BMW 3 Series 2013-2018: what do you need to know before buying?
The BMW 3 Series remains one of the benchmarks in the compact luxury car category. A majority of consumers today prefer to go with SUVs like the X3 or X5, but for those who prefer a fun-to-drive experience and don't need a large vehicle, the 3-Series is a good choice.
Before used car prices skyrocketed, this BMW was known to depreciate much faster than average - about 55% after five years. If you're on a budget and want to consider an older model, there are a few things you should know. So here's a quick overview of the 2013 to 2018 BMW 3 Series, which is the previous generation (F30)...
Many versions
When BMW redesigned its compact car for the 2013 model year, the designers made sure to make it even more refined than before. It came first in sedan, coupe and convertible formats, as well as four main versions, 320i, 328i, 335i and M3. Most of them offered the all-wheel drive system better known as xDrive.
Several engines could be fitted under the hood, starting with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produced 181 horsepower (320i) or 241 horsepower (328i). There was also a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder producing 300 horsepower (335i) and a 4.0-liter V8 with 414 horsepower (M3) - the ultimate in performance.
Many of us forget, but BMW offered a fifth drive option at the time: a hybrid system combining the aforementioned six-cylinder with an electric motor in the model called ActiveHybrid 3. Rather rare, it was a car that focused more on power (340 horsepower) than fuel economy.
In the second year of this generation, the 3 Series lineup was expanded to include the five-door GT (Gran Turismo) model and the Touring wagon to maximize versatility and cargo space, as well as the 328d diesel engine, which is especially desirable because of its 280 lb-ft of torque and low fuel consumption. To spare you the hassle of maintenance, however, it's best to avoid it.
Also note that the coupe and convertible migrated to form the new 4 Series in 2014. As for the fearsome M3, its power has jumped to 425 horsepower.
Minor changes in 2016
The 2016 model year brought some cosmetic revisions, an updated cabin, and suspension and electronic stability control improvements, earning the 3 Series the title of "Best Luxury Sedan Under $50,000" according to The Car Guide. The 335i sedan has changed its name to 340i (now with 320 horsepower) and the ActiveHybrid 3 has been replaced by the 330e, a plug-in hybrid with an electric range of about 20 km.
What more can be said? The 3 Series stands out for its precise and agile driving - many even prefer the feel of the older generation to the new one launched for 2019. On the other hand, its advanced engineering and technology require higher maintenance costs than a vehicle, say, from a popular or Japanese brand. The cost of parts can also be more expensive.
Visit Otogo.ca to browse an inventory of nearly 100 used BMW 3 Series models.
