BMW 3 Series Touring (2012 – 2019) Review

May 2012

BMW 3 Series Touring announced On the road in the UK from September 2012. 97mm longer overall and 50mm longer in the wheelbase than E91, making it 4,607mm long. 17mm extra knee room and 9mm more headroom. With its loading sill just 620mm off the ground (and protected by a stainless steel strip) the new rear luggage area is 35 litres greater in capacity than the previous generation model, at 495 litres.

Three engines at launch, more engine variants came later:

Rear seats have a 40:20:40 split, and with a large through-loading hole in the centre can accommodate a number of skis or snow boards while four occupants are travelling in the car. With the seats folded, the total overall space is 1,500 litres, with a near-level load floor and a wide tail gate aperture making the loading of large items easier than ever before.

The BMW 3 Series Touring has a split rear boot opening with the upper glass area able to open independently of the overall unit. This is unlocked electrically via a button located on the rear wiper arm, and then opened manually. It is particularly convenient when loading in small items, perhaps where space behind the vehicle is limited.

Options include aluminium roof rails and the electrically operated large panoramic glass sunroof. A trailer hitch, electrically powered to fold out of the rear bumper, turns the new 3 Series Touring not only into an admirable tow car, but can also be adapted for the easy fitment of bike racks.

The 320d uses the highly regarded 2.0-litre TwinPower turbo diesel engine from the previous generation, but with its own set of modifications to make it both cleaner and more frugal. The common rail fuel injection – via solenoid injectors operating at up to 2,000 bar – combines with a variable geometry turbocharger (with enhanced thermodynamic properties) to produce 184hp and 380Nm of torque. It matches these outputs with a superb combined fuel figure of 60.1mpg (61.4mpg when fitted with the eight-speed automatic gearbox) and a CO2 output of 124g/km (122g/km).

The initial petrol-powered offering is the 328i four-cylinder, 1,997cc all aluminium engine featuring the latest TwinPower technology: high precision direct fuel injection, a twin scroll turbocharger, Double Vanos variable camshaft timing and BMW’s VALVETRONIC variable valve control. Maximum power is 245hp and peak torque stands at 350Nm, developed from just 1,250rpm all the way to 4,800rpm. 0-62mph arrives in just six seconds and a top speed electronically limited to 155mph. Even so, the 328i has a combined fuel consumption figure of just 41.5mpg and emits only 159g/km of CO2.

330d has 258hp at 4,000rpm, and 560Nm between 1,500rpm and 3,000rpm. When mated to the standard 8-speed gearbox on this model, the 330d does 0-62mph in only 5.6 seconds, and a top speed electronically limited to 155mph. The 330d achieves 55.4mpg on the combined cycle, and emits just 135g/km of C02, making it a particularly clean high performance choice.

Later in 2012 3 Series Touring range expands with a 320i petrol engine producing 184hp and 270Nm torque, plus a further pair of 2.0-litre diesel engines – the 318d with 143hp and 320Nm of torque and 316d with 116hp and 260Nm of torque.

With its longer wheelbase (50mm) and wider front and rear tracks (37mm and 48mm respectively) the new car gave those engineers an even better basis with which to work their magic on. The double joint tie bar front axle with its spring struts and anti-roll bars, has torque struts, wishbones and swivel bearings made from aluminium to reduce the unsprung mass. Given that it doesn’t need to counter any torque steer (thanks to the rear wheels receiving the torque from the engine), the kinematics of the front axle can be devoted to offering the finest handling and steering precision.

Optional M Sport suspension, features a 10mm drop in ride height, provides firmer springs and damping as well as thicker anti-roll bars. Selecting this option also brings with it 18-inch M alloy wheels. There is then the further option of the Adaptive M Sport suspension, with electronically controlled damping that adjusts the damper mapping to the road surface and driving situation. The driver can also use the Driving Dynamic Control switch to vary the basic suspension tuning between more comfortable or sportier settings according to individual preference.

The BMW 3 Series Touring is fitted with an electromechanical power steering system that only operates when steering assistance is actually required. Not only is this system lighter and more fuel efficient than conventional power assistance systems, it offers a high level of steering precision. The BMW 330d Touring and BMW 328i Touring come as standard with the Servotronic function for speed-sensitive steering assistance, while Variable Sports Steering is also available as an option, providing different steering gear ratios depending on the angle of the steering wheel.

September 2012

New engines added

Following the launch of the BMW 3 Series Touring three additional engines became available, the 320i, 318d and 316d, increasing the range to two petrol and four diesel engines.

