BMW 3 Series F34 5-door Gran Turismo (2013–2020): The Practical 3 Series I Didn’t Expect to Love
I’ll admit it: when the BMW 3 Series F34 Gran Turismo first landed in 2013, I squinted. A 3 Series with a hatch and a higher roof? Was Munich trolling the wagon crowd? Then I lived with one for a few months—school runs, airport dashes, grimy weekend hikes—and it clicked. The BMW 3 Series F34 Gran Turismo is the 3er for people who actually use their cars. It’s roomy without being bulky, quick without the boy-racer vibe, and in the real world, it’s just…easier.
Why the BMW 3 Series F34 Gran Turismo Exists
Think of the 3 Series GT as the one that quietly snuck off to do leg day. Its wheelbase is stretched versus the sedan, the roofline arcs into a proper hatch, and rear-seat space is almost 5 Series-like. When I tried it on rough roads, that extra wheelbase works wonders—less head toss, more glide. The F34 ran from 2013 to 2020, with a 2016 refresh bringing slicker lights, newer iDrive, and the then-new B-series engines (330i/340i) replacing the older N-series units (328i/335i).
Living With the BMW 3 Series F34 Gran Turismo
Day to day, the F34 Gran Turismo feels like the 3 Series that grew up. You sit a touch higher than the sedan—easier on the knees, better visibility—yet it still tucks into city parking spots. The hatch swallows strollers, bikes, terrible flat-pack furniture, you name it. Seats fold 40:20:40, and the rear backrest reclines, which my teenagers appreciated on a late-night motorway slog. Quiet enough to hear them arguing about music, too. Lucky me.
Performance That Makes Sense
Under the hood, the BMW 3 Series F34 Gran Turismo wore a long menu of engines depending on market:
- Gas: 328i/330i 2.0L turbo (around 240–248 hp, 255–258 lb-ft), 335i/340i 3.0L turbo inline-six (300–320 hp, 300–332 lb-ft)
- Diesel (EU): 318d/320d/325d/330d (roughly 143–258 hp)
Figures aside, what matters is the delivery. The 330i is the sweet spot—strong midrange, 0–60 mph in the high-5s, and 25–30 mpg US in mixed driving. The 340i? A velvet hammer: 0–60 mph around five seconds flat with a muted straight-six growl that never gets old. Diesels are the road-trip champs; I’ve seen mid-30s to low-40s mpg US on long European runs. Most cars came with the 8-speed auto (smooth and smart), and many were xDrive, which helps in bad weather but adds weight.
Handling? It’s a 3er with a backpack. The steering doesn’t fizz with feedback like the old hydraulic setups, and the GT’s extra mass is there if you’re really pushing. But body control is tidy, and it’s genuinely rewarding on a back road. The ride—especially on non-run-flat tires—is where it shines. Silky, almost like driving in slippers.
Versatility: Where the BMW 3 Series F34 Gran Turismo Wins
- Boot space: about 520 liters seats up, roughly 1,600 liters seats down
- Wide-opening hatch and low loading lip—Ace for luggage and dog crates
- Rear-seat backrest angle adjustment and 40:20:40 folding
- Plenty of rear legroom—adults will actually volunteer for the back
On a skiing weekend, I fit two snowboards, a bag of boots, and a small grocery shop without blocking the rear window. Try doing that in a 3 Series sedan without creative origami.
Tech & Comfort: BMW 3 Series F34 Gran Turismo Details
Spec matters. Early cars got iDrive with a rotary controller; post-2016 cars gained faster menus and nicer graphics, plus Apple CarPlay availability. Optional kit included adaptive cruise with stop & go, HUD, lane departure warning, surround-view cameras, and a Harman Kardon audio system that genuinely thumps. Many F34s are fitted with a big panoramic roof—nice light, occasional creaks when it’s cold (mine did this once; a quick dealer re-lube fixed it).
Small Quirks Worth Knowing
- The styling is divisive. Some love the fastback; others see a lifted wagon. I warmed to it after week two.
