport seats with Sensatec upholstery. Black high-gloss finishes also adorn the interior, along with velour floor mats for added luxury. The steering wheel is also leather-wrapped, as are the key touchpoints of the car like armrests and door cards. The driver and front passenger both get electronic seat adjustment with a memory function for the driver. There is also a 3-zone automatic climate control that has a zone for the driver, front passenger, and rear passenger. Ambient lighting also enhances the atmosphere in the car, further adding to the experience.
Safety
Safety-wise BMW has fully-equipped the 3 Series with the latest features. This includes driver and front passenger airbags, side airbags, head airbags for the front and rear passenger, side impact protection, ABS, an engine immobilizer, Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC with extended contents, a crash sensor, and ISOFIX tethers for child seats.
BMW 3-Series Sedan Variant and Pricelist
View our pricelist table and select a variant to view further specifications.
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BMW 3-Series Sedan Specifications
Key specifications & features of the BMW 3-Series Sedan. View engine specs, dimensions, safety and technology features in our full variant pages.
Body Type
Sedan
No. of seats
5
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Transmission
Automatic
Max Output (HP)
156 HP @ 4,500 rpm - 374 HP @ 5,500 rpm
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive
All-Wheel Drive
Wheel Size
17 in - 18 in
Airbags
6
ISOFIX
Available
Front Parking Sensors
Available *Depending on variant
Rear Parking Sensors
Available
Connectivity
Aux, Bluetooth, USB, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
*Depending on variant
Asian Carmakers Corporation (ACC), the official importer and distributor of BMW in the Philippines, is offering an exclusive service package for BMW E46 (3 Series) owners.
It was in 1975 when BMW gave the world the 3 Series at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt, Germany. 6 generations later, it's now their best-selling model in history. So to cele...
