The BMW 3 Series is a stylish premium car available as a saloon or an estate (called BMW 3 Series Touring) that is enjoyable to drive, comfortable and well-equipped. It’s available with a wide choice of engines and trims, offering cost-effective options as well as luxurious or sporty ones.
For more than 40 years, the BMW 3 Series has been one of the most popular premium mid-size cars, appealing to a variety of customers. We’re looking here at the latest seventh-generation 3 Series, sold new since 2019 and given an update in 2022 with a revised look and features.
The BMW 3 Series is available as a saloon or as a practical estate called the BMW 3 Series Touring. If you want a 3 Series with extra driving excitement, look at the performance-focused BMW M340i and M340d, as well as the high-performance BMW M3 models. Both come in saloon and Touring form. While most models are rear-wheel drive, there are also four-wheel-drive versions, which BMW calls xDrive.
The trim lineup consists of the entry-level SE model, the mid-spec Sport and the M Sport, which adds extra features and styling inspired by the high-performance M cars. There are variations of these base trims, too, such as M Sport Plus Edition, SE Pro and Sport Pro, which add extra features beyond those included as standard.
As a premium car, the BMW 3 Series is well-equipped across the range. Every post-2019 BMW 3 Series comes with Bluetooth, DAB radio and automatic air conditioning, as well as cruise control, parking sensors and alloy wheels. Higher-spec models add features such as electrically adjustable and heated front seats, upgraded sound systems and premium upholstery options.
Post-2022 models have larger, more advanced display screens on the dashboard but every version has BMW’s excellent iDrive infotainment system. As well as a touchscreen, the system uses a rotary controller rather than just a touchscreen to operate it, which makes it much easier to adjust while driving. Apple CarPlay is standard on all models, but Android Auto wasn’t included on early 3 Series cars, so if that’s a must for you, check that it’s fitted on the one you’re considering.
Most versions of the BMW 3 Series are designed to balance strong performance with good fuel efficiency, and there’s a range of petrol and diesel engines to choose from. Diesel models will give you fuel economy of up to 57mpg, according to official figures, while you can expect up to 44mpg from the most efficient petrol model. Those numbers will dip as you go for engines with more power, and rear-wheel-drive models will give you better fuel economy than xDrive all-wheel-drive versions.
Some models of BMW 3 Series are equipped with mild-hybrid technology, which slightly improves fuel economy, while the plug-in hybrid version – the 330e – combines a petrol engine with an electric motor and battery to give you up to 37 miles of electric-only range. That could save you loads on fuel, but only if you keep the battery charged up.
Service, maintenance, repair and insurance costs are likely to be slightly higher than with less-premium brands.
The key rivals for the BMW 3 Series are the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and the Audi A4. When comparing the BMW 3 Series with the Audi A4, the BMW has the edge for driver appeal, with more agility and fun across the range, but the Audi is outstanding when it comes to interior quality and comfort. Like the BMW, the Mercedes can offer a hybrid option, which is something the Audi can’t.
£8,299
BMW 3 Series
2016 (66) - 320i Sport 4dr
£14,995
BMW 3 Series
2018 - 320i M Sport 4dr Step Auto
£16,708
BMW 3 Series
2017 - 3.0 330d M Sport Saloon 4dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (258 ps)
£18,049
BMW 3 Series
2022 - 330e SE Pro 5dr Step Auto
£4,000
BMW 3 Series
2012 - 320d SE 4dr Step Auto
£15,780
BMW 3 Series
2020 (70) - 2.0 330e 12kWh SE Pro Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr
£7,995
BMW 3 Series
2008 (58) - 335i M Sport 4dr starlights ambient lighting stage 2
£2,462
BMW 3 Series
2005 (55) - 325i M Sport 5dr Auto
£9,990
BMW 3 Series
2001 (52) - 325Ci Convertible // 2.5 Petrol // Auto (239 g/km, 192 bhp) // px swap 2-Door
£2,795
BMW 3 Series
2010 (10) - 318d SE Business Edition LEATHER. HEATED SEATS PK SENSORS 4-Door
£12,275
BMW 3 Series
2018 (68) - 2.0 320i M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr
£12,795
BMW 3 Series
2018 (18) - 2.0 320d SE Touring Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
£14,999
BMW 3 Series
2018 (68) - 2.0 320d M Sport Saloon 4dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)
£15,498
BMW 3 Series
2018 - 320d xDrive Sport 5dr Step Auto [Business Media]
£7,995
BMW 3 Series
2013 - 320d M Sport 5dr
£9,995
BMW 3 Series
2013 (63) - 2.0 320d M Sport Auto Euro 5 (s/s) 4dr
£13,977
BMW 3 Series
2018 - 2.0 318d M Sport Saloon 4dr Diesel Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)
£7,490
BMW 3 Series
2016 (66) - 2.0 320d ED Plus Touring Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
£9,899
BMW 3 Series
2017 - 318i Sport 5-Door
£7,650
BMW 3 Series
2009 (59) - 325i M Sport 5dr Step Auto