The 2020 BMW 3 Series lasts around 200,000 miles, with some brake and stereo system issues reported. At $27,550 to $52,998, it’s a great value for a small German luxury sedan.
Is the 2020 BMW 3 Series a Good Used Car?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2020 is a good year for the BMW 3 Series since it offers an excellent mix of sportiness and luxury features. Owner reviews praise the strong engines, updated technology, and the comfortable cabin.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are reasonably nice for a compact car, the seats are supportive on long drives, cargo space is also decent for a sedan.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no major issues reported with the 2020 3 Series. Avoid models older than 2010 which have a lot of issues, while 2011–2022 are more reliable.
- Performance 9/10 – The entry-level models are reasonably powerful, while the M340i is a very quick small sedan.
- Safety 9/10 – The 2020 3 Series is safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. It comes standard with automatic emergency braking and a rearview camera. Optional upgrades include adaptive cruise control, along with lane keep assist.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is good at up to 30 MPG, offering 468 miles of range out of the 15.6 gallon tank. Gas costs are $11 cheaper than average at $214 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2020 BMW 3 Series is cheaper than some other luxury cars on the market while still offering great features, making it a good value for shoppers.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Vehicle?
- Consumer Reports says the 2020 BMW 3 Series is one of the best sports sedans on the market, with good owner satisfaction scores as it ages.
- Edmunds rates the BMW 3 Series at 4.6/5, enjoying the very sharp and responsive handling, but doesn’t like the clunky driver assistance features.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the 3 Series a 4.2/5, praising the powerful V6 engine in the M340i model, but owners don’t like the lack of a manual transmission.
What Common Problems Does the 2020 BMW 3 Series Have?
Common problems found on the 2020 BMW 3 Series include worn-out brakes, a frozen stereo system, along with some tire pressure monitoring system issues. Overall, these problems are better than other luxury cars, leading to lower repair costs as a BMW 3 Series ages.
Worn-out brakes are the most widespread complaint from 2020 BMW 3 Series owners, showing up within the first 15,000 miles. The front brakes, in particular, tend to wear down quicker than on some other cars. Replacing the brake pads costs around $250, while new discs are around $600 if they have been damaged by metal-on-metal contact.
A frozen stereo system has also been reported by some 3 Series owners at around 1,000 miles. Usually, the problem is just a simple software issue which causes it to lock up. There are software updates available which improve the reliability of the system. Most dealerships will update the software for free, while others charge around $50 for labor.
Tire pressure monitoring system issues show up on some 3 Series models as well within the first 5,000 miles. The TPMS light turns on at the dash, even when the tires are properly inflated. Reprogramming the TPMS system using the screen will usually fix the problem, but if it needs new sensors, then they are around $150.
There are ten recalls on the 2020 BMW 3 Series, which is worse than a lot of other compact luxury cars. The most serious recall is for the steering gear tie rods, which may become damaged, increasing the risk of a crash. BMW will replace the parts on affected models for free. Other recalls include seat belt sensors, trunk release cables, and a backup camera. BMW will fix all of those for free as well.
How Long Will the 2020 BMW 3 Series Last?
A well-maintained 2020 BMW 3 Series can last around 200,000 miles, which is shorter than the long-lasting Lexus IS. Regular annual maintenance costs are higher than some competitors, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $718 per year.
As a used 2020 BMW 3 Series reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history report, owners should be prepared to replace the stabilizer bar link for $200, MAP sensor costing $250, along with the fuel injectors, which cost around $800.
The only problem is that it doesn't have good enough cup holders in order to hold everything that my friends drink.
How Is the Technology?
The standard entertainment technology is great, and includes an 8.8-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay. Optional upgrades include a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen display along with more powerful stereo choices.
Standard safety technology is excellent, and includes:
- Rearview camera
- Forward collision warning
- Pedestrian detection
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Automatic emergency braking
- Lane departure warning
Optional driver assistance features include:
- Blind spot monitoring
- Front cross traffic alert
- Lane keep assist
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Automatic high-beam headlights
- Surround-view parking camera system
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Stop-and-go adaptive cruise control
- Head-up display
- Adaptive LED headlights
- Active parallel and perpendicular parking assist
Is the 2020 BMW 3 Series a Good Value?
Yes, the 2020 BMW 3 Series is a good value if you’re in the market for an entry-level German luxury sedan. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $27,550 to $52,998, making it more than a Volvo S60 or Acura ILX. When new, the price range was $40,750 to $56,000. Depreciation can be worse than some other cars, losing around 15% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the BMW 3 Series?
There are two main models of the 2020 BMW 3 Series offered, from the entry-level 330i to the more powerful M340i. The 3 Series comes standard with rear-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive, known as xDrive, is an optional upgrade.
