BMW 3 Series 2012–2015 car dimensions: 4624 mm long, 1811 mm wide and 1429 mm high. Unladen weight is 1,495 kg. Braked towing is 1,600 kg.
The cabin has a standard 6.5-inch colour display controlled by the iDrive knob, not a touchscreen. Single-zone automatic climate control is standard across the range, with dual-zone available as an option. Basic cruise control with braking function is optional or included on higher trims and packages. Rear parking sensors appear on SE and above or as options, while front sensors, reversing camera, blind-spot warning, lane departure warning and collision warning with braking form part of optional driver assistance packages.
Boot space measures 480 litres with the rear seats in place. Split-folding rear seats expand the volume to 655 litres when lowered.
Braked towing capacity is 1600 kg and unbraked is 745 kg. Payload is listed at 550 kg. No specific heavy-duty cooling or reinforced suspension packages are noted as standard or widely available options for everyday work use.
Dual-zone automatic climate control is available, often standard or in packages. Front seats are manual as standard with optional electric multi-way adjustment and memory. Sports seats add electric adjustable bolsters for better support. Heated front seats, heated rear seats and heated steering wheel are options. An electric glass sunroof is optional. The cabin uses quality materials with iDrive control and offers solid space and support for daily driving.
Combined fuel use 4.5 l/100 km NEDC, CO2 119 g/km for 320d.
EfficientDynamics version achieves 4.1 l/100 km and 109 g/km.
Euro NCAP 5 stars (2012): 95% adult, 84% child, 78% pedestrian, 86% assist.
Standard safety includes multiple airbags, DSC stability control, seatbelt reminders and ISOFIX.
Condition Based Service (CBS) monitors oil and other items for flexible intervals.
The 320d diesel returns official combined consumption of 4.5 l/100 km with 119 g/km CO2 under NEDC testing. The EfficientDynamics variant improves this to around 4.1 l/100 km and 109 g/km. Real-world figures depend on driving but the engine is known for strong economy on longer trips.
Servicing uses the CBS system that calculates oil life and other needs based on use, with factory long-life intervals often extending toward 25,000-30,000 km or two years. Many owners and specialists prefer shorter oil changes for the N47 engine. Fuel filter and other items follow scheduled patterns.
Safety is strong with a full five-star Euro NCAP result from 2012 testing on a 320d. Adult protection scored 95 percent, with solid child and pedestrian results plus high safety assist marks. Standard kit covers airbags all round, dynamic stability control, ABS and related systems.
Keeping the car means following CBS prompts while watching common diesel items like the timing chain on early N47 engines, EGR and DPF condition especially on short trips. Regular longer runs help the particulate filter. Transmission fluid on automatics benefits from attention around higher mileages despite lifetime claims.
Length 4624 mm, Width 1811 mm, Height 1429 mm, Wheelbase 2810 mm (3 Series 2012–2015)
Sources: manufacturer data, BMW Media Information, “Specifications, BMW 3 Series Sedan, 320d,” 2/2013, valid from 3/2013.