2017 BMW 3 Series Review: Fun & Quick Small Sedan With Average Ownership Costs

The 2017 BMW 3 Series lasts around 200,000 miles with some brake wear and fuel injector issues reported. At $26,990 to $55,944, it’s expensive, but worth the money for a fun sports sedan with a reasonably luxurious interior.

Is the 2017 BMW 3 Series a Good Used Car?

• Overall Rating 8/10 – 2017 is a good year for the BMW 3 Series since it offers good luxury paired with a sporty driving experience. Owner reviews praise the suspension, advanced technology, along with the strong engines.
• Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are very nice for a small car, the seats are more supportive than some competition, cargo space is also good for its size.
• Reliability 8/10 – There are no widespread complaints on the 2017 BMW 3 Series. Avoid models from 2010 which have issues, while 2011–2022 are all reasonable choices.
• Performance 9/10 – The base BMW 3 Series offers decent performance, while the M3 is one of the quickest small sports sedans on the market.
• Safety 8/10 – The 2017 3 Series is safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. Optional safety features include a rearview camera, lane departure warning, along with an active driving assistant.
• Gas Mileage 7/10 – Fuel economy is good at up to 28 MPG, giving 442 miles of range out of the 15.8 gallon tank. Gas costs are $15 higher than average at $233 per month.
• Value 8/10 – The 2017 BMW 3 Series is more affordable than a lot of other luxury small sedans, making it a great value.

What Do Critics Say About the BMW 3 Series?

• Consumer Reports says the BMW 3 Series is still a benchmark for a small sports sedan, with good owner satisfaction scores.
• Edmunds rates the BMW 3 Series at 4/5, enjoying the sharp handling, but doesn’t like the limited storage space for personal items.
• Kelley Blue Book users give the BMW 3 Series a 4.5/5, praising the luxurious interior, but owners don’t like the lack of advanced technology.

What Common Problems Does the 2017 BMW 3 Series Have?

Common problems found on the 2017 BMW 3 Series include excessive brake wear, clogged fuel injectors, along with check engine lights. Overall, these problems are similar to many other luxury cars on the market, although since it’s a German car repair costs are higher than many competitors.

Excessive brake wear is the most widespread complaint on the 2017 BMW 3 Series, showing up in the first 15,000 miles. If you brake heavily, the front brake pads tend to wear out quicker than in some other cars. Replacing the brake pads costs around $300, while a new set of rotors can cost over $600 if there has been damage.

Clogged fuel injectors are another problem mentioned by some 2017 3 Series owners at around 50,000 miles. Cheap fuel, in particular, is known to clog the relatively small high-pressure injectors in the 3 Series. Replacing the fuel injectors costs around $1,200, depending on local labor rates.

Check engine lights have also shown up on some 2017 BMW 3 Series models in the first 35,000 miles. There are dozens of reasons a check engine light may turn on. The best way to determine the source of the problem is by using an OBD-II scan tool to read the computer for codes. From there, repairs can cost $10 to $1,000, depending on the problem.

There are three recalls on the 2017 BMW 3 Series, which is similar to many other cars. The most serious recall is for a high-pressure fuel pump failure which can cause the engine to stall. Other recalls include a coolant leak in the EGR module, which increases the risk of a fire. BMW will replace the parts on affected models for free.

How Long Will the 2017 BMW 3 Series Last?

A well-maintained 2017 BMW 3 Series can last around 200,000 miles, which is shorter than the long-lasting Lexus IS. Regular annual maintenance costs are a little lower than some other entry-level luxury cars, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $460 per year.

As a used BMW 3 Series reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the brake pressure sensor for $275, the crankshaft position sensor costing $450, along with the A/C refrigerant lines which cost $800.

How Is the Technology?

Standard entertainment technology is good, with a 6.5-inch display. Optional upgrades include a larger 8.8-inch screen along with a more powerful stereo system.

There is no standard advanced safety technology on the 2017 3 Series.

Optional driver assistance features include:

• Rearview camera
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Blind spot monitoring
• Automatic high beam headlights
• Head-up display
• Surround-view parking camera system
• Lane departure warning
• Forward collision warning
• Pedestrian detection
• City collision mitigation
• Active driving assistant

Is the 2017 BMW 3 Series a Good Value?

Yes, the 2017 BMW 3 Series is a good value since it offers a nice mix of entry-level German luxury and performance at a reasonable price. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $26,990 to $55,944, making it more than a Volvo S60 or Cadillac ATS. When new, the price range was $33,450 to $64,000. Depreciation is similar to other luxury cars, losing about 10% of its current value per year.

What are the Different Models of the BMW 3 Series?

There are six main models of the 2017 BMW 3 Series offered from the entry-level 320i through to the very powerful M3. It comes standard with rear-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive is available as an optional upgrade on the xDrive gran turismo models.

320i is the entry-level model with:

• Turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (180 horsepower)
• Six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission
• 17-inch wheels
• Remote locking and unlocking
• Manually adjustable front seats
• Push-button start
• Automatic wipers
• Dual-zone climate control
• Premium vinyl upholstery
• BMW Assist emergency telematics
• Bluetooth connectivity
• iDrive infotainment interface
• 5-inch display
• Nine-speaker sound system

330i is a step up, adding:

• More powerful 2.0-liter engine (248 hp)
• Power-adjustable front sport seats
• Power-folding and heated side mirrors
• Auto-dimming mirrors
• Paddle shifters (for automatic transmission-equipped models)
• Driver-seat memory functions
• Split-folding rear seatbacks

328d and 330e are similar and add:

• Similarly equipped to 320i and 330i sedans
• Panoramic sunroof, roof rails, a power liftgate (for wagons)
• Eight-speed automatic transmission (for wagons)

