2020 BMW 3 Series Sedan

pros

A variety of options; athletic driving feel; fuel efficiency; high-tech options; long list of appearance packages and trims; compact size and maneuverability; practicality and comfort

model highlights

The seventh-generation BMW 3-series hits the road with the rear-wheel-drive 330i and M340i, plus their all-wheel-drive counterparts, the 330i xDrive and M340i xDrive. Updates include better weight distribution, a wider track and a body structure that is significantly lighter and stiffer than the one it replaces. Perhaps subjective, but the new 3-series also wears a face more in keeping with the current BMW lineup. The M340i and M340i xDrive also benefit from M Performance chassis tuning and an M Sport rear differential, which only enhances their capabilities.

Power in the 330i models comes from a revised twin-turbocharged 2.0L inline-four that makes 255 hp at 5,000 rpm and 295 lb-ft of torque from as low down in the rev range as 1,550 rpm. This is an extra 7 horses and 37 lb-ft over its predecessor thanks to some fine-tuning of BMW's TwinPower system. BMW claims 5.6 seconds in the sprint from 0 to 60 mph with the 2-wheel-drive variant, while the xDrive shaves three-tenths from that figure. The M340i models, meanwhile, come with a twin-turbocharged 3.0L inline-six that produces 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. According to BMW, it will hit 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds. Both engines are mated exclusively to an 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and manual mode.

The 3-series is offered in Sport Line, Luxury, and M Sport trims, which differ mostly through subtle exterior design differences. Standard features include 18-inch wheels (19 for M Sports), auto start-stop, dynamic stability control, 14-way power front seats with SensaTec upholstery, fine-wood inlays, a 10-speaker premium sound system, iDrive with an 8.8-inch central screen, dynamic cruise control, a rearview camera, a multifunction steering wheel with Bluetooth hands-free connectivity with audio streaming, plus an automatic 3-zone climate control system, ambient lighting and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

Options include remote start, heated seats and steering wheel, wireless charging and WiFi hotspot, a harman/kardon surround sound system, and active cruise control. A Convenience Package brings blind-spot detection and lane departure warning, LED headlights with cornering lights. The Premium Package includes a head-up display with BMW navigation and more, plus heated seats and steering wheel. A Track Handling package adds enhanced steering, suspension and tires, plus an M Sport differential and large M Sport brakes.

model news

BMW rolled out their redesigned 3-series in stages. For 2019 the 330i wore the new redesigned sheetmetal, but this year for 2020, the 6-cylinder powered M340i also gets the updates.

value writeup

The BMW 3-series is now in its seventh generation, though the high performance M3 carries over from the sixth generation. The entire range still stands out for being athletic, responsive and fun to drive, as well as fuel-efficient. The BMW 3-series typically represents the quintessential sports sedan, with far better handling and peppier performance than the equivalent front-wheel drive mid-sized car. Sticking with tradition, the BMW continues to be rear-wheel drive based, which does wonders for the car's weight distribution and handling.

Warranty Information

Basic:
4 Years/50,000 Miles

Drivetrain:
4 Years/50,000 Miles

Corrosion:
12 Years/Unlimited Miles

Roadside Assistance:
4 Years/Unlimited Miles

Maintenance:
3 Years/36,000 Miles

Recall Information

US NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID:
19V755000

Mfg's Report Date:
OCT 22, 2019

Component:
STRUCTURE:BODY:TRUNK LID

Potential Number Of Units Affected:
325

Summary:
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 330i, 330i xDrive and M340i vehicles. The interior trunk release cable may have been improperly installed, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 401, "Internal Trunk Release."

Consequence:
If a person were inside the trunk compartment, they may not be able to get out, increasing their risk of injury.

Remedy:
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the interior trunk release cable and properly install the cable, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 13, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Dates of Manufacture:
JUL 30, 2019 to SEP 17, 2019
US NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID:
19V732000

Mfg's Report Date:
OCT 14, 2019

Component:
ENGINE

Potential Number Of Units Affected:
217

Summary:
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2020 330i, 330i xDrive, and 2019 Z4 vehicles. The needle roller bearings of the counterbalance shafts may have been improperly installed, potentially causing the counterbalance shaft to loosen.

