In this article, we will answer the following question: Can a BMW 3 series tow a caravan? We will proceed with a complete review: BMW 3 series concept, engine, performance, design and main rivals.
Can a BMW 3 series tow a caravan?
A BMW 3 Series can tow a caravan simply and effortlessly, pulling the caravan from 40 km/h to 80 km/h in just 7.3 seconds. As long as the caravan’s weight doesn’t exceed 85% of the weight of the car, you can trust your BMW 3 Series to tow it safely.
BMW 3 Series Towing Capacity
| Year | Towing capacity from | Towing capacity to | |
| 2021 | 0kg | 1600kg | |
| 2020 | 0kg | 1600kg | |
| 2019 | 0kg | 1700kg | |
| 2018 | 1300kg | 1700kg | |
| 2017 | 1300kg | 1700kg | |
| 2016 | 1300kg | 1700kg | |
| 2015 | 1300kg | 1700kg | |
| 2014 | 1500kg | 1700kg | |
| 2013 | 1500kg | 1700kg | |
| 2012 | 1500kg | 1800kg | |
| 2011 | 1500kg | 1800kg | |
| 2010 | 1500kg | 1800kg | |
| 2009 | 1500kg | 1800kg | |
| 2008 | 1400kg | 1700kg | |
| 2007 | 1500kg | 1700kg | |
| 2006 | 1500kg | 1700kg | |
| 2005 | 1200kg | 1700kg | |
| 2004 | 1200kg | 1700kg | |
| 2003 | 1200kg | 1700kg | |
| 2002 | 1200kg | 1700kg | |
| 2001 | 900kg | 1700kg | |
| 2000 | 900kg | 1700kg | |
| 1999 | 900kg | 1600kg | |
| 1998 | 900kg | 1600kg | |
| 1997 | 900kg | 1600kg | |
| 1996 | 900kg | 1600kg | |
| 1995 | 900kg | 1600kg | |
| 1994 | 1400kg | 1400kg | |
| 1993 | 1200kg | 1400kg | |
| 1992 | 1200kg | 1400kg | |
| 1991 | 1200kg | 1400kg | |
| 1990 | 1200kg | 1400kg | |
| 1989 | 1200kg | 1400kg | |
| 1988 | 1200kg | 1200kg | |
| 1987 | 1000kg | 1100kg | |
| 1986 | 1000kg | 1100kg | |
| 1985 | 1000kg | 1200kg | |
| 1984 | 1000kg | 1200kg | |
| 1983 | 1000kg | 1200kg | |
| 1982 | 1000kg | 1200kg | |
| 1981 | 1000kg | 1200kg | |
| 1980 | 1000kg | 1200kg | |
| 1979 | 1000kg | 1200kg | |
| 1978 | 1000kg | 1200kg | |
| 1977 | 1000kg | 1200kg | |
| 1976 | 1000kg | 1200kg |
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The BMW 3 Series: the concept
The BMW 3 Series is a living modern legend about adulation, performance and efficiency, and now, with the sixth generation, the bar is even higher. Needless to say, the BMW 320d is faster than its rivals.
The BMW 3 Series was first launched in 1975, and since then more than 13 million cars bearing this name have been sold. Reaching the sixth generation, the BMW 3 Series is trying to return to the aggressive muzzle for which it became so well known, but the most important thing is that BMW has tried, crowned with success, to balance the car aesthetically, interior and exterior.
The old 5th Series, the fifth generation, seemed an almost perfect car, especially after the last facelift, but the interior is years away from modern BMWs: dull materials, too simple design. Now the problem is solved, but not completely.
The BMW 3 Series: Design
For what BMW managed to do with the design of this car, take off your hat! The 3 Series now has a slim profile, sharp snout, domed hood and strong hips. The sharp lines underline the remarkable dynamics of the car and the aggressiveness for which the 3 Series is known.
The interior design theme is taken from the new 1 Series and fits very well with the exterior of the car. It is a coherent premium car from head to tail, sporty and slightly elegant.
The BMW 3 Series: Technology & comfort
Comfort, quality of materials and design are the biggest steps taken before the 3 Series. As I said, the previous generation had a poor interior and seemed old-fashioned for its time. Now you have a modern design, a perfect driving position and very friendly materials to the touch.
From the list of original accessories, you can buy almost everything that comes to mind, including an iPad stand, which can make passenger travel even more relaxing. The fashion for DVDs in the headrests is long gone!