340i adds features such as:

• Turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine (320 hp)
• LED headlights
• Keyless entry and ignition
• Sunroof
• 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system
• M Sport package

M3 is the high-performance model with:

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Summer tires
• Adaptive xenon headlights
• Adaptive suspension dampers
• Active locking rear differential
• M3-specific exterior body panels
• Power-folding and auto-dimming heated mirrors
• Automatic wipers
• Keyless entry and ignition
• Leather upholstery with cloth accents
• Heated seats (with four-way power lumbar adjustment)
• Driver memory settings
• Carbon-fiber interior accents
• Fold-down rear seatbacks
• Cruise control
• Dual-zone automatic climate control

Notable Optional Packages:

• Premium and Technology packages
• Track Handling package
• Two Driver Assistance packages

What Engines Come In the BMW 3 Series?

• The base model, the 320i, is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that generates 180 horsepower. It features an eight-speed automatic transmission, but a six-speed manual is also available. This model can accelerate from 0-60 mph in around 7.1 seconds, and it has a combined fuel economy of 28 miles per gallon (mpg).
• The 330i model features a more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, providing 248 horsepower. Like the 320i, it also offers an eight-speed automatic or a six-speed manual transmission. The 0-60 mph time for the 330i is about 5.5 seconds, with a combined fuel economy of 27 mpg.
• The 340i boasts a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine that delivers a hefty 320 horsepower. With the same transmission options as its counterparts, the 340i can zip from 0-60 mph in a swift 4.6 seconds. Its combined fuel economy rating stands at 23 mpg.
• The 330e is a plug-in hybrid model that combines a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, delivering a combined 248 horsepower. This model exclusively uses an eight-speed automatic transmission. It can reach 60 mph from a standstill in about 5.9 seconds and offers an impressive combined fuel economy of 71 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent).
• The high-performance M3 version is powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six engine, delivering a substantial 425 horsepower. It’s equipped with a standard six-speed manual transmission, although a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic is optional. The M3’s 0-60 mph time is an exhilarating 4.1 seconds. Despite its performance, the M3 still manages a combined fuel economy of 20 mpg.

What Colors Does the BMW 3 Series Come In?

How Comfortable Is the BMW 3 Series?

The 2017 BMW 3 Series is often praised for its high level of comfort, making it a pleasurable choice for both drivers and passengers. BMW has always put a strong emphasis on delivering a luxurious experience, and this model is no exception. The seats are ergonomically designed and are adjustable in multiple ways to suit individuals of various sizes. Upholstered in premium materials, these seats provide superior comfort during long rides and good support for spirited driving.

Regarding ride comfort, the 3 Series delivers an impressively smooth ride, absorbing most bumps and road imperfections with ease, thanks to its well-tuned suspension. This characteristic provides a relaxing experience even on longer journeys or rougher road surfaces.

Moreover, the cabin is well-insulated, successfully minimizing wind and road noise, which adds to the overall serene driving environment. The climate control system, too, is highly efficient, maintaining a comfortable temperature within the cabin irrespective of the outside conditions. Notably, the 2017 BMW 3 Series offers plenty of legroom and headroom, even for taller occupants, which significantly contributes to its comfort level.

How Much Storage Space Does the BMW 3 Series Have?

The 2017 BMW 3 Series, known for its blend of luxury and performance, also provides a significant amount of storage space for drivers and passengers. The trunk offers a capacity of 13 cubic feet, which is fairly standard for a small luxury car. This space is quite substantial, allowing room for practical items such as a couple of suitcases for a weekend trip, a baby stroller, or even multiple sets of golf clubs.

For those occasions when more space is needed, the vehicle’s rear seats have a fold-down feature, significantly expanding storage capacity. This allows for the transportation of larger items like a bicycle, a flat-screen TV, or larger furniture items. Additionally, throughout the cabin of the 3 Series, there are numerous compartments, pockets, and cup holders designed for easy storage of personal items like smartphones, water bottles, and small handbags. So, despite its sleek and compact design, the 2017 BMW 3 Series proves to be a practical vehicle with ample storage space.

What Are the Differences Between Years?

The sixth generation of the BMW 3 Series was introduced for the 2011 model year, and will be replaced by the seventh generation starting in 2019.

2015: Standard Bluetooth audio added to all models, with heated front seats available as a standalone option.

2016: Minor exterior styling changes and updated interior changes, 335i model renamed to 340i.

2017: Standard M Sport package on 340i models, wireless charging and Apple CarPlay are now standalone options.

2018: Minor adjustments to packages and standard features.

2019: Fully redesigned for the seventh generation with new styling, engines, and technology features.

2020: Six-cylinder engine returns for the M340i model.

2021: New 330e plug-in hybrid introduced, wireless Android Auto integration offered.

How Does the BMW 3 Series Compare to the Competition?

The 2017 BMW 3 Series is a great compact luxury sedan, although you trade some of the most high-end interior features for better handling and performance than most of the competition.

The BMW 4 Series is another popular small car from BMW which is about $1,500 more. Both the BMW 3 Series and the BMW 4 Series are very similar to each other, while the 3 Series is a sedan and the 4 Series is offered as a coupe and convertible. We recommend the BMW 3 Series since it’s more practical, although both are very similar, and it comes down to personal preference.

The Audi A4 is a competitor which is available for about $1,000 less. Where the Audi A4 stands out is with a stronger all-wheel drive system, while the BMW 3 Series is a bit more responsive and fun to drive. We recommend the BMW 3 Series since it’s more exciting to drive, yet it’s worth testing both to see which you prefer.

Do Owners Recommend the BMW 3 Series?