The BMW 3 Series Wagon is Probably Dead: Here's Why

Timothy Cain
by Timothy Cain

Why? Surely you jest.

Why is an automobile manufacturer’s U.S. arm killing off its lone remaining wagon? You don’t need to ask, for the answer lies therein: it’s a wagon. So they’re done with it. Insert the proverbial duh.

A report on BimmerFile.com, sourced both anonymously and from prolific BMW forum user Scott26, says the current BMW 3 Series Sport Wagon will be the last iteration of the car imported by BMW USA.

BMW USA spokesperson Rebecca Kiehne responded to TTAC’s inquiry regarding the 3 Series Sport Wagon’s rumored demise earlier today: “Unfortunately, we are unable to comment on future models and/or changes. We can however confirm, per MY17 Model Update Press Release that the US will receive a BMW 328d xDrive SW and a 330i xDrive SW for the 2017 model year.”

In other words, BMW isn’t even promising a 2018 3 Series Sports Wagon, let alone a MY2019 or next-generation car. BimmerFile says production of the 3 Series wagon ends in June 2019.

Known internally as the F31 and labelled as the Touring in many markets, BMW USA offers the long-roof 3 Series exclusively with all-wheel-drive and in either 328i xDrive ($43,645, including destination) or $45,145 328d xDrive Sports Wagon form.

BMW doesn’t release a monthly bodystyle sales breakdown for the 3 Series, which is now marketed as a sedan, Sports Wagon, and Gran Turismo hatchback. Largely because of decreased demand for wagons and increased demand for highly profitable crossovers, competitors have faded away.

The only Audi Avant sold in North America is the A4 Allroad. Mercedes-Benz’s new C-Class Wagon, while part of Mercedes-Benz Canada’s lineup, won’t venture south of border. Lexus gave up on the idea of a wagon after the IS’s first-generation SportCross failed to take off. Acura’s TSX SportWagon died with the TSX. Through the first five months of 2016, Volvo USA’s V60 is down 39 percent to 1,139 units. The higher-riding V60 Cross Country and XC70 combined for 2,442 sales during the same period; Volvo’s two crossovers produced nearly 20,000 sales.

Fewer than 3 percent of the 3 Series’ in stock in the United States, according to Cars.com, are of the wagon variety. Loosely and imperfectly translated, this would equal approximately 730 sales over the first five months of 2016, or 0.5 percent of the BMW Group’s total U.S. volume to date.

BMW USA currently sells more than 5,200 X1s and X3s per month plus another 4,700 X4s, X5s, and X6s.

[Images: BMW]

Timothy Cain is the founder of GoodCarBadCar.net, which obsesses over the free and frequent publication of U.S. and Canadian auto sales figures. Follow on Twitter @goodcarbadcar and on Facebook.

Timothy Cain
Timothy Cain

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  • Evolver Evolver on Jun 22, 2016

    I have a 2014 in Alpine White 14000 miles, I'd be willing to let it go for the right price. This car is awesome! But I really miss rowing my own gears :(

  • Ronin16 Ronin16 on Nov 10, 2016

    I leased a 2014 F31 328ix 3 Series Wagon back in 2013. Loved it. Not one issue. My 3 years were up, and reading about the demise of the F31 in 2019, I decided to lease a 2017 F31 330ix Wagon. Just picked it up on 10/28/16. It is awesome. I will seriously consider buying in straight out in 2019 when my lease expires. I will post some pics soon. Maybe if BMW offered the 335ix or now the 340ix engine option on the F31, more enthusiasts may have purchased them. But, the USA was the only market, that the 340ix was NOT offered. Too bad. Paul

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