But this sporty and elegant interior has two unexpected disadvantages. The first is that you cannot adjust the temperature in two zones simultaneously. The ALL control unit lacks the ALL button, which all models placed over the 3 Series have (Series 5, Series 6, Series 7).
This button causes the temperature to be adjusted simultaneously on both zones, so there is no need to turn two buttons. The second minus is even worse. Sometimes, on bad roads or when driving aggressively, you can hear various materials working inside. They are like crickets if you allow me to describe the phenomenon in this way.
This means that either the body is not rigid enough – which I doubt – or that the Germans have to check once again how it assembles the 3 Series.
The audio system with 16 speakers sounds very good and makes the trip in the 3 Series very pleasant. It’s true that it has a price of almost 1,300 euros with VAT, but it doesn’t seem too expensive for how efficient it is.
On the new 3 Series, you have the possibility to perfectly integrate an iPhone, and through the mobile internet, you have access to internet radio with the AUPEO application! The variety of music is practically infinite, the streaming quality is good (and it cannot be adjusted, it detects the connection speed automatically), but sometimes it is interrupted in the suburbs.
The BMW 3 Series: On the road
The BMW 3 Series is the king of the roads, from several points of view. The 2-litre turbo diesel engine delivers 184 horsepower (HP), and the car bears the code 320d. It is the best-selling engine on the 3 Series. And not for nothing.
The BMW 320d reaches 100 km / h in just 7.6 seconds. It’s an incredibly good figure for a 2-litre turbo diesel engine paired with an automatic gearbox, which sets a 1,500 kg car in motion.
This 184 hp engine is a perfect engine for the 3 Series. The words that best characterize 320d are sportiness and efficiency. BMW 320d consumes up to 6 litres of diesel / 100 km even at speeds of 150 km h.
Unfortunately, the soundproofing leaves much to be desired and the engine is too much present in the passenger compartment. It wouldn’t have hurt a little more. Between the 3 Series with this engine and the 5 Series with the same engine, there is a difference in soundproofing between the Dacia 1310 and the Rolls-Royce Ghost.
The steering and suspension of the 3 Series are perfectly set for driving pleasure. They are very well adjusted so that you as a driver feel the car very well. In addition to the engine’s sound, the suspension is a bit noisy in combination with 18-inch wheels, as the car in the test.
The unevenness of any kind will be absorbed impeccably, but a bit noisy. That’s why I sincerely recommend 17-inch wheels, which come standard on the 320d, the 18-inch ones being optional.
The BMW 3 Series: Rivals
There are several established models in the premium compact segment, each with undeniable qualities. It’s a struggle in which each model has captured a strongly shaped image. Everyone has a loyal clientele and ardent fans, whether we are talking about the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4 or Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
The BMW 320d is 0.3 seconds faster than the Audi A4 2.0 TDI 177 hp (automatic) and half a second faster than the Mercedes-Benz C 220 CDI 170 hp (automatic). Volvo S60 D4 Geartronic (2 litres turbo diesel, 163 hp, automatic) reaches 100 km / h in 9.2 seconds and only the D5 version, with a 2.4-litre engine and 215 hp (+31 hp compared to 320d) manages to achieve the performance of this BMW (0-100 km / h in 7.6 seconds).
The 3 Series has a trunk as large (480 litres) as the A4, and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Volvo S60 offer slightly smaller cargo spaces, but the differences are not so great as to matter.
Conclusions
In conclusion, BMW has once again managed to create an impressive 3 Series. The car is so successful that you can overlook the perfect soundproofing. But the one I think is the best car in its segment has a price to match. The BMW 3 Series costs between 31,600 and 63,000!
Do you think the price matches the performance? We’d love to know what you think, so don’t hesitate to leave a comment!
FAQ on Can a BMW 3 series tow a caravan?
Can a BMW 1 Series tow a caravan?
Yes, the BMW 1 Series can tow a caravan. The towing limit varies between 745 kgs for an unbraked capacity and 1500 kgs for a braked capacity. To be sure how much your model can tow, check the owner’s manual.
Can a BMW tow a caravan?
A BMW has a strong towing capacity between 745 and 3500 kg, depending on the car model. To be sure how much your model can tow, check the owner’s manual.
Can a BMW 328i tow?
A BMW 328i can tow any trailer weighing up to 900 kg or 2000 lbs, as long as you have a trailer hitch installed.