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BMW 3 Series Reviews

Owner Reviews

5(65%)
4(15%)
3(7%)
2(5%)
1(8%)

Owners Say

Overall, owner sentiment is mixed. Owners often like the smooth ride, quick feel, good gas mileage, and modern tech. Many also say it is fun to drive and feels nice inside. But some owners complain about a stiff ride, touchy brakes, small trunk space, and tires that can be stressful.
This summary is AI-generated from the text of owner reviews

2026 BMW 3 Series video

These Are the Best Cars You Can Buy Right Now
Are you in the market for a new ride and still holding out on making the move to an SUV? You’ve come to the right place! In this video, Edmunds’ Nick Yekikian gives you an overview of all the best cars currently on sale.

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Safety

Key safety features on the 3 Series include:

  • Back-up camera
  • Blind Spot Monitoring
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Alarm
  • Tire Pressure Warning
  • Stability Control
  • Pre-collision safety system
  • Post-collision safety system

NHTSA Overall Rating 5 out of 5 stars

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash RatingRating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Side Crash RatingRating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier RatingRating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsRating
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
RolloverRating
Rollover5 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover9.2%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalNot Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
Roof Strength TestNot Tested
Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested



FAQ

Is the BMW 3 Series a good car?

The Edmunds experts tested the 2026 3 Series both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.4 out of 10. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the 3 Series has 16.9 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a BMW 3 Series. Learn more

What's new in the 2026 BMW 3 Series?

According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2026 BMW 3 Series:

  • Minor changes for 2026
  • Lane keeping assistance, digital key and other minor features come standard
  • A full redesign is due next year as a 2027 model
  • Part of the seventh 3 Series generation introduced for 2019
Learn more

Is the BMW 3 Series reliable?

To determine whether the BMW 3 Series is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the 3 Series. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the 3 Series's average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more

Is the 2026 BMW 3 Series a good car?

There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2026 BMW 3 Series is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2026 3 Series and gave it a 7.4 out of 10. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2026 3 Series is a good car for you. Learn more

How much should I pay for a 2026 BMW 3 Series?

The least-expensive 2026 BMW 3 Series is the 2026 BMW 3 Series M340i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $64,300.

Other versions include:

  • M340i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) which starts at $64,300
Learn more

What are the different models of BMW 3 Series?

If you're interested in the BMW 3 Series, the next question is, which 3 Series model is right for you? 3 Series variants include M340i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A). For a full list of 3 Series models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more

Cost to Drive

Monthly estimates based on costs in Connecticut
$235/mo  for 3 Series M340i xDrive
vs
$246/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
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