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2012 BMW 3 Series

US · Sedan · Subcompact Cars

The 2012 BMW 3 Series is listed in the US market as a sedan with gasoline power. Every figure below carries the source it came from, and anything our sources do not publish is left out rather than estimated.

Engine
Varies by configuration: 3.0L 6-cylinder, 2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged (SIDI), 3.0L 6-cylinder turbocharged (SIDI)
Power
255 hp (190 kW)
Torque
295 lb-ft (400 Nm)
Transmission
Varies by configuration: Automatic, Manual
Drivetrain
Varies by configuration: RWD, AWD
Fuel
Gasoline
Economy
19 mpg (12.4 L/100 km) to 27 mpg (8.7 L/100 km) combined
Seating
5 seats
2012 BMW 3 Series
Exterior (Front)
Photo: Alexander Migl (CC BY-SA 4.0) · CC BY-SA 4.0
Specifications at a Glance

Key Performance & Dimensions

Units:
Engine / Powertrain
3.0L 6-cylinder, 2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged (SIDI), 3.0L 6-cylinder turbocharged (SIDI)
Power Output
255 hp (190 kW)
Peak Torque
295 lb-ft (400 Nm)
Combined Economy
19 mpg (12.4 L/100 km) to 27 mpg (8.7 L/100 km) combined
Drivetrain
RWD, AWD
Transmission
Automatic, Manual
Capacity
5 seats · 4 doors
Exterior Dimensions
185.6″ L × 71.9″ W × 56.7″ H
Curb Weight
3,583 lbs (1,625 kg)
Market: US·Switch units to convert the figures shown.
Compare 2012 BMW 3 Series ↗

Engine

Engine
SpecificationValueSource
EngineVaries by configuration: 3.0L 6-cylinder, 2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged (SIDI), 3.0L 6-cylinder turbocharged (SIDI)
Displacement2.0 L to 3.0 L
Cylinders4 to 6
AspirationTurbocharged
Power255 hp (190 kW)
Torque295 lb-ft (400 Nm)
Fuel typeGasoline

Performance

Performance
SpecificationValueSource
0–100 km/h5.6 s
Top speed155 mph (250 km/h)

Transmission and drivetrain

Transmission and drivetrain
SpecificationValueSource
TransmissionVaries by configuration: Automatic, Manual
Gears6 to 8
DrivetrainVaries by configuration: RWD, AWD

Dimensions

Dimensions
SpecificationValueSource
Length185.6 in (4,713 mm)
Width71.9 in (1,827 mm)
Height56.7 in (1,440 mm)
Wheelbase112.2 in (2,851 mm)

Weight

Weight
SpecificationValueSource
Curb weight3,583 lb (1,625 kg)

Fuel economy and range

Fuel economy and range
SpecificationValueSource
Combined19 mpg (12.4 L/100 km) to 27 mpg (8.7 L/100 km)
City17 mpg (13.8 L/100 km) to 23 mpg (10.2 L/100 km)
Highway23 mpg (10.2 L/100 km) to 34 mpg (6.9 L/100 km)

Capacity

Capacity
SpecificationValueSource
Seats5
Doors4

Our sources do not publish these for this vehicle: Towing capacity, Payload, Ground clearance, Gross vehicle weight rating, Electric range, Battery capacity, Fuel tank, Cargo volume. We leave them out instead of estimating.

Trims and configurations

24 configurations listed by our sources. Engines, drivetrains and fuel economy can differ between them.

Compatible OEM Parts & Fitment

Verified OEM part numbers, standard sizing, and replacement specifications cross-referenced for this vehicle.

BATTERYBAT-12V-H6-AGM

12V Group 48 (H6) AGM Battery

Trunk-mounted main 12V system; requires battery registration via OBD2

BRAKESBRK-ROTOR-340X30

340mm Vented Front Brake Rotor

M Sport Brake package with blue or red fixed 4-piston calipers

BRAKESBRK-ROTOR-300X12

300mm Solid Rear Brake Rotor

Standard rear axle fitment with integrated electronic parking brake

Explore all component categories and replacement specifications in the Parts Explorer.

Recalls

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. Last checked November 5, 2026.

  • 23V707000: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

    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…

    Remedy: 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…

    Reported October 20, 2023. View on NHTSA

  • 22V119000: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)

    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…

    Remedy: 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…

    Reported March 2, 2022. View on NHTSA

Data sources

Source checked: November 7, 2026

Data verified: November 7, 2026

Specifications can vary by market, trim, configuration and production date. Confirm with the manufacturer before buying parts or making safety decisions. Report an error.

Related vehicles

  • 2011 BMW 3 Series
    2011 BMW 3 Series

    Sedan, Varies by configuration: Gasoline, Diesel

    Varies by configuration: 3.0L 6-cylinder, 3.0L 6-cylinder turbocharged (SIDI), 3.0L 6-cylinder turbocharged · 255 hp (190 kW) · Varies by configuration: RWD, AWD
    27 mpg (8.7 L/100 km) to 19 mpg (12.4 L/100 km)

  • 2013 BMW 3 Series
    2013 BMW 3 Series

    Sedan, Varies by configuration: Gasoline, Hybrid

    Varies by configuration: 3.0L 6-cylinder turbocharged (SIDI), 2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged (SIDI), 3.0L 6-cylinder · 255 hp (190 kW) · Varies by configuration: RWD, AWD
    28 mpg (8.4 L/100 km) to 19 mpg (12.4 L/100 km)

Frequently asked questions

What engine does the 2012 BMW 3 Series have?

Varies by configuration: 3.0L 6-cylinder, 2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged (SIDI), 3.0L 6-cylinder turbocharged (SIDI). Engines can differ by trim, so check the trim list below.

How much horsepower does the 2012 BMW 3 Series have?

255 hp (190 kW), as listed by our sources.

What is the fuel economy of the 2012 BMW 3 Series?

Combined fuel economy is 19 mpg (12.4 L/100 km) to 27 mpg (8.7 L/100 km), as published by the source shown in the specification table.

Is the 2012 BMW 3 Series front-wheel, rear-wheel or all-wheel drive?

Drivetrain: Varies by configuration: RWD, AWD.

How many seats does the 2012 BMW 3 Series have?

5 seats.

How long is the 2012 BMW 3 Series?

185.6 in (4,713 mm).

Are there recalls for the 2012 BMW 3 Series?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year (last checked November 5, 2026). Details are in the Recalls section.