2012 BMW 3 Series (F30) Photos, engines & full specs

The sixth generation of the 3 Series broke cover in late 2011 as a 2012 model year, and, like its predecessors, it relied on a sporty driving experience and premium quality to convince its buyers.

BMW’s best-selling model, the 3 Series, was on the market since 1975, and while the first generation was available only as a two-door coupe, it evolved into a full range of products. In 2012, the 3 Series lost its coupe version, which became the 4 Series, but the four-door sedan remained one of the best vehicles made by the German automaker. The new generation came with a wider range of engines than its predecessor, offering not just diesel and gasoline powerplants but also a hybrid version, representing the start of the electrification era for this nameplate.

The sixth generation of this nameplate got the F30 internal designation and was the first 3 Series to ditch the E-XX coding system used for decades by BMW. The design and technology installed on this car were a leap forward compared to its predecessor, the E90. At the front, the automaker installed a pair of headlights that looked pinched on their inner side, towards the grille. The standard version of the car featured a lower bumper with a broad grille, with an option for round fog lamps. In addition, an M-package came with a different look, with broad air intakes that flanked a V-shaped lower grille. From its profile, the cab-rearward design was emphasized by the long hood and short rear deck. Furthermore, the crease along the bodywork started from the front fenders, ran along the door panels towards the rear quarter panels, and ended on the taillights. Depending on the engine version and options, the F30 featured single, double, or dual exhausts with one pipe on each side.

Inside, the cockpit was dominated by high-quality materials, even in the lowest grade, which was fitted with cloth seats. Still, customers could get sports bucket seats with high bolstered areas. Fronting the driver was a clean-designed instrument cluster with large dials for the speedometer and tachometer. BMW installed a screen for the iDrive infotainment system atop the center stack, above the center vents. Despite the long wheelbase of the vehicle, in the back, there was not too much legroom for adult-sized passengers due to the longitudinally mounted engine at the front and the tall transmission tunnel.

Under the hood, the automaker installed a wide choice of engines with three, four, and six cylinders, all turbocharged, both gasoline and diesel. Standard transmission for most of the range consisted of a six-speed manual, while an eight-speed automatic was available at extra cost. BMW offered the 3 Series with either rear or all-wheel-drive transmissions, depending on the options.