Does the new 3 Series still have a three-cylinder engine?

[TuckerLynn]

The new 3 Series does not have a three-cylinder engine. Below is some knowledge about three-cylinder engines. Three-cylinder engines have low fuel consumption: Due to their structural advantages, three-cylinder engines excel in fuel consumption control. Their compact size results in higher power density and greater thermal efficiency. The inherent design of three-cylinder engines leads to lower pumping losses, and their smaller size reduces friction losses during operation, which also minimizes heat dissipation losses. Three-cylinder engines offer strong power: Within the 1.0L-1.5L displacement range, three-cylinder engines have larger single-cylinder displacement compared to four-cylinder engines of the same displacement, resulting in better low-speed torque. Fewer cylinders mean less mechanical friction, and increasing the number of cylinders can reduce single-cylinder efficiency. Three-cylinder engines provide faster power response and superior performance compared to four-cylinder engines.

[OPatrick]

I just visited a BMW 4S store the other day to check out the new 3 Series. The salesperson said they've long discontinued the three-cylinder engines. The entire lineup now uses four-cylinder turbocharged engines, starting with the 320i model, which delivers smoother power output and significantly improved driving dynamics. The old 318i's three-cylinder engine used to vibrate noticeably at low speeds and was quite noisy, but these issues have been largely resolved in the new models. If you're considering a new car, I'd recommend test driving the 320i or higher trims—they offer much quicker acceleration response without necessarily higher fuel consumption. After all, three-cylinder engines were originally designed for compact or entry-level vehicles. Given the 3 Series' sporty luxury positioning where consumers prioritize comfort and performance, BMW has phased out three-cylinder engines to follow market trends. If budget is tight, you might find older three-cylinder models in the used car market, but they're not recommended for new purchases. In short, don't overthink this when buying new—switching to four-cylinders is the smart choice, delivering a far superior driving experience.

[BryceRose]

As an enthusiast who pays close attention to automotive technology, I've researched and found that the new BMW 3 Series, after its G20 generation update, features exclusively four-cylinder configurations for its main engines. The B38 series three-cylinder engines were previously used in entry-level models like the 318i, but that was mostly several years ago. Currently, the base 320i is equipped with the B48 four-cylinder turbocharged engine, delivering 184 horsepower, which is significantly better than the older three-cylinder version. Although three-cylinder engines have advantages in emissions and fuel economy, their vibration issues are hard to resolve, affecting driving quality. BMW emphasizes performance in sporty models like the 3 Series, hence the unified upgrade to four-cylinder engines. If you're interested in details, the engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, and the entire system is tuned for smoother operation. Looking at future trends, three-cylinder engines may completely exit the mainstream sedan market, especially among luxury brands. If you're truly interested, you can compare the Audi A4 or Mercedes-Benz C-Class, as they follow similar strategies.

[GabrielDella]

From a veteran driver's perspective, having driven all kinds of cars for decades, I do recall the BMW 318i with a three-cylinder engine existed before. But after test-driving the new 3 Series, I feel it's completely transformed. Now even the entry-level models start with four cylinders, delivering stable power output without those low-speed vibration and noise issues. Three-cylinder engines are more suitable for compact cars like MINI or some Japanese models – using them in midsize sedans like the 3 Series feels somewhat inadequate. BMW probably made adjustments based on user feedback, as the new model drives much smoother. Oil changes and maintenance are also simpler, with regular four-cylinder engines proving more durable than three-cylinder ones. If you're really looking to buy, just go for the 320i directly. Don't compromise safety by trying to save money with a three-cylinder version – driving safety matters more. The new engine is finely tuned, making long highway trips fatigue-free.