2012 BMW 3 Series: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

The big news for 2012 is the fully redesigned sixth-generation 3 Series sedan, with a roomier cabin, new and updated turbo engines, and a new 8-speed automatic. The coupe, hardtop convertible, and Sports Wagon remain on the older platform and receive lighter equipment updates.

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About the 2012 BMW 3 Series

Transition year: 6th-generation F30 sedan, first year; coupe, convertible, and Sports Wagon remain on the late E90/E91/E92/E93 generation.

BMW positioned the 3 Series as the compact luxury car for people who still care about how a car feels from behind the wheel. Across sedan, coupe, convertible, and wagon forms, BMW emphasized balanced handling, near 50/50 weight distribution, responsive engines, and a driver-focused cabin. The sedan targeted daily-use sport-sedan buyers, the coupe and convertible leaned more emotional and style-driven, and the wagon added cargo flexibility without giving up the same basic BMW road feel.

The 2012 lineup splits into two distinct groups: a newer, roomier sport sedan and familiar carryover coupe, convertible, and wagon models. The 328i remains the everyday entry point, while the 300-hp 335i provides stronger turbocharged six-cylinder power. The 320-hp 335is coupe and convertible add a sharper setup with extra cooling, a sport exhaust, and more aggressive body trim.

What changed, by category

Powertrain

The redesigned 328i sedan receives a new turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the 335i sedan uses an updated turbocharged six-cylinder. A new 8-speed automatic arrives for the sedan, and the diesel-powered 335d is dropped from the lineup.

Styling

The sedan moves to the all-new sixth-generation F30 design. The coupe, hardtop convertible, and Sports Wagon retain their older-generation bodies.

Tech

Hands-free Bluetooth becomes standard across the range. USB connectivity becomes standard on the 335i, 335i xDrive, and 335is.

Structural

The redesigned sedan has a roomier body and more rear-seat and cargo space than the prior sedan. The other body styles remain on the older platform.

2012 BMW 3 Series specs and features by trim

Feature	2012 BMW 3 Series328i2 in stock	2012 BMW 3 Series335i1 in stock	2012 BMW 3 Series335is2 in stock	2012 BMW 3 Series328i Sport0 in stock	2012 BMW 3 Series328i xDrive0 in stock	2012 BMW 3 Series335i xDrive0 in stock	2012 BMW 3 Series328i xDrive Sport0 in stock
Engine	6-Cyl, 3.0 Liter / 6-Cyl, SULEV, 3.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, SULEV, Turbo, 2.0 Liter	6-Cyl, Turbo, 3.0 Liter	6-Cyl, Twin Turbo, 3.0 Liter	6-Cyl, 3.0 Liter	6-Cyl, 3.0 Liter / 6-Cyl, SULEV, 3.0 Liter	6-Cyl, Turbo, 3.0 Liter	6-Cyl, 3.0 Liter
Transmission	Auto 6-Spd OD Steptronic / Auto, 6-Spd OD Steptronic / Auto, 8-Spd Steptronic / Manual, 6-Spd w/Overdrive	Auto, 6-Spd OD Steptronic / Auto, 8-Spd w/Steptronic	Auto, 7-Spd Dbl Cltch w/MM	Auto, 6-Spd OD Steptronic	Auto, 6-Spd OD Steptronic	Auto, 6-Spd OD Steptronic	Auto, 6-Spd OD Steptronic
Drivetrain	RWD	RWD	RWD	RWD	AWD	AWD	AWD
Fuel Type	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas
MPG City	18–23 mpg	18–20 mpg	17 mpg	18 mpg	17 mpg	18 mpg	17 mpg
MPG Highway	27–34 mpg	28–30 mpg	24 mpg	27 mpg	25 mpg	27 mpg	25 mpg
Horsepower	230–240 hp	300 hp	320 hp	230 hp	230 hp	300 hp	230 hp
Torque	200–255 lb-ft	300 lb-ft	332 lb-ft	200 lb-ft	200 lb-ft	300 lb-ft	200 lb-ft
Trunk/Cargo	9–13 cu-ft	9–13 cu-ft	9–11 cu-ft		11 cu-ft	11 cu-ft
Rear Legroom	32–35.1 in	32–35.1 in	32–33.7 in	34.6 in	33.7 in	33.7 in	34.6 in
Seats	4–5	4–5	4	5	4	4	5
Doors	2–4	2–4	2	4	2	2	4
Safety & Security
Adaptive Cruise Control
Adaptive Headlights
Alarm System
Automatic High Beams
Automatic Leveling Headlights
Blindspot Sensors with Auto Brake
Hill Descent Control
Lane Departure Warning
Park Assist
Side View Cameras
Top View Camera
Exterior Features
Alloy Wheels
Fog Lights
HID Headlights
Memory Exterior Mirrors
Power Moonroof
Panorama Moon Roof
Power Retractable Hard Top
Roof Rails
Entertainment & Electronics
Bluetooth
Navigation System
Premium Audio
Smartphone Interface
USB Ports
Comfort & Convenience
Aluminum Interior Trim
Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror
Dual Power Front Seats
Heated Front Seats
Heated Rear Seats
Heated Steering Wheel
Leather Seats
Memory Driver's Seat
Proximity Keyless Entry
Push-Button Engine Start
Rear Window Shades
Wood Interior Trim

How the 2013 BMW 3 Series compares

The biggest change for the 2013 BMW 3 Series is a wider sedan lineup, led by the new entry-level 320i and the new ActiveHybrid 3. The rest of the range largely carries over, including the outgoing coupe and convertible for their final U.S. model year.

See the full 2013 changes

Frequently asked questions

Was the entire 2012 BMW 3 Series redesigned?

No. Only the 2012 3 Series sedan is fully redesigned on the sixth-generation F30 platform. The coupe, hardtop convertible, and Sports Wagon continue on the older-generation platform with relatively minor equipment updates.

What changed on the 2012 BMW 328i sedan?

The 2012 BMW 328i sedan gets a new turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a roomier F30 body, and a new 8-speed automatic. These major changes do not apply to the carryover 328i coupe, convertible, or Sports Wagon.

Did BMW still offer the 335d diesel for 2012?

No. BMW dropped the 335d diesel from the 3 Series lineup for 2012.

What equipment became standard on the 2012 BMW 3 Series?

Hands-free Bluetooth and floor mats become standard across the 2012 3 Series range. USB connectivity also becomes standard on the 335i, 335i xDrive, and 335is.

Is a 2012 BMW 3 Series meaningfully different from a 2011?

Yes, if you are comparing sedans. The 2012 sedan is a new generation with a roomier body, revised turbo engines, and an 8-speed automatic; the 2012 coupe, convertible, and Sports Wagon are much closer to their 2011 versions.