2019 BMW 3 Series Review
Type:
Pros & Cons
- Balances sharp handling with comfortable ride quality
- Revised four-cylinder engine offers more power
- Interior is upscale and spacious with logical, easy-to-use controls
- More trunk space than before
- New iDrive system is more convoluted to use than before
- The ride with M Sport package's suspension is overly harsh
- Unrefined operation of some driver assist safety aids
- Manual transmission is no longer offered
Other years
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2019 BMW 3 Series appraisal values can range from $22,399 - $27,549.
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Which 3 Series does Edmunds recommend?
For the 2019 model year, you can have any 3 Series sedan you like, as long as it's the 330i. Should you wait for the more performance-oriented M340i? That depends on how much you love horsepower. But if you decide on a 330i, we say get either the Premium or the Executive package. The Driving Assistance or Driving Assistance Plus packages are also worthy additions.
Edmunds' Expert Review
Driving
8.0The new generation 3 Series proves it's on form with solid dynamics across the board and sufficient power even with the base engine under the hood. The experience still may not be as authentic as BMWs of yore, but it's still more engaging than many other players in this segment.
Comfort
7.0Our test 330i suffered from a surprisingly harsh ride quality. We suspect the cause to be our test car's optional sport suspension and possibly the rough-riding tires as well. Otherwise, the 3 Series boasts supportive and comfortable seats and a cabin that does an excellent job of keeping unwanted sounds out.
Interior
7.5BMW's modern iDrive interface looks pretty but seems to have taken a step back in usability with the new menu structure. It's clear that BMW put a lot of thought into the front cabin comfort and design. The rear seat, however, isn't any more comfortable than those in other small luxury sedans.
Utility
8.0This 3 Series generation is larger than the outgoing model, which pays dividends in cargo space. By the numbers there's just a smidge more rear legroom, which may help with car-seat loading. Trunk space is above average.
Technology
7.0BMW's new Live Cockpit and iDrive 7 are advances that follow in Audi's and Mercedes' footsteps but are far less effective. The menus are convoluted, the cloud-based voice recognition isn't well-sorted, and certain driver aids aren't aids at all. There's no lack of features here, just a surprising lack of refinement.
Jump to:Related 2019 3 Series articles
Scorecard
Overall | 7.6 / 10 |
Driving | 8.0 |
Comfort | 7.0 |
Interior | 7.5 |
Utility | 8.0 |
Technology | 7.0 |
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2019 BMW 3 Series.
Most helpful consumer reviews
Drew,09/01/2019
330i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
This is my 3rd BMW; I had 2007 E90 generation and a 2015 F30 generation car. The 2007 was an amazing car with excellent handling and power; there was a reason it was ranked as one of the best luxury cars by Edmunds and other rankings back in those days. 2015 was a huge disappointment, with a lethargic turbo engine, imprecise and light steering, and a bouncy suspension that felt more like a Lexus ES.
Fortunately, the 2019 G20 BMW 3 series feels a lot more like my old 2007 than the 2015. The standard suspension feels taut, but not too firm. The 330i's engine is more refined, even though it's still a turbo 4-cylinder. The power delivery feels more consistent with no perceivable lag, just like a non-turbo 6-cylinder engine of decades past. The steering is still a bit too light for my taste, but is definitely more precise and transmits decent road feel. Also, the car does feel bigger than my old 2007 and perhaps not as "tossable" in curves. But for a bigger car, it's still a competent sports sedan.
I personally disagree with Edmunds' review when it comes to iDrive. I feel iDrive is a huge improvement in the 2019, with your choice of both touchscreen or knob interfaces. The larger touchscreen is very handy when used with Apple CarPlay, while the knob can also come in handy to zoom a map while driving. The digital gauges does take a bit getting used to, and I do hope BMW will implement an ability to change the gauge design from the odd shape it is now to more traditional circular gauges. The driving aid tools are ok, but they can be a bit intrusive. Lane keep assist is the one thing I found extremely annoying and ended up turning off, especially as I drive a lot on roads that are under construction and have temporary shifted lane markings which confused the system.
Finally, I love the interior design, quality and materials of the 2019. Absolutely improved over the past BMWs and makes the car feel luxurious now and worth the price point.
Stuart Webb,06/01/2019
330i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
The 2019 is far superior in every way to the outgoing model. Hands down the best car I have ever driven and a perfect balance between comfort and sport. You even get 34 highway and still have plenty of torque. Only have had the car for a week...I will update if needed, but I doubt I will need to. Get one!
Dave L,09/20/2019
330i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
Didn't expect the new generation to be this much better than the previous. Everything from perceived power to the interior options has improved. The new iDrive is definitely more complicated than before but it's a touch screen now. Wireless Apple Carplay is great but it's flaky and will randomly disconnect. The HUD is great. Rims are way more low profile than before and overall, I think the car looks sharper. Mediterranean blue is an awesome color... looks black at night and blue during the day. I'm enjoying this leased car way more than I expected.
Peter Tucket,07/29/2019
330i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
I recently traded in a 2010 328i for a 2019 330xi with the M package. The new car is more than sufficiently powerful, the steering is precise, the trunk is usefully larger, and it seems very well made. Also, the new tech has some real advantages. That said, in comparison with the old car, it is lumbering rather than agile..the suspension is less supple, I miss the manual transmission, and the sweet sound of the non-turbo six cylinders. Another issue is the sport seats, which I find
constrict my legs so as to excite my sciatica.
In short I think that if BMW produced the old cars with some added electronics, they would sell like hotcakes...
Safety
Our experts like the 3 Series models:
- Driving Assistance Professional Package
- Enhances the 3 Series' standard safety features with upgrades such as lane keeping assist.
- Active Blind-Spot Detection
- Alerts you with in-mirror lights when a vehicle is in a blind spot, followed by steering wheel vibration if you attempt to change lanes.
- Side and Top View Camera
- Offers a top-down, 360-degree view of the car and surroundings to monitor approaching traffic and aid in maneuvering tight spaces.