DecodedCars2015 BMW 3 Series
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2015 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 320i 4dr Sedan RWD, 320i Xdrive 4dr Sedan AWD, 328d Xdrive 4dr Sedan AWD, 328i 4dr Sedan RWD
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Diesel, Premium Gasoline, Hybrid
- MPG (best)
- 36 combined · 31 city / 43 hwy
- Length
- 182.3–190.2 in
- Curb weight
- 3,250–3,915 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 36 MPG combined — 37% better than the average 2015 compact car (26.3 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 26 similar 2015 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2015 BMW 3 Series is a compact car offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 3.0L 6-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version 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 3,250 lb (320i 4dr Sedan RWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 36 MPG combined (31 city / 43 highway), 37% better than the 2015 compact car average of 26.3 MPG, for an estimated $2,650 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.
What changed for 2015
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2014 3 Series — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2014; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2014 3 Series →
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 | 3,250 lb | 50/50 |
| 320i Xdrive 4dr Sedan AWD | 182.3 in | 71.3 in | 56.3 in | 110.6 in | 60.6 / 62.2 in | 3,450 lb | 50/50 |
| 328d Xdrive 4dr Sedan AWD | 182.3 in | 71.3 in | 56.3 in | 110.6 in | 60.6 / 62.2 in | 3,620 lb | 50/50 |
| 328i 4dr Sedan RWD | 182.3 in | 71.3 in | 56.3 in | 110.6 in | 60.6 / 62.2 in | 3,360 lb | 50/50 |
| 328i Xdrive 4dr Sedan AWD | 182.3 in | 71.3 in | 56.3 in | 110.6 in | 60.6 / 62.2 in | 3,594 lb | 50/50 |
| 328i Xdrive Gran Turismo | 190.2 in | 72 in | 59.4 in | 114.6 in | 60.6 / 62.6 in | 3,915 lb | 49/51 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 328d Diesel | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 31 / 43 / 36 | +37% | $2,650 | 285 |
| 328d xDrive Diesel | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 31 / 41 / 34 | +29% | $2,800 | 294 |
| 328d xDrive Sports Wagon Diesel | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 31 / 41 / 34 | +24% | $2,800 | 294 |
| 320i | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 23 / 35 / 28 | +6% | $2,950 | 324 |
| ActiveHybrid 3 Hybrid | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 25 / 32 / 28 | +6% | $2,950 | 318 |
| 328i | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 23 / 34 / 27 | +3% | $3,050 | 327 |
| 320i xDrive | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 23 / 34 / 27 | +3% | $3,050 | 332 |
| 320i | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 23 / 35 / 27 | +3% | $3,050 | 326 |
| 328i | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 22 / 33 / 26 | -1% | $3,150 | 344 |
| 328i xDrive | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 32 / 26 | -1% | $3,150 | 343 |
| 328i xDrive Gran Turismo | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 32 / 26 | +24% | $3,150 | 343 |
| 328i xDrive Sports Wagon | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 32 / 26 | -5% | $3,150 | 343 |
| 335i | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 21 / 31 / 25 | -5% | $3,300 | 361 |
| 335i | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 / 29 / 24 | -9% | $3,400 | 378 |
| 335i xDrive | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 30 / 23 | -13% | $3,550 | 379 |
| 335i xDrive | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 28 / 23 | -13% | $3,550 | 395 |
| 335i xDrive Gran Turismo | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 30 / 23 | +10% | $3,550 | 379 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2015 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2015 BMW 3 Series.
Similar 2015 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 BMW 3 Series (this car) | 36 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2015 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 25 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2015 Lexus IS | 24 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2015 Audi A4 | 26 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2015 Audi A3 | 35 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2015 Lexus GS | 31 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2015 BMW 3 Series.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2015 BMW 3 Series is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2015 BMW 3 Series in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2015 BMW 3 Series buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2015 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 |
| 2014 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 →