The 2.0-litre petrol engine driving the new 320i Touring generates 184hp and 270Nm torque using BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, pushing the car from zero to 62mph in 7.5 seconds and onto a top speed of 145mph. With CO2 emissions of just 152g/km and fuel consumption of just 60mpg, on the combined cycle, or 145g/km CO245.6mpg when fitted with the optional eight-speed automatic transmission, the 320i Touring blends effortless performance with outstanding economy.

Both the BMW 318d Touring and BMW 316d Touring use a 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. In the new BMW 318d Touring, the engine produces a maximum torque of 320Nm and 143hp, while in the BMW 316d Touring it gives 116hp and 260Nm torque, ensuring a smooth power delivery.

The BMW 318d Touring has a top speed of 130mph, accelerating from zero to 62mph in just 9.2 seconds while the BMW 316d Touring accelerates in 11.2 seconds from a standing start to 62mph and reaches a top speed of 124mph. This performance doesn’t come at the cost of efficiency, with both the316d and 318d Touring models emitting just 123g/km CO2while returning 60.1mpg on the combined cycle.

Both the 316d and 318d Touring will be available from November, priced from £26,180 OTR for the BMW 316d ES Touring and £28,280 OTR for the BMW 318d SE Touring.

January 2013

More engine choices introduced

The new BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Touring offers an impressive blend of driving pleasure and fuel economy. The former is delivered courtesy of a 163PS, four-cylinder diesel unit, while the engine's inherent efficiency and the EfficientDynamics technologies are complemented by attributes including optimised aerodynamics to further boost the latter.

The BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Touring is offered with both a six-speed manual gearbox and an eight-speed automatic. Both versions record an average fuel consumption on the combined cycle of 65.7mpg and CO2 emissions of 112g/km. This exceptional efficiency is accompanied by strong performance taking just 8.3 seconds for the dash from zero to 62mph.

The second new diesel variant in the line-up is the BMW 325d Touring. Its four-cylinder diesel engine boasts BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, developing 218hp and producing a maximum torque of 450Nm. The BMW 325d Touring sprints from zero to 62mph in just 6.9 seconds, while averaging a combined 55.4mpg and CO2 emissions of 134 g/km on the EU test cycle. This additional engine variant will also be introduced simultaneously in the new BMW 3 Series Saloon.

The BMW 3 Series Touring range now has a new entry point with the introduction of the petrol-powered BMW 316i Touring. Powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and developing 136hp, this engine is teamed with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, but an eight-speed automatic can be ordered as an option. The BMW 316i Touring accelerates from zero to 62mph in 9.4 seconds, while its average fuel consumption stands at 45.6mpg and CO2 emissions of 143g/km.

The most sporting variant of the range is the BMW 335i Touring, powered by the range-topping straight-six petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology that develops 306hp. A zero to 62 mph time of only 5.5 seconds - dropping to 5.2 seconds with the eight-speed automatic gearbox - demonstrates the outstanding performance on offer. However, with an average combined fuel consumption of 34.9mpg and CO2 emissions of 189g/km it's clear that this performance is very much in hand with efficiency.

May 2015

BMW 3 Series Touring updated

Revamped models on sale from July 2015.The new 3 Series Saloon and Touring models receive a subtle evolution to their front and rear styling, with new materials and highlights introduced to the interior to even further boost the sporting yet comfortable ambience.

Under the bonnet, the majority of engines are completely new and hail from the latest modular BMW EfficientDynamics engine family, with standout models such as the new three-cylinder 318i, the 326hp 340i, the 99g/km 320dED and the 335d with 630Nm of torque. With further advancements to gearboxes, chassis dynamics and personalisation options, plus a huge array of advanced technology such as the new optional BMW Professional Navigation, the new BMW 3 Series is better equipped than ever before to continue the legend.

Note: The figures above are for key Saloon models. Statistics for xDrive and Touring models vary slightly from those above.

New exhaust tail pipes are fitted to different models depending upon engine output. The range-topping BMW 340i features individual 80mm tailpipes on the left and right, while the engines for the 320i and 320d models upwards now come with dual tailpipes, each 70mm in diameter. The tailpipe for the entry-level models measures 75mm in diameter. There is also a new range of wheels, with rims up to 19 inches in diameter available as an option, and 20-inch wheels can be selected from the Original BMW Accessories range.

The entry-level engine in the new BMW 3 Series Touring range offers typically strong performance. The new BMW 318i, which replaces the previous BMW 316i, is the first BMW of this size to be fitted with the new three-cylinder petrol engine.