330i is the entry-level model with:
- Standard Features:
- 18-inch wheels
- Automatic wipers
- Sunroof
- Simulated leather upholstery
- Tri-zone automatic climate control
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
- Power-adjustable front seats
- 8-inch touchscreen display
- Navigation system
- Apple CarPlay
- Bluetooth
- Two USB inputs
- 10-speaker audio system
- Driver Assistance Features:
- Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking
- Lane departure warning
- BMW Assist emergency communications
M340i is a step up, adding:
- Standard Features (in addition to 330i features):
- Sport-tuned brakes and suspension
- 25-inch touchscreen display
- Digital gauge cluster display (Live Cockpit Professional)
- BMW’s Connected Package Professional (BMW remote services & concierge services with real-time traffic info)
Options Packages for Both Models:
- Premium Package:
- Heated front seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Head-up display
- Executive Package:
- Upgraded adaptive LED headlights
- Surround and bird’s-eye parking camera views
- Parking sensors
- Automated self-parking system
- Gesture control functions for the infotainment system
- Driving Assistance Package:
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Driving Assistance Professional Package:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane keeping assist
- Active front cross-traffic alert
- Traffic Jam Assist (semi-automated steering system)
- Performance Package:
- High-performance tires
- Improved engine cooling
Stand-Alone Options:
- 19-inch wheels
- Adaptive suspension
- Leather upholstery
- Hands-free trunk opening
- Ambient cabin lighting
- Wireless device charging
- Wi-Fi hotspot
- Premium Harman Kardon audio system
What Engines Come In the BMW 3 Series?
- 2.0-liter BMW TwinPower Turbo inline 4-cylinder: This engine produces 255 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft of torque. It’s mated to an eight-speed responsive automatic transmission. The fuel economy is 30 MPG. Acceleration from 0-60 MPH takes around 5.6 seconds.
- 3.0-liter BMW TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder: Found in the M340i variants, this engine delivers a robust 382 horsepower and 369 lb.-ft of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, it offers a combined fuel economy of around 25 MPG. Impressively, this engine propels the 3 Series from 0-60 MPH in just about 4.4 seconds.
What Colors Does the BMW 3 Series Come In?
How Comfortable Is the BMW 3 Series?
The 2020 BMW 3 Series has long been a benchmark in the luxury sport sedan segment, balancing performance with comfort. Its interior is adorned with high-quality materials, plush seating, and intricate detailing that exudes a premium feel. The seats, both front and rear, have been designed for excellent support and comfort, making long drives enjoyable. Many models come with adjustable lumbar support and multi-way power-adjustable settings, ensuring that drivers of various statures can find their ideal driving position.
Furthermore, the cabin is quiet, with the car’s insulation adeptly filtering out road and wind noise. Ride quality in the 3 Series is refined, managing to absorb most road imperfections, thanks to its sophisticated suspension system. Additionally, with options for upgraded upholstery and features such as heated seats and a heated steering wheel, the 2020 3 Series further elevates its comfort quotient. In summary, the 2020 BMW 3 Series offers a comfortable driving and riding experience, encapsulating occupants in a cocoon of luxury and well-engineered ergonomics.
How Much Storage Space Does the BMW 3 SEries Have?
The 2020 BMW 3 Series is known for its blend of performance, luxury, and practicality. Regarding storage space, the sedan offers a trunk capacity of 13 cubic feet. This is spacious enough to fit a couple of medium-sized suitcases or golf bags, making it suitable for weekend getaways or a day at the golf course.
In addition to the trunk space, the 3 Series also boasts various small storage solutions within the cabin. These include door pockets, a center console compartment, glovebox, and cup holders. The rear seats also can fold down, providing flexibility for those times when larger items need to be transported. Overall, while the 3 Series may not rival larger SUVs regarding sheer cargo volume, it does offer a well-thought-out and usable space for its segment.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The seventh generation of the BMW 3 Series was introduced for the 2019 model year with all new styling and engines.
2015: Bluetooth audio is standard on all models, heated seats added as a standalone option.
2016: Small exterior styling changes, updated interior, 335i model renamed to 340i.
2017: The M Sport package is now standard on all 340i models, wireless charging and Apple CarPlay now offered as individual options.
2018: Small adjustments to the packages and standard features.
2019: Fully redesigned for the seventh generation with new engines, styling, and technology.
2020: Six-cylinder engine returns and is used in the M340i model.
2021: Plug-in hybrid 330e model introduced, wireless Android Auto added.
How Does the BMW 3 Series Compare to the Competition?
The 2020 BMW 3 Series is a very nice small luxury car offering sportier handling and more responsive engines than some of the competition on the market.
The BMW 5 Series is a larger car from BMW, which can be found for about $3,500 more. Passenger room is better in the BMW 5 Series, while the BMW 3 Series is more nimble on winding roads. We recommend the BMW 3 Series for most shoppers unless you need the extra passenger room in the 5 Series.
The Audi A4 is another small German sedan which is available in the same price range. Where the Audi A4 stands out is with its standard all-wheel drive system, while the BMW 3 Series has a sportier driving feel. We recommend the BMW 3 Series, although both are very similar for the 2020 model year so it’s worth testing both out to see which you prefer.
Do Owners Recommend the BMW 3 Series?
Absolutely amazing vehicle with great smooth driving. Steering is gentle, and roads never get to rocky. Appearance is just my aesthetic and looks beautiful.