Used 2017 BMW 3 Series Sedan Consumer Reviews
Used 3 Series for sale
Indeed not the Ultimate Driving Machine anymore
DLBedfordNH, 04/07/2017
updated 10/18/2021
2017 BMW 3 Series 340i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
15 of 32 people found this review helpful
I wasn't even thinking about the BMW 3 series -- I was looking at the GS350 FSport (MT gave it a glowing review!), the Giulia (CR's example seemed to live in the shop from day one), S6 (close to M5 speed but much less expensive), ATS-V, GT350, used Cayman. My goal was to replace my RX-8 R3, mainly because I want to have my family of 5 all fit in the fun car, and the RX-8's constant need to downshift was not fun anymore after 5 trouble-free years. Therefore I quickly ruled out the Cayman, GT350, as well as then ATS-V sedan (kids still need boosters, and most have a very wide bottom). I drove the S6 first. It's such a quick car, the dual clutch was fast and smooth, and the interior was such a nice place to be! However, it is realistically a $78k car with some options, and it did not feel like a $78k car. Then the GS350 FSport -- it drove like a slightly updated version of my 2009 G37 -- little more numb, cool new gadgets to play with, same acceleration, ridiculously difficult to use "mouse" controller. It wasn't even that quiet cruising on the highway, which was supposed to be THE highlight of a Lexus. Then I thought I'd go for the M3, but happened to see a 340i xDrive at the same dealer, with a STICK! It was $64k sticker, with red leather, M Sport Trim, bunch of driver aides and tech stuff. Edmunds' own long-term 340i seemed to garner mostly positive reviews, so I was excited and tested it. I won't bore you with all the details of the purchase experience, but they knocked $9k off (nobody knows how to drive stick anymore?), decent deal on the RX-8, and made me wait over an hour to "prep and detail" the car. The biggest impressions so far, after about 500 miles: 1. The M Sport steering wheel is VERY nice, looks great (I stare at it far more than the exterior of the car, so exterior styling ranks very low in my book) and feels nice in the hands. 2. The clutch uptake is lazy (I am coming out of an RX-8, so this may not be fair to the BMW, but I hate it). 3. The gearing is wayyy too tall (performance of the manual tested elswhere is quite a bit slower than Edmund's long-term 340i auto), so despite the mountains of low-end torque, it doesn't give you that "kick" on takeoff. 4. The suspension is MAGICAL -- it stays relatively flat in corners but still soaks up bumps well. In contrast, the G37's suspension is firm enough to make the ride uncomfortably busy on New England roads, but does not keep it as flat while cornering. The GS350 is slightly better. Only the S6 is similar. 5. Getting on the gas out of a corner is so much fun, and the AWD system inspires a lot of confidence! 6. The steering is the same for the 340 as the S6 as the GS350. They are all pretty accurate, all very numb, and the "sport" setting just add effort without making it any more accurate or giving it any feedback. I agree with another reviewer here about the huge difference in handling compared to previous generations of BMWs -- I drove a 2009 328 xDrive when it was new (first time driving a BMW), and immediately was knocked over by the handling! I realized what all the fuss was about! 7. Nobody ever compliments the 3 series for how quiet it is inside. In then end, I went for the 340i because it felt like it was at least 80% as capable as the S6, had the same bland handling, had a manual that wasn't available with the S6, so it was a much better value. Again, the ATS-V was out of the question because the back seats are too small for 3 kids with boosters; the Giulia consistently showed major quality issues that will ruin your driving experience (MT had an article about stranding in the middle of an intersection!!!); every other 5-seater had the same boring steering; so, I never thought I'd say this, but the BMW was a great value! Update: the numb steering was just unbearable. I sold it after a year od trying to like it. It really offered nothing that any other sedan didn't offer.
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Yikes, that steering
David Parks, 06/01/2017
2017 BMW 3 Series 320i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
13 of 28 people found this review helpful
Within twenty seconds of pulling out from the dealership I said, "What's wrong w/ this car?" It is the steering. I'd read about the steering in the car magazines but I had no idea what it would feel like. It's as though someone at the factory forgot some part when putting the steering assembly together. It's just weird. Maybe I might get used to it if I bought the car but I don't want to get used this this. I've never felt steering like this in any other car I've owned/driven.
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2017 BMW 3 Series for sale near you
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Bimmer-head for life!
EFP!, 01/15/2019
updated 07/16/2019
2017 BMW 3 Series 330i SULEV 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
2 of 4 people found this review helpful
So I've had my 330i for about 9 months now. It does not disappoint. In fact, some huge surprises.........the best of which is the amazing gas mileage on long distances. Made it to Bucks County, PA from Charleston, SC in a little over a tank and a 1/4. First I thought I miscalculated but then I made that trip a couple of times after...same thing. What a great car!!
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good, but not as good....
Steven H., 04/03/2020
updated 04/07/2021
2017 BMW 3 Series 340i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I replaced my BMW 335 xdrive coupe with this 340ix, the steering is lackluster, the performance is great. Hoping the new generation improves on some of the shortcomings here.
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Been in BMW shop for a month no knowledge people
Paula, 12/19/2021
2017 BMW 3 Series 320i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
2 of 8 people found this review helpful
BMW has no trained mechanics that know anything about this 2017 3 series
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