When you’re looking for a luxury sports sedan, there’s no substitute for the original. Discerning drivers in Boulder, Erie, and Longmont, CO often turn to the icon that started it all: the BMW 3 Series.
Each model year proves time and again how the BMW pedigree continues to be the gold standard. The team at Gebhardt BMW explores the many areas in which the BMW 3 Series excels and why it remains the benchmark for all models within its segment.
STANDARD HORSEPOWER
STANDARD ACCELERATION (0-60 MPH)
EPA-EST. FUEL ECONOMY
COLORS
MOONROOF
BMW OPERATING SYSTEM 8.5
HEAD-UP DISPLAY
An integral aspect of being an icon is serving as a symbol of the brand. The BMW 3 Series represents with its distinctive kidney grille and classic, streamlined design that, while enhanced each year, truly never goes out of style.
One of the most notable expressions of any vehicle’s appearance is its exterior paint color. In line with the quintessential 3 Series are such timeless hues as various shades of white, black, and grey. Still, a veritable palette exists, so your BMW can fully express you. Feeling bold? Choose one of these striking paints:
Additionally, you can customize your BMW 3 Series with an available design package that overhauls the look and feel of the vehicle. The M Sport Package includes an M Steering Wheel, M Sport bumpers, and exclusive 19-inch bi-color wheels. The aerodynamic rear spoiler and M suspension upgrade further add to this sports car’s mystique.
While the exterior of the BMW 3 Series is announcing its presence to other drivers and passersby, its cabin will speak volumes to you and your passengers. Power front Sport Seats with memory are swathed in standard Perforated SensaTec or available Vernasca Leather. They can whisper in subdued shades or articulate more audibly in vibrant Tacora Red.
The standard 2-way power glass moonroof expands the interior while providing everyone on board with natural light, fresh air, and sky views. Standard open-pore fine wood or brushed aluminum trim further refines the cabin and is a constant reminder that the 3 Series is considered a classic for a reason.
Another reason to choose a luxury sports sedan, of course, is the pure pleasure you’ll derive from driving it. Whenever you’re behind the wheel of the BMW 3 Series, you may find yourself wanting to take the long way home.
Starting off, the 330i trims come with a 2.0L BMW TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder engine and an 8-speed Sport Automatic transmission with Sport and Manual shift modes. This standard motor provides a burst of energy that commands the road with 255 horsepower, sending you to the front of the pack.
The BMW 3 Series M models enhance already impressive strength to dazzling degrees. The M340i sedan uses a 3.0L 6-cylinder engine combined with a mild electric starter for crisper acceleration. This mighty motor exerts 386 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque as it accelerates from 0-60 MPH in just 4.4 seconds.
As you’ll soon see, power can always be amplified. In fact, in the case of the BMW 3 Series, remarkable strength is a signature, particularly with the M Series. Each of the different M series trims caters to sports car enthusiasts with a need for adrenaline.
Trim | Horsepower | Acceleration (0-60 MPH) |
|---|---|---|
| M340i Sedan/M340i xDrive | 386/386 HP | 4.4/4.1 sec. |
| M3 | 473 HP | 4.1 sec. |
| M3 Competition | 503 HP | 3.8 sec. |
| M3 Competition xDrive | 523 HP | 3.4 sec. |
Each 3 Series model delivers heart-pumping thrills that make driving the highlight of your day. Once you rev the engine and launch forward, you’ll be eager to command the pavement with authority.
Since drivers of luxury sports sedans relish time spent on the road, you’ll want to know that your BMW will keep you informed, engaged, and safe, mile after mile. The 3 Series delivers, with many innovative and intuitive technologies.
Even its first-level 330i trim proves that the base model of the 3 Series is far beyond basic. Its standard iDrive 8 Operating System and BMW Curved Display include:
Plus, the MY BMW Appenables you to use your smartphone to lock/unlock doors, check tire pressure, fuel, and battery levels, and find nearby POI (points of interest). Additionally, the available Head-up Display projects driving information, such as speed and navigation, directly onto the windshield, making it safer to stay in the know without taking your eyes off the road.
Speaking of safety, BMW takes this crucial area as seriously as you do, which is why every 3 Series model features a wide range of intuitive driver-assistance systems. With the available Active Driving Assistant, you’ll benefit from:
Plus, its Active Protection System can proactively detect potential collisions and prepare and help protect occupants by automatically tightening seatbelts, closing windows and the moonroof, and activating post-crash braking.
Next-level protection is available with Active Blind Spot Detection that effectively provides an extra set of eyes for those hard-to-see areas around your 3 Series. The optional Parking Assistance Package provides additional active features, including Surround View with 3D View, so you’ll have even more peace of mind every time you get behind the wheel.
|  |
The BMW 3 Series and the Audi A4 both come with a standard 2.0L 4-cylinder engine, so you might think they’d be similar in their power output. It soon becomes apparent, though, that it’s not just about the equipment but how you use it that’s important. The 3 Series outperforms the A4, both under the hood and in many other ways.
3 Series | vs | A4 |
|---|---|---|
| 523 HP | MAX HORSEPOWER | 261 HP |
| 8-speed automatic | TRANSMISSION | 7-speed automatic |
| Standard | CURVED DISPLAY | Not Available |
|  |
Luxury sports sedans come with certain expectations. You expect a certain level of performance. You expect bigger, better standard amenities. In short, you expect more. When comparing the BMW 3 Series and the Volvo S60, one model not only meets those expectations, but it also exceeds them. It won’t take long to see that you get more with the 3 Series.
3 Series | vs | S60 |
|---|---|---|
| 255 HP | STANDARD HORSEPOWER | 247 HP |
| Available | VERNASCA LEATHER | Not Available |
| Standard | WIRELESS CHARGING | Not Available |
|  |
Although the BMW 3 Series and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class can go toe-to-toe in many areas with only minor distinctions separating them, there are a few in which their vast differences become quite apparent. Looking closely at both models, you’ll note that the 3 Series clearly takes the lead to stand head and shoulders above the C-Class.
3 Series | vs | C-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Available | 19-IN. WHEELS | Not Available |
| 71.9 inches | WIDTH | 80 inches |
| Standard | BMW OPERATING SYSTEM 8.5 | Not Available |
There’s a lot of perseverance involved in being the original, the one that first paved the way for others to follow. Certainly, it’s not easy being an icon, unless the first is also the best. Many discerning drivers in Boulder, Erie, and Longmont, CO believe that one is the BMW 3 Series.
If you’d like to find out firsthand if this celebrated luxury sports sedan lives up to its legendary status, contact the team at Gebhardt BMW to schedule your test drive. You’ll soon enjoy an elevated driving experience behind the wheel of this pre-eminent “Ultimate Driving Machine™.”
All of the tools you need to move forward with experiencing a new BMW 3 Series for yourself are conveniently available right here online.
Explore our extensive new inventory, receive an estimate on your trade-in, apply for credit or contact us to schedule your in-person test drive using the quick links here.
Shop BMW 3 SeriesValue Your TradeApply For FinancingSchedule a Test Drive* Preliminary EPA-estimated figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary, depending on speed, driving habits, trip length and driving conditions; actual mileage may be lower.
AdChoices
