2013 BMW 3 Series Review

Detailed Review

The BMW 3 Series is a 5-seater executive car that has been in production for seven generations since 1975. It’s offered in various body styles such as saloon, station wagon, hatchback, convertible and coupe. The 5-door saloon and 5-door station wagon are the most common in Kenya due to their suitability as family cars. The sixth generation 3 series is bigger than its predecessor with an increase in length, track and wheelbase which gives it a commanding look.

2013 BMW 3 Series Engines
Petrol
1. BMW 316i – 1.6-Litre, Turbocharged, 134 BHP
2. BMW 320i – 2.0-Litre, Turbocharged, 184 BHP
3. BMW ActiveHybrid 3 – 3.0-Litre, Hybrid, 335 BHP
Diesel
4. BMW 316d – 2.0-Litre, Turbocharged, 114 BHP
5. BMW 318d – 2.0-Litre, Turbocharged, 140 BHP
6. BMW 320d – 2.0-Litre, Turbocharged, 181 BHP
7. BMW 325d – 2.0-Litre, Turbocharged, 214 BHP
8. BMW 330d – 3.0-Litre, Turbocharged, 254 BHP
9. BMW 335d – 3.0-Litre, Turbocharged, 308 BHP

These engines are linked to either a 6-speed manual transmission or an 8-speed automatic transmission with an optional Auto Start-Stop function. Four-Wheel-Drive options known as xDrive are offered in the lineup.

2013 BMW 3 Series Grades

1. ES – Available with the 316d and the 316i. It comes with 17-Inch alloy rims, automatic AC, Bluetooth connectivity, USB Port, Keyless, 6.5Inch screen with iDrive, cruise control, multifunction steering wheel
2. SE – This is available with the 316d, 320d and the 318i. It comes with the same equipment as the ES and adds dual zone automatic AC, parking sensors, rain sensors and automatic light activation.
3. SPORT – This is available with the 318i and 320d Efficient Dynamics. It comes with unique 17-Inch alloy rims, high gloss black trim, black grilles, black chrome tailpipe, red stitching on seats and steering wheel, and red highlighting in the instrument cluster.
4. MODERN – This adds unique 17-Inch alloy rims, matt chrome interior trim, part-leather seats, two-tone dash and redesigned bumpers. This grade is not available with the 316d, 318d, 320d and 325d.
5. M SPORT – This adds a lowered and stiffened sports suspension, M body styling, and Dakota leather.
6. LUXURY – This adds 18-Inch alloy rims, Dakota leather and wood trim. This grade is not available with the 316d, 318d and 320d.

Interior
Legroom & Space
The F30 saw an increase in length by 93 millimeters which translates to better interior space. At the front, there is a 15-milimeter increase in knee room and the headroom is up by eight millimeters. At the rear, the passengers are afforded with increased legroom and shoulder space.

Cabin Storage
A wide range of storage compartments enhance practicality. At the front row, two large cupholders are now integrated into the center console in front of the gearshift lever and the front doors have space for bottles up to one litre in size. At the rear, the door pockets contain generous storage surfaces and a more storage in the armrest compartment.

2013 BMW 3 Series Boot Space
The boot space for the saloon has increased by 20 litres which translates to more cargo space. An optional through-loading system with 40:20:40 folding rear seat backrest offers flexible transportation for bulky goods.

Other Extras: Full colour Heads-Up Display, High-Beam Assistant

Safety Features: BMW ConnectedDrive(BMW Parking Assistant, Surround View, Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function and Speed Limit Info with No Passing Info Display.), Lane Change Warning System, Lane Departure Warning System, Collision Warning, Active Protection

Exterior
The sixth generation 3 Series has grown in terms of dimensions, particularly its wider track has resulted in a more impressive on-the-road presence. The flat design of the revised BMW kidney grille also serves to underline the car’s sporting feel.

2013 BMW 3 Series Fuel Consumption
2013 BMW 316i 1.6-Litre Petrol fuel consumption: 20.0 Km/L
2013 BMW 320i 2.0-Litre Petrol fuel consumption: 22.5 Km/L
2013 BMW 335i 3.0-Litre Petrol fuel consumption: 16.6 Km/L
2013 BMW 316d 2.0-Litre Diesel fuel consumption: 26.3 Km/L
2013 BMW 318d 2.0-Lire Diesel fuel consumption: 26.3 Km/L
2013 BMW 320d 2.0-Litre Diesel fuel consumption: 27.2
2013 BMW 320d 2.0-Litre Diesel Fuel Consumption: 29.2

