DecodedCars2012 BMW 3 Series
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 320i 4dr Sedan RWD, 328i 4dr Sedan RWD, 335i 4dr Sedan RWD, Cabriolet 328i RWD
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl
- Horsepower
- 230–300 hp
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 27 combined · 23 city / 34 hwy
- Length
- 180.7–182.3 in
- Curb weight
- 3,252–4,001 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Strong performanceUp to 300 hp, versus about 236 hp for similar 2012 models.
- AWD / 4WD available
- Few owner complaints5 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 22 for similar models.
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 19 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2012 BMW 3 Series is a compact car offered with 3 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo and 3.0L 6-cyl) and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 182 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 111-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,252 lb (320i 4dr Sedan RWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 27 MPG combined (23 city / 34 highway), 5% better than the 2012 compact car average of 25.6 MPG, for an estimated $3,050 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 5 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2012
- New body dimensions: 4.0 in longer, wheelbase +1.9 in — most likely a redesign or new generation
- No diesel version any more
- Engine added: 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 3 Series →
Trims, performance & features
Engine241 hp2.0L 4-cyl
Engine230–300 hp3.0L 6-cyl
Trims
3-SeriesSA
Built in: Munich, Germany · Rosslyn, South Africa · Regensburg, Germany
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 4 2012 3 Series configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 320i 4dr Sedan RWD | 182.3 in | 71.3 in | 56.3 in | 110.6 in | 60.6 / 62.2 in | 3,252 lb | 50/50 |
| 328i 4dr Sedan RWD | 182.3 in | 71.3 in | 56.3 in | 110.6 in | 60.6 / 62.2 in | 3,406 lb | 50/50 |
| 335i 4dr Sedan RWD | 182.3 in | 71.3 in | 56.3 in | 110.6 in | 60.6 / 62.2 in | 3,572 lb | 52/48 |
| Cabriolet 328i RWD | 180.7 in | 70.1 in | 54.3 in | 108.7 in | 59.1 / 59.1 in | 3,792 lb | 47/53 |
| Cabriolet 335i/335is RWD | 180.7 in | 70.1 in | 54.3 in | 108.7 in | 59.1 / 59.1 in | 4,001 lb | 47/53 |
| Coupe 328i RWD | 180.7 in | 70.1 in | 54.3 in | 108.7 in | 59.1 / 58.7 in | 3,351 lb | 50/50 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 328i | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 23 / 34 / 27 | +5% | $3,050 | 329 |
| 328i | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 23 / 33 / 26 | +2% | $3,150 | 342 |
| 335i | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 23 / 32 / 26 | +2% | $3,150 | 342 |
| 335i | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 / 29 / 23 | -10% | $3,550 | 386 |
| 328i Coupe | 3.0L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 27 / 22 | +1% | $3,750 | 404 |
| 335i Coupe | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 27 / 22 | +1% | $3,750 | 404 |
| 335i Coupe | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 27 / 22 | +1% | $3,750 | 404 |
| 335i Coupe xDrive | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 22 | +1% | $3,750 | 404 |
| 335ci Convertible | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 27 / 22 | +1% | $3,750 | 404 |
| 335ci Convertible | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 27 / 22 | +1% | $3,750 | 404 |
| 328i Coupe | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 28 / 21 | -3% | $3,900 | 423 |
| 328ci Convertible | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 26 / 21 | -3% | $3,900 | 423 |
| 335i Coupe xDrive | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 26 / 21 | -3% | $3,900 | 423 |
| 335is Coupe | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 26 / 21 | -3% | $3,900 | 423 |
| 335is Convertible | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 26 / 21 | -3% | $3,900 | 423 |
| 328i Sport Wagon | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 26 / 21 | -15% | $3,900 | 423 |
| 328i Coupe xDrive | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | -8% | $4,100 | 444 |
| 328i Coupe xDrive | 3.0L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | -8% | $4,100 | 444 |
| 328ci Convertible | 3.0L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 26 / 20 | -8% | $4,100 | 444 |
| 328i Sport Wagon | 3.0L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 26 / 20 | -19% | $4,100 | 444 |
| 328i xDrive Sport Wagon | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | -19% | $4,100 | 444 |
| 328i xDrive Sport Wagon | 3.0L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | -19% | $4,100 | 444 |
| 335is Coupe | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S7) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 23 / 19 | -12% | $4,350 | 468 |
| 335is Convertible | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S7) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 23 / 19 | -12% | $4,350 | 468 |
Spend $3,250Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
25.6 MPG2012 Compact Cars average
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 BMW 3 Series.