This new engine delivers maximum power of 136PS from a displacement of just 1.5-litres and has a peak torque of 220 Nm. For short periods this can be increased to 230 Nm by using the overboost function that is activated by kickdown. With the six-speed manual gearbox, the BMW 318i accelerates from 0-62mph in just 8.9 seconds on the way to a top speed of 130mph. Despite this dynamic performance, however, the CO2 emissions stand at just 122 g/km (with eight-speed Steptronic transmission), a 12 per cent improvement over the previous BMW 316i. Fuel consumption is equally impressive, with the Saloon returning up to 54.3mpg and the Touring 51.4mpg.

Also making its debut in the new BMW 3 Series is a new 2.0-litre four-cylinder in-line engine available in two different states of tune. Fitted in the new BMW 320i Saloon and Touring models, it develops a maximum output of 184PS between and a maximum torque of 290 Nm with six-speed manual gearbox and rear-wheel drive. This is combined with CO2 emissions of up to134g/km and fuel consumption as low as 48.7mpg.

The new BMW 3 Series Touring can be fitted with a six-speed manual transmission or eight-speed Steptronic unit (standard on the BMW 330d, BMW 335d and BMW 340i Touring). The crisp-shifting six- speed manual transmission, featuring optimal ratio spacing, comes with a dual-mass flywheel with centrifugal pendulum absorbers.

As an alternative to the classic BMW rear-wheel-drive set-up, the BMW 320i, 320d and 330d variants of the new BMW 3 Series model range can be ordered with BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive. Thanks to its huge torque output, the BMW 335d is fitted with this technology as standard. BMW xDrive combines the customary advantages of all-wheel drive such as optimal power transfer to the road, excellent safety and maximum traction, with BMW's typically agile and precise handling.

The new BMW 3 Series Touring models feature retuned - slightly stiffer - suspension and optimised steering that further improves their dynamic ability under all payload conditions. This is felt in their reduced body roll, excellent directional stability and steering precision, whether with the standard setup, or the M Sport suspension and adaptive suspension alternatives.

The new BMW 330e will offer a startling combined fuel consumption of 134.5mpg and CO2 emissions of 49g/km when it joins the range in 2016. Its state-of-the-art plug-in hybrid technology combines a 184hp 2.0-litre petrol engine with an 80 kW electric motor. The combined output of 252hp and combined maximum torque of 420 Nm (provisional figures) give the BMW 330e a 0-62mph acceleration time of just 6.3 seconds and a top speed of 140mph. This model is also capable of travelling up to approximately 22-miles in all-electric mode, and therefore emits zero local emissions when used in this manner.

July 2015

New 320 ED Sport introduced

BMW is now offering a sportier look and design to the popular EfficientDynamic models of the 3 Series. Based on the recently introduced ED Plus model, the ED Sport adds the sporting design characteristics of Sport trim, to the class-leading efficiency of the 320d ED engine. Powered by the new 2.0-litre engine and available in either a six-speed manual or the class leading eight-speed automatic, the new model teams effortless performance with better than ever emissions and fuel consumption.

With an OTR price of £30,205, the 320 ED Sport comes with more standard equipment and an even greater scope for personalisation. With 17-inch light-alloy wheels as standard, as well as Business Navigation, a selection of Dakota leather upholsteries, Sports steering wheel, unique trim finishers and Heated Sports Front Seats - The ED Sport provides an additional £840 of standard equipment for only £500 more than the ED Plus model. There are a wide variety of options available including a range of 18-inch or 19-inch wheels as well as the extensive range of technologies available to the rest of the 3 Series range.

May 2016

BMW 3 Series gets latest iDrive interface

Incorporated into the BMW Professional media system, the latest iDrive interface and enhanced connectivity provides a simpler menu navigation requiring fewer clicks to move between key sections such as map view, messages, entertainment and media and an increase in RAM to improve performance. This new system also allows the wireless integration of selected third party applications from a compatible mobile device.

In addition to the already standard Bluetooth connectivity this can be further enhanced by opting for the new Enhanced Bluetooth which alongside the upgraded BMW Professional Navigation system now includes Wireless Charging, WiFi Hotspot preparation and an additional USB socket. The new Enhanced Bluetooth with Wireless Charging is offered as standard on all BMW 6 Series and 7 Series models as well as the M3, M4, X5M and X6M.

Accessing a library of over 30 million tracks available to stream at any time as part of BMW Online Entertainment is now even easier thanks to the new Connected Music feature. This introduces the additional option, when listening to the radio, of recognising the track, artist or album. The listener can then search for and stream other music by that artist or music of the same genre.

July 2018

New eight-speed automatic for 320i xDrive Touring

The 330i Touring will also include an automatic transmission as a standard fitting in the future.