- Run-flat tires can make the ride busier on sharp impacts. Regular tires + a mobility kit is my preferred setup.
- Power tailgate: brilliant, but it’s heavy. Keep fingers clear when kids are “helping.”
Elevate Your Interior With AutoWin Floor Mats
Confession time: I’m picky about mats. The F34 deserves something that fits properly and survives winters. I’ve used AutoWin in a couple of press cars and personal cars—nice edge binding, snug fit, and they don’t curl. If you’ve got a BMW 3 Series F34 Gran Turismo, they’re a tidy upgrade.
If you’re browsing, AutoWin has a solid catalog for BMW owners and the 3 Series. I noticed right away the heel pad doesn’t wear shiny after a few months—small thing, big difference.
BMW 3 Series F34 Gran Turismo vs. Alternatives
| Model | Body style | Cargo (L) up/down | 0–60 mph (approx.) | Rear space | X‑factor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW 3 Series F34 Gran Turismo | 5‑door hatch | 520 / ~1600 | 4.9–7.9s (engine dependent) | Excellent legroom | Active spoiler, elevated seating |
| Audi A5 Sportback | 5‑door fastback | 480 / ~980 | 5.6–7.5s | Good, tighter than F34 | Slick interior, sharp looks |
| VW Arteon | 5‑door fastback | 563 / ~1557 | 6.3–7.5s | Spacious | Value and comfort |
| BMW 3 Series Touring (F31) | Wagon | 495 / ~1500 | 5.0–7.9s | Good legroom | Classic wagon practicality |
Short version: If you regularly carry people and stuff, the BMW 3 Series F34 Gran Turismo lands a bullseye. The Audi feels sportier inside; the Arteon is handsome value; the F31 Touring is the purist’s choice. But none quite match the F34’s rear-seat stretch and easy-loading hatch.
Buying Used: What I Look For on a BMW 3 Series F34 Gran Turismo
- Engines: Early N20 2.0T (328i) can have timing chain wear—listen for rattle on cold starts. Later B48/B58 (330i/340i) are stout.
- Diesels: Regular long-run use is best for DPF health. A 320d with documented service is a safe bet.
- Suspension/tires: Run-flats can tramline when worn. A fresh alignment does wonders.
- Electronics: Check iDrive, CarPlay (if fitted), camera clarity, and that the power tailgate opens/closes smoothly.
- xDrive: Many F34s are all-wheel drive; make sure there’s no binding at full lock and that service records are tidy.
Conclusion: The BMW 3 Series F34 Gran Turismo Is the Sensible Enthusiast’s 3er
I wasn’t sure at first. Then the BMW 3 Series F34 Gran Turismo won me over the unglamorous way—by being superb at life’s everyday chaos. It keeps the 3 Series spirit alive with strong performance and proper road manners, yet adds space and comfort you’ll appreciate every single day. If a premium hatchback-slash-luxury SUV isn’t your thing, fair enough. But if you want a BMW that works as hard as you do, this is the one.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between the 3 Series sedan and the 3 Series Gran Turismo?
The GT stretches the wheelbase, raises the roof, and adds a hatch. Result: far more rear legroom and a bigger, easier-to-load cargo area. It feels more like a mini grand tourer than a sports sedan.
Is the BMW 3 Series F34 Gran Turismo discontinued?
Yes. The F34 ran from 2013 to 2020 and then bowed out. You’ll find plenty of well-specced pre-owned cars on the market.
Is the F34 Gran Turismo reliable?
With proper maintenance, yes. Later B48/B58 engines are especially robust. As with any used BMW, prioritize service history and a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
Which engine suits the BMW 3 Series F34 Gran Turismo best?
The 330i balances punch and efficiency. If you want effortless long-haul pace, the 340i’s straight-six is special. High-mileage drivers may prefer the 320d.
How much cargo space does the BMW 3 Series F34 Gran Turismo have?
About 520 liters with the seats up and roughly 1,600 liters with them folded. The wide-opening hatch and low lip make it genuinely useful.
