Used 2017 BMW 3 Series Consumer Reviews
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going with a stick was definitely a mistake
John F., 03/30/2018
updated 10/07/2019
2017 BMW 3 Series 330i SULEV 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
10 of 11 people found this review helpful
Well folks, I have wonderful news: at 14,000 miles (and after 28 lease payments) the transmission is finally shifting smoothly. The shifter isn't nearly as rubbery and Mattel-like, and the tranny has stopped hanging up between gears. German engineering! I drive a 2008 Corvette Z06 for fun, so I haven't put many miles on the 330. I wanted a daily driver with a stick so I wouldn't get bored, and I wanted the four because the sixes felt big and lazy, more like an early-2000s E-class Benz than a Bimmer. This is my fourth BMW in six years, and while each has had its strong points, they don't feel like BMWs of the '90s. Given the customer take rate for sticks of one percent (Edmunds doesn't even offer a user review category for 3 series with stick) I can understand why BMW didn't put much effort into refining the clutch and shifter. They did refine the rest of the car, however, to the point that it feels like an aloof Benz of two or three design cycles back--you can beat good performance numbers out of it, but isn't particularly happy doing it. Now I get my kicks hypermiling in Eco mode. The computer wants me to lug the engine at 1400 rpm, confirming that the B48 is a superbly-engineered truck motor that for some inscrutable and probably uniquely German reason winds smoothly to 7 grand even though there's no point to it. This torque monster just wants to be bolted to an automatic, left in Drive and puttered. Besides giving great fuel economy, Eco also mitigates the turbo lag just off idle that the automatic's torque converter masks. Instead of Comfort mode's off/on power delivery, with nothing just above idle, then a burst as the smaller turbo starts to spin, Eco makes power delivery consistently flaccid throughout the rev range, improving driveability. How's service? I saw one dealership try to give my car to another customer (I'm not sure why I objected) and the service writers look like high schoolers earning extra cash. Another dealership told me that, sure, a tech could try to diagnose that balky transmission, but if he didn't think anything was wrong ("could not duplicate") they'd charge me $250--this for a "premium" car under warranty. I get better service at the Chevy dealership. Do I sound disillusioned? BMW lost another purist. It'll never miss him.
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This car rocks -- if you spec it right!
Grimmer1968, 12/04/2016
updated 06/09/2022
2017 BMW 3 Series 330i xDrive SULEV 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
13 of 15 people found this review helpful
This is an update of our review from a year and a half ago. This is the best car we've ever had. We've been driving our 2017 330i x-drive wagon, with M-Sport package and (importantly) adaptive suspension, for about 13,000 miles. (Note that the 2017 and '18 models are almost identical.) It's a sheer pleasure. First, the wagon looks gorgeous and is very distinctive -- almost unique --with its Estoril Blue color and Coral Red interior. The 250 hp G-48 engine purrs along with a pleasant sound is very fast and, combined with the 8-speed auto transmission, is consistent over the whole range of speeds. At 90 mph the car is smooth and rock-steady. The ride is a nice balance between comfortable and firm. The safety tech and version 5.0 infotainment features are state-of-the-art. What really brings it all together from a handling and comfort standpoint is the adaptive suspension, which is a no-brainer at $1000. You won't find another compact wagon nearly this good, and virtually no cross-overs and SUVs -- including BMW;s -- compare with the looks and handling. It's a terrific road trip car as when we toured Nova Scotia. It is rock-solid, comfortable, agile and "planted" with the X-Drive. Also, it's quite rare or even unique in our configuration. You will see very few 330i wagons on the road and almost none in the more rakish-looking M-Sport package. Why get a BMW crossover that looks like every other crossover on the highway? Remember that every inch of added height in an SUV or cross-over diminishes handling. This car is pretty expensive but worth it.
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2017 BMW 3 Series for sale near you
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- 330e iPerformance Plug-In Hybrid SedanMSRP: $12,9983 mi away
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Great car, but an Audi A4 is better
Sam, 10/02/2017
2017 BMW 3 Series 330i SULEV 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
11 of 13 people found this review helpful
I got a manual transmission 330i. It's a great car that is actually addictive to drive, but it's that comfortable and it's technology is lacking a little and you pay too much for options that are usually standard on much cheaper cars. As an example, you don't get Android auto at all, you don't get easy access or lumbar support unless you buy the premium package. You don't get a blind point assist as well.
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No longer the 3 series - lost soul
JerseyDrew, 11/30/2016
2017 BMW 3 Series 330i xDrive SULEV 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
21 of 28 people found this review helpful
If you've driven a previous generation 3 series, and fell in love like I did, this car may disappoint you. My 2011 BMW 328i xDrive wasn't perfect by any means - uncomfortable seats, crappy MPG, and nearly exploded on NJ potholes- but it had a "soul". The steering was weighted perfectly - no gimmicky sport/comfort/ ECO pro mode, brakes had a nice bite, and car always felt confident going twice the recommended speed limit through exit/on-ramps. Throaty inline 6, and I could go on... this new model may appeal to Lexus/Mercedes-Benz owners - shiny, colorful displays, and cool lights. The car is definitely more comfortable to drive around town (softer suspension and electric steering). MPG improved greatly (average +10 mpg compared to older model). That's all I can say- I guess BMW is trying to appeal to the mass market buyer. Until the 3 goes back to its roots, I'm planning on buying an Audi next.
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Worst car I’ve ever owned.
Nunya, 10/06/2019
2017 BMW 3 Series 330e iPerformance 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 8A)
17 of 23 people found this review helpful
Trunk opens by itself. Mirrors squeak. Controls unintuitive. Acceleration sporadic. Backup camera doesn’t turn off. Doesn’t help that Irvine BMW sucks. NOT the ultimate driving machine. Skip this one.