2013 BMW 3 Series Acceleration
2013 BMW 316i 1.6-Litre Petrol accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 8.6 sec
2013 BMW 320i 2.0-Litre Petrol accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 6.1 sec
2013 BMW 335i 3.0-Litre Petrol accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 5.5 sec
2013 BMW 316d 2.0-Litre Diesel accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 10.6 sec
2013 BMW 318d 2.0-Lire Diesel accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 8.7 sec
2013 BMW 320d 2.0-Litre Diesel accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 7.6 sec
2013 BMW 320d 2.0-Litre Diesel accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 7.3 sec

2013 BMW 3 Series Fuel Tank Capacity: 57 Litres

2013 BMW 3 Series Ground Clearance
The 2013 BMW 3 Series has a ground clearance of 5.5 Inches(140mm) which is below the minimum recommended clearance of 6.5 Inches for Kenyan roads. It may be necessary to modify the ground clearance to adjust the car to Kenyan roads. Read our guidelines here on how to safely increase a vehicle’s ground clearance.

2013 BMW 3 Series Stability and Handling
With powerful turbocharged engines and a silky smooth 8-speed automatic transmission, the 2013 BMW 3 Series is an enjoyable car to drive. It pulls fast from a standstill and the gear shifts are fast and fluid. The M Sport package is designed for performance with a firmer suspension with dampers, harder anti-roll bars and is lower by 10mm. Also optionally available is an Adaptive M Sport suspension with electronically controlled damping. Based on incoming information about body and wheel acceleration, lateral and longitudinal acceleration, vehicle speed and steering wheel position, an electronic control unit adapts the damper mapping to the road surface and driving situation. At the same time the driver can use the Driving Experience Control switch to vary the basic suspension characteristics between a more comfortable or sportier ride.

Service Intervals
Minor Service – At 10,000 km for petrol and 5,000 km for diesel. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, and Engine Oil
Major Service – At 15,000km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, Fuel Filter, ATF Filter, Cabin Filter, Plugs, Front Brake Pads, Rear Brake Pads, ATF Oil, and Engine Oil

Spare Parts Availability, Cost & Where to buy
Service parts are fairly priced and available in major towns in Kenya. Body parts are expensive and mostly available in Nairobi. You can get listings for BMW 3 Series spare part dealers in this link

2013 BMW 3 Series Reliability
The driving conditions in Kenya are significantly different from those in Japan and Europe. Reliability reviews done for those markets largely do not apply to the Kenyan market. There are differences in roads, fuel, climate, spares, and technical expertise. To give you accurate and reliable local insights, we interview experts such as mechanics and car dealers, who have in-depth knowledge of the Kenyan market. We also test the cars ourselves. Our aim is to give you the right information to enable you make an informed decision when buying a car.

German cars historically aged well but now, newer models come with a host of sensors that control virtually everything. These cars can be problematic with age and its advisable to buy them at very low mileage. It’s absolutely important to buy them from credible dealers that can guarantee their quality. We will give you their contacts at the end of this review.

Another factor to consider is the quality of maintenance and the service history of the car. These greatly determine the long-term reliability of the car and it’s important to have the car thoroughly examined by a qualified technician before you purchase it. Once this is done and you have purchased the right car, you then have to ensure that service is done on time using genuine parts. If you skimp on maintenance, then be prepared to pay heavily down the line.

If you are planning to own or currently own the 2013 BMW 3 Series, it’s vital that you read the Owner’s Manual. If you need the manual, you can request it from us via [email protected]

Resale Value: Average

BMW 3 Series Competitors: Audi A4, Mercedes Benz C-Class, Lexus lS, VW Passat, Subaru Legacy and Toyota Mark X.

Cost of Ownership
Purchase Price: from Ksh.1,800,000
Comprehensive Insurance: Average Ksh. 72,000/ per annum- Or
3rd Party Insurance: Ksh. 7,000/- per annum
Change of Tyres(If neccessary) Ksh. 24,000/- for 4 Tyres
Check Latest BMW 3 Series Prices here

What we like about the 2013 BMW 3 Series
1. Spacious Interior
2. Comfortable
3. Powerful engines
4. Premium quality

What we don’t
1. Low ground clearance

Conclusion
The BMW 3 Series is an excellent family car that combines many desirable features such as comfort, performance and safety into one package. Ground clearance is an ongoing issue and if you are driving in Kenya, be prepared for some agony when you encounter the oversized speed bumps. Quality of maintenance is another ongoing concern and we strictly advise that you get a qualified mechanic or repair shop if you want to enjoy your ownership.

Where to Buy the 2013 BMW 3 Series in Kenya
If you are looking to either import or buy the BMW 3 Series locally, we can help you with this process. Over the years, we have developed a network of trusted dealers both in Kenya and UK who supply us with exceptional cars. Simply call us or send us a message through our contacts below and we’ll get you the right car at the right price.