The 3 series has always been one of the most desirable mid-sized sedans. Since its inception in 1975, BMW’s sporty yet elegant, wolf in sheep’s skin is quite a surprisingly popular vehicle. It’s uprising because the newer generation models are not as fun and fiery but they are definitely more powerful than their naturally aspirated predecessors.
The 3 series has a stylish exterior and interior and a more than sophisticated infotainment. The power is managed by an extraordinary 8-speed automatic which makes shifts as smooth as they get. Sometimes though, the simpler often overlooked parts are what need some attention.
Benefits of Car Mats
Protection
Floor mats may not be on your mind when thinking about a vehicle such as BMW’s 3 series but they do quite a bit for your vehicle. For starters, they’re there not only for you to rest your feet on them but also to protect the floor. New BMW 3 series car mats are able to keep the floor safe from any spills or dirt, grime and crumbs that may otherwise end up on it.
Maintenance
Since car mats offer protection they also keep the floor clean since everything that falls down in the footwell will get in contact with the mats. It’s much easier to clean 3 series floor mats than the floor itself. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t clean the floor at all, it’s just that you’ll do it less frequently with the right mats.
Appearance
New BMW 3 series mats can also change the appearance of your performance sedan’s interior. While this may not be much, it can definitely make a subtle enough change that will make you see your 3 series in a different light.
Types of Car Mats
Fabric
Starting off with the most affordable and popular car mats, even with 3 series owners, fabric mats are quite well padded. This makes them great for thermal insulation and sound insulation. They retain dust well too but are not the best at soaking up spills.
Rubber
Unlike fabric mats, rubber ones are good at keeping spills in one place, no matter if it’s chemicals or plain water. Rubber mats are easy to clean and more durable than fabric mats while being better during the colder months.
Vinyl
With vinyl car mats you get a solution similar to rubber mats since the former are still of synthetic nature. Vinyl mats are more durable than rubber mats and they don’t have any odour to them. Another thing that vinyl 3 series floor mats have over rubber ones is that they are not going to slip away no matter how hard you use the pedals.
Nomad
The name of these mats may make them sound modern but in fact, they aren’t that much different than fabric mats. They still are a type of fabric BMW 3 series car mats that have curly fibres. This is what makes them usable in different scenarios, be it raining or when the sun is shining. The fibres can retain dust and grime quite well while being able to soak up spills. Nomad mats are quite comfortable and don’t wear out as quickly as fabric mats.
3D
With 3D mats, you get the best coverage for your footwell as these mats have high sides. They fit your 3 series best, meaning nothing can slip away and get to the floor no matter how small it is. 3D mats are easy to clean while being able to retain spills no matter what.
What Makes a Good Mat
Fit
Out of the 3, the fit of BMW 3 series mats matters the most since no matter how well padded or insulation the mats are if they can’t fit, you won’t be able to make any use of them. Make sure you get mats that are made exactly for the 3 series make you own and you’ll be solid.
Backside
The back of car mats matters as much as the part you rest your feet on. Why? Because it can help keep the mat in place. When you have wet pedals and wet shoes, the mat can easily slide around but not with a rubber backing or spikes. Any of these solutions will make the mats stay in place as they provide enough grip to prevent you from moving the mat especially if you have an older manual.
Containment
Water containment is a must on every car mat no matter its price tag. It should either be able to soak up the spill or keep it in one place. Synthetic BMW 3 series mats do the latter thanks to grooves and channels while the former is done by nomad mats and some fabric mats. Go for whatever you like but make sure it doesn’t make it so that you need to clean up after entering your 3 series with wet shoes or during a storm.
MYasiacars 
Leave a comment