Written by: Tim Marsh

This 2012, there are a plethora of things anticipated for by society – one of them has got to be the new 2012 BMW 3 Series, Awarded with a 9 out of 10 safety rating and an 8 out of 10 fuel-efficiency rating, the BMW 3 Series Australia calls for a celebration in the automotive industry. Featuring a power-rich, turbocharged 4-cylinder motor, luxurious and robustly built cabin, and low-operating costs, the new BMW 3 Series sets off to raise bars and top charts. Whereas there are some pitfalls and cons that BMW

2012-BMW-3-Series-320d-Modern-Line-Front-Side

failed to address including steep initial cost, expensive variants and trim models, and transmission tunnels cutting into the back interior space, a broad range of features and amenities still make the vehicle highly attractive. Read on as we give you a detailed guide through this 2012 BMW 3 Series reviews.

The Line Up

October of last year, BMW unveiled their newest BMW 3 Series. The large-mass best-selling 3 Series is set to go on sale this year, starting with the sedan model. The F30 Series sedan will be rendered with three design variants – Modern, Luxury and Sport. The base BMW 318d Sedan 4dr Auto 8sp 2.0DT design will be priced roughly around $63,000 whereas the top-of-the-line BMW 335i E93 M Sport Convertible 2dr 3.0T will be retailed for $132,000.

Under the Bonnet

BMW has taken some risks by rigging the standard BMW 328i model with an inline-4 engine rather than an inline-6 that has

2012 BMW 3 Series 328i Luxury Line Front Side

invariably been tantamount with BMW’s reputation and culture yet when the 318 ti’s undesirable 1.8-litre engine merited for derision, the latest turbocharged 2.0-litre in the 2012 BMW Series 328i model may be the best one yet. BMW markets their new design with 179 kW from the 4-cylinder turbocharged.

The sedan version of the BMW 3 Series Australia is all manual with a turbocharged gas I4 2.0-litre engine. Meanwhile, the coupe version is also manual with gas I6 3.0-litre engine. A convertible version is also available for the BMW 3 Series with a manual transmission, turbocharged gas I6 3.0-litre engine.

Dynamics

The new 2012 BMW 3 Series sedans are roughly around 4-inches lengthier than its former versions, with two inches of additional wheelbase, around an inch of which goes to improved rear legroom. For a variety of the 3 Series generations, this particular model has been powered solely through an inline 6-cylinder engine. Yet for the 2012, it is refurbished with a refreshing turbocharged 4-cylinder engine for the 328i variants. The latest engine is capable of dishing out 179 kW and up to 353 Nm of torque. This is made possible partially because of the latest 8-speed automatic transmission alongside a legion of advanced improvements.

Interior

The new 2012 BMW 3 Series is the only variant in the lineup that was given an overhaul interior for 2012. A lot of 2012 BMW 3

2012 BMW 3 Series Interior

Series reviews acknowledged the center stack’s neat interface and the comfy cabin and seating. Test driving the 2012 BMW 3 Series, you’ll quickly appreciate the improved seating space for the sedan variants as well as bigger trunk space, both of which are attributed by BMW’s lengthier and wider build.

Exterior

Dynamics and design have been combined for an innovative interpretation with the BMW 3 Series Australia. The variant continues to impress drivers with continuously, well-designed exterior. Easily recognisable as a part of the long line of BMW vehicles, it features its distinctive original and convincing personality.

Value for Money

Viewed as somewhat expensive,  it makes up for it by arriving well-designed and equipped even with the base level trim. 2012 BMW 3 series prices start at $63,000 to $132,000 for the Sports version. The model comes with deluxe seats, massive alloy wheels and sports styling characteristics both in its interior and exterior. Optional features and accessories include a Variable Damper Control, split-folding back seats, glass-made sunroof and automated gearbox.

 BMW 3 Series Model Prices (Drive Away Price)

BMW 320d F30 Sedan 4dr SA 8sp 2.0DT: $68,002

BMW 320d E91 Lifestyle Touring 4dr Steptronic 6sp 2.0DT: $70,102

BMW 320d E92 Coupe 2dr 2.0DT (Mar): $77,032

BMW 320d E93 Convertible 2dr 2.0DT (Mar): $90,800

BMW 320i F30 Sedan 4dr SA 8sp 2.0T: $64,536

BMW 320i E91 Lifestyle Touring 4dr 2.0i: $66,322

2012 BMW 3 Series 328i Luxury Line Front Side

2012-BMW-3-Series-Interior

BMW 323i E91 Lifestyle Touring 4dr 2.5i: $71,362

BMW 325i E92 Coupe 2dr 2.5i (Mar):  $88,949

BMW 335i F30 Sedan 4dr SA 8sp 3.0T:  $100,552

BMW 335i E92 M Sport Coupe 2dr 3.0T (Mar): $118,086

BMW 335i E91 M Sport Touring 4dr Steptronic 6sp 3.0T:  $122,404

BMW 335i E93 M Sport Convertible 2dr 3.0T (Mar): $131,854

BMW 330d E92 Coupe 2dr Steptronic 6sp 3.0DT (Mar):  $106,536

BMW 330d E93 Convertible 2dr Steptronic 6sp 3.0DT (Mar): $120,410

BMW 328i F30 Sedan 4dr SA 8sp 2.0T: $71,886

BMW 318d Sedan 4dr Auto 8sp 2.0DT:  $62,907

Safety Reliability

Our 2012 BMW 3 Series reviews conclude this vehicle to be impressively solid and reliable. The BMW 3-Series feels well-constructed

2012-BMW-3-Series-Center-Console

and assembled altogether. Deformation parts in the bodywork are specifically engineered to absorb impact forces, and on the interior, both the driver and passengers get anterior and lateral airbags as custom. The vehicle also makes use of a broad range of brake and stability management systems.

Practicality

Most reviewers agree that the 2012 BMW 3-Series offers an excellent blend of practicality, luxury and performance.  You’ll find the considerable boot also doubles up as a valuable bench seat. There are tons of legroom and interior space for the rear cabin, and the wide-accessible rear doors make entering and exiting the vehicle a breeze. Although, the large transmission tunnel translates the central seating is quite uncomfortable at times. The huge boot has a levelled floor without any lips, so removing heavy baggage in and out of the vehicle is relatively easy.

Drive

Another feature that well than makes up for the considerable 2012 BMW 3 Series prices is the driving feel, the 3-Series is extremely

2012-BMW-3-Series-ActiveHybrid-Front-Side

enjoyable to drive, regardless of the trim and model. It features highly impressive on-road manoeuvrability and also has masses of grip thanks to the xDrive 4-wheel drive technology, which is also great for some mild off-road terrain operations. All models and trim levels are designed with an optional Variable Damper Control technology that allows even the more solid M Sports variants to manage even the harshest of bumps and terrains with ease.

About  Tim Marsh:

Tim Marsh, author of  New Cars Plus’s Car Reviews and Blog, has been covering the car beat for the last 7 years. Tim specialises in finding the best deals on wheels and offering advice on making your car last. Click here to read more about him!

New Cars Plus is Australia’s leading car broker based in Sydney, with its extensive experience in the automobile industry New Cars Plus has helped thousands of clients find their ideal cars, saving them millions of dollars in the process.

For any more information on the BMW 3 Series, or for that matter any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 020 311.  If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of BMW dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours.

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