BMW 3 Series
The sports sedan benchmark for five decades. Every 3 Series generation is engineered around rear-wheel drive balance and BMW's signature steering accuracy.
Quick Facts & Specification Overview: The BMW 3 Series is a sedan featuring powertrains delivering from 184 to 382 horsepower, achieving up to 41 MPG combined on official EPA ratings. Engineered with RWD and AWD drivetrain systems across 2 generations, the model holds a 5-star NHTSA safety rating and zero open safety recalls on the latest production run.
Years
1975 - present
Power
184 - 382 hp
Best MPG
41 MPG
NHTSA
5★ overall
2019 Recalls
0 campaigns
Complaints
41 filed
01At a glance
BMW 3 Series by the numbers
| Topic | BMW 3 Series | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power range | 184 - 382 hp | 6 powertrains verified |
| EPA fuel economy | 28 - 41 MPG | Combined cycle, best trim |
| Safety rating | 5★ overall (2026) | Frontal 5★ · Side 5★ · Rollover 5★ |
| Recalls (2019) | 0 | Open NHTSA safety campaigns |
| Complaints (2019) | 41 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE |
| Fuel types | Petrol | RWD, AWD drivetrains |
| Generations indexed | 2 | Each with full spec sheet |
| Dimensions (latest) | 4709 x 1827 x 1435 mm | L x W x H, 2851 mm wheelbase |
02Crash protection
BMW 3 Series NHTSA safety ratings
| Year | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 5★ | 5★ | 5★ | 5★ | 0 |
| 2026 | 5★ | 5★ | 5★ | 5★ | 0 |
| 2025 | 5★ | 5★ | 5★ | 5★ | 0 |
| 2025 | 5★ | 5★ | 5★ | 5★ | 0 |
| 2024 | NR | NR | NR | NR | 0 |
| 2024 | NR | NR | NR | NR | 0 |
| 2023 | NR | NR | NR | NR | 0 |
| 2023 | NR | NR | NR | NR | 0 |
| 2022 | 5★ | 5★ | 5★ | 5★ | 0 |
| 2022 | 5★ | 5★ | 5★ | 5★ | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Safercar_data.csv, official 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Recall counts from NHTSA Recall API. Official NHTSA ratings
05Pick your year
BMW 3 Series generations
3 Series G20
2019 – present
3 Series F30
2012 – 2019
05Generation comparison matrix
Compare all BMW 3 Series generations
| Specification | 3 Series G202019 – present (G20) | 3 Series F302012 – 2019 (F30) |
|---|---|---|
| Power Output | 184 – 382 hp | 184 – 306 hp |
| EPA Fuel Economy | Up to 41 MPG combined | Up to 39 MPG combined |
| Quickest 0–100 km/h | 4.4s | 5.5s |
| Exterior Dimensions | 4709 × 1827 × 1435 mm | 4633 × 1811 × 1429 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2851 mm | 2810 mm |
| Powertrains Verified | 3 trims | 3 trims |
| Full Specs | View spec sheet | View spec sheet |
Smart Value & Budget Pick
3 Series F30
Ideal for used-car shoppers seeking reliable transportation with lower acquisition costs, proven naturally aspirated engines, and mature parts availability.
Explore 3 Series F30specs →Technology & Modern Pick
3 Series G20
Best for drivers wanting contemporary safety tech, digital cockpits, peak horsepower ratings, and the latest aerodynamic styling.
Explore 3 Series G20specs →06Answers
BMW 3 Series: what buyers ask
How many recalls does the BMW 3 Series have?
The 2019 BMW 3 Series has 0 open NHTSA recall campaigns. Always verify by your exact VIN, because recall coverage varies by production run.
What MPG does the BMW 3 Series get?
Across verified powertrains, the 3 Series achieves 28 to 41 MPG combined (EPA cycle).
How much horsepower does the BMW 3 Series have?
Power ranges from 184 hp to 382 hp across 6 verified powertrains, spanning Petrol fuel types.
Is the BMW 3 Series safe?
The 2026 3 Series earned a perfect 5-star overall NHTSA rating (frontal 5, side 5, rollover 5). It has earned 5 stars in 8 tested model years.
What are common BMW 3 Series problems?
NHTSA has 41 owner complaints on file for the 2019 model year, most frequently involving UNKNOWN OR OTHER, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE. 2 involved a crash.
How many generations does the BMW 3 Series have?
We index 2 verified generations with full powertrain specification sheets, spanning production from 1975 to the present.
07Compare
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08Buyer's Guides
3 Series Research & Technical Explainers
AWD vs. 4WD vs. FWD vs. RWD: The Complete Drivetrain Guide (Mechanics, Snow, Towing & Efficiency)
Front, rear, all or four-wheel drive, what's the difference, and which drivetrain is right for your driving? Mechanics, pros, cons and examples.
September 19, 2026
City vs. Highway vs. Combined MPG Explained: EPA Formula & Real-World Guide
What do the three MPG numbers on a spec sheet actually mean, why is your real-world figure lower, and which should you care about? A complete guide.
September 26, 2026
What Is a VIN Number? How to Decode All 17 Digits (NHTSA & ISO Chart)
Every car built since 1981 carries a unique 17-character VIN. Learn where to find it, what each position means, and how to decode it free in seconds.
October 10, 2026
Sources for this page
- EPA fuel-economy records: BMW 3 SeriesCertification data across model years
- NHTSA vehicle file: recalls and owner complaintsLatest model-year record
- NHTSA vPIC vehicle databasePowers our VIN decoder, the federal manufacturer registry
- BMW official: data sheets and archiveManufacturer-published specifications
Figures on this page are compiled from the sources above and cross-checked against manufacturer data sheets. US-market EPA cycle where noted; European WLTP values are measured differently and are not directly comparable.
Check a specific 3 Series
Model-level data is a starting point, not a guarantee for your vehicle. Decode the exact VIN to confirm year, trim, engine, assembly plant and any open recalls that apply to that specific production run.
Open VIN checkMore BMW models