Similar 2012 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 BMW 3 Series (this car) | 27 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 23 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Lexus IS | 24 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2012 Audi A4 | 25 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 25 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Audi A5 | 25 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2012 Lexus ES | 22 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Recalls (3)
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine · Oct 20, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V707000 · 157,796 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2010-2012 1 Series Coupe, 1 Series Convertible, 3 Series Sedan, 3 Series Convertible, 2010-2011 3 Series Sportswagon, 3 Series Coupe, 5 Series Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, X3 xDrive 30i, X5 xDrive30i, and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The aluminum bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and possibly break.
- Risk
- Loose or broken VANOS unit bolts can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the four VANOS bolts, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed December 18, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed June 19, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Crankcase (Pcv) · Mar 2, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V119000 · 917,106 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV (X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i); 2008-2013 1 Series Convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi); 2006-2012 3 Series Wagon (328i, 328i xDrive); 2007-2013 3 Series Convertible (328i); 2006-2010 5 Series Sedan (525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi); 2006-2007 5 Series Wagon (530xi); 2007-2010 X5 SAV (X5 3.0si, X5 xDrive30i); 2006-2008 Z4 Coupe (Z4 3.0si); and 2006-2011 Z4 Roadster (Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si, Z4 sDrive30i) vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
- Risk
- An electrical short can cause the PCV valve heater to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire while driving or, soon after driving when parked.
- Fix
- This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Dealers will install an electrical wiring harness with fuse protection for the PCV Valve heater in potentially affected vehicles, free of charge. This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Vehicles previously repaired under the prior recalls will need to come back for the new recall remedy. The remedy is currently being developed. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on April 1, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 22, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Seats › Front Assembly › Head Restraint · Apr 20, 2012
NHTSA campaign 12V176000 · 7,600 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 BMW 3-SERIES VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 19, 2011, THROUGH MARCH 18, 2012, THAT HAVE FRONT SEAT HEAD RESTRAINTS THAT EXCEED THE DOWNWARD MOVEMENT LIMIT OF 25MM IN THE HIGHEST POSITION. THUS, THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 202A,"HEAD RESTRAINTS."
- Risk
- IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE HEAD RESTRAINT MAY UNEXPECTEDLY MOVE DOWN SLIGHTLY IF IT WAS ADJUSTED TO THE FULLY EXTENDED POSITION, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
- Fix
- BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL ATTACH A CLAMP TO THE FRONT SEAT HEAD RESTRAINT POSTS, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 30, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES AT 1-800-525-7417.
Not every 2012 BMW 3 Series is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
5Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
0Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
0Injuries reported
51,279 miTypical mileage at failure
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2012 BMW 3 Series buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 3 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 2 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Vehicle Speed Control — 1 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 51,279 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 BMW 3 Series. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other 3 Series years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 3 Series | 31 | 185.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 3 Series | 31 | 185.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 3 Series | 29 | 185.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 3 Series | 29 | 185.4 in | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
| 2022 3 Series | 30 | 185.4 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 3 Series | 30 | 185.4 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 3 Series | 30 | 185.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 3 Series | 30 | 190.2 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 3 Series | 36 | 182.3 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 3 Series | 36 | 182.3 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 3 Series | 35 | 182.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 3 Series | 36 | 182.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or BMW. How we calculate this →