THE 3 Series dash presentation draws heavily on design cues found throughout the BMW sedan family. The dash and its surroundings are often described as "coldly Germanic", and that might be so, but it is certainly user-friendly and in keeping with the conservative, prestige impression imparted by the exterior.

The sombre tone certainly lifts when optional woodgrain inserts - as shown above - are used across the dash and doors. The dash is angled toward the driver for ease of operation, though not to the exclusion of the front passenger.