2012 BMW 3 Series
Sixth generation · F30/F31/F34 2012–2018
The turbo era: nearly the whole range moved to turbocharged engines. For 2014 the coupe and convertible split off as the separate 4 Series, leaving the 3 Series as sedan, Touring (F31), and Gran Turismo (F34). US F30s ran model years 2012–2018, with the G20 arriving for 2019.
The 2012 model year
Overview
The sixth-generation F30 launched for 2012 and pushed nearly the entire 3 Series range to turbocharged engines, including the 328i's turbo four and the 335i's turbo straight-six. It marked a major shift in the model's character toward forced induction — and for 2014 BMW split the two-door coupe and convertible off into a separate model, the 4 Series.
Specifications
- Body styles
- Sedan, Wagon (Touring), Gran Turismo (hatchback)
Year over year
What changed
- Most of the range moved to turbocharged engines.
- The coupe and convertible would split off as the new 4 Series for 2014.
Living with it
Reliability & ownership notes
- Modern turbocharged drivetrains; routine maintenance of the turbo four/six engines is the main consideration.
Worth knowing
Notable
- Began the turbocharged era of the 3 Series.
Famous variants this year
Sources
Other Sixth generation years