Consequence:
If the counterbalance shaft loosens, severe engine damage could occur, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy:
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine, free of charge. The recall began December 13, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Dates of Manufacture:
NOV 21, 2018 to SEP 25, 2019
US NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID:
19V684000

Mfg's Report Date:
SEP 26, 2019

Component:
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Potential Number Of Units Affected:
257473

Summary:
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 540d, 2018-2020 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 530e, 530e xDrive, X3 sDrive, X3 xDrive, X3 M40i, X3 M, and 2019-2020 X4 xDrive, X4 M40i, X4 M, X7 xDrive, X7 M50i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 750Li, 750Li xDrive, 8 Series Convertible and Coupe 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, X5 sDrive, X5 xDrive, X5 M50i, X6 xDrive, X6 M50i, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, Z4 sDrive, Z4 M40i, 740Le xDrive and 745Le xDrive, 2018-2019 640i xDrive Gran Turismo and Rolls-Royce Phantom, 2019 M850i xDrive Gran Coupe and Rolls-Royce Cullinan and 2020 Toyota Supra vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."

Consequence:
The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy:
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the back-up camera software, free of charge. The recall began November 8, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Rolls-Royce at 1-877-877-3735. Toyota owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371.

Dates of Manufacture:
MAY 11, 2018 to AUG 05, 2019

Manufacturer Recall Number:
Toyota: 19TA19
US NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID:
19V850000

Mfg's Report Date:
NOV 26, 2019

Component:
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

Potential Number Of Units Affected:
245

Summary:
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 Z4 M40i, Z4 sDrive30i, 330i and 330i xDrive vehicles as well as 2020 Toyota Supra vehicles. The headlight control units may fail causing a loss of one or both of the headlights.

Consequence:
Headlight failure can reduce the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy:
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the headlight control units, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 17, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371.

Dates of Manufacture:
JUL 21, 2019 to OCT 17, 2019

Manufacturer Recall Number:
Toyota - 19TA20
US NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID:
19V912000

Mfg's Report Date:
DEC 19, 2019

Component:
SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER

Potential Number Of Units Affected:
135

Summary:
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2020 330i and 330i xDrive vehicles. The outboard rear seat belt pretensioners may not lock as intended during a crash.

Consequence:
In the event of a crash, if the seat belt pretensioners fail to lock, there is an increased risk of injury.

Remedy:
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear seat belts, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 10, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer at 1-800-525-7417.

Dates of Manufacture:
APR 10, 2019 to DEC 04, 2019
US NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID:
20V164000

Mfg's Report Date:
MAR 18, 2020

Component:
AIR BAGS

Potential Number Of Units Affected:
3316

Summary:
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 X3 xDrive30e, X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, X4M, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, 840i Gran Coupe, 840i xDrive Gran Coupe, M850i xDrive Gran Coupe, M8 Gran Coupe, X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, and 840i xDrive Convertible vehicles. The sensors in the front seat belt buckles may inaccurately detect a belted occupant as unbelted, possibly causing the air bag and seat belt pretensioners to deploy improperly in the event of a crash.

Consequence:
If the air bag and/or seat belt pretensioners deploy improperly in the event of a crash, there is an increased risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.

Remedy:
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the front seat belt buckles, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 18, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
US NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID:
20V355000

Mfg's Report Date:
JUN 14, 2020

Component:
STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY

Potential Number Of Units Affected:
2779

Summary:
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019 Z4 sDrive30i, 2019-2020 330i xDrive, M340i and M340i xDrive, 2020 X3M and X4M, and Toyota Supra vehicles. In certain driving conditions, such as high temperatures and rough road surfaces, a steering gear tie rod may become damaged, possibly resulting in a fractured tie rod.

Consequence:
A damaged or fractured tie rod may affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy:
BMW and Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gear tie rods, free of charge. This recall is expected to begin August 7, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371.

Manufacturer Recall Number:
Toyota: 20TA09
US NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID:
19V600000

Mfg's Report Date:
AUG 13, 2019

Component:
SEATS

Potential Number Of Units Affected:
2

Summary:
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling one 2020 M340i and one M340i xDrive vehicle. Due to improper welding, the rear center headrest may fold in the event of a rear impact crash.

Consequence:
If the headrest folds down in a crash, there would be an increased risk of injury.

Remedy:
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear center headrest, free of charge. The recall began August 28, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Dates of Manufacture:
JUL 03, 2019 to JUL 30, 2019

Rebate Information

One of the following incentives may apply to this vehicle. Regional incentives may vary.

Financing Incentive: 0.9%
plus $2500 bonus cash

Expiration Date: 09/30/2020

Resource: bmwusa.com 09/02/2020