Overview & Reviews

The BMW 3 Series is the company's top seller in the United States and a favorite in the marketplace for good reason: It's a classy entry-level luxury car endowed with world-class fit and finish, spirited performance and an exquisite ride-and-handling balance unmatched by most vehicles at any price. That's true no matter which model or year you choose, as generation after generation of 3 Series has offered the same benefits despite constant evolution. Accordingly, buying a used 3 Series is a solid bet -- there's nary a bad apple in this barrel.

As for the new 3 Series, it's slightly larger and faster than its predecessor, yet lighter and more fuel-efficient. It also boasts a bolder look inside and out, revised suspension and steering, and more interior space. Although some may argue that the car's sporting edge has been blunted a bit, we still find the 3 Series sedan and wagon exceptionally rewarding to drive. If you're looking for the current coupe and convertible, note that they're now known as the 4 Series and are reviewed separately.

Current BMW 3 Series
Today's BMW 3 Series is offered as either a sedan or a wagon. It's broken down into 320i, 328i, 328d, 335i and ActiveHybrid 3 models. The 320i and 328i sedans and 328i wagon get a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine that produces either 180 horsepower (320i) or 240 hp (328i). The 328d sedan and wagon are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter diesel-powered four-cylinder that also makes 180 hp but considerably more torque; highway fuel economy is impressively in the low 40s. The sedan-only 335i gets a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 with 300 hp. The ActiveHybrid 3 sedan pairs the 335i's engine with an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack, resulting in a healthy 335 hp; however, fuel economy is about the same as in the 328i.

Transmission choices are limited to a six-speed manual and an eight-speed automatic, with the former unavailable in the wagon and ActiveHybrid 3. Rear-wheel drive is standard on all 3 Series sedans, while all-wheel drive is available on the sedan (except the ActiveHybrid 3) and standard on all wagons.

Standard features on the base 320i include alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, manual front seats, leatherette upholstery, Bluetooth and the iDrive electronics interface with a 6.5-inch display. The 328i upgrades to power front seats, while the 335i and ActiveHybrid 3 throw in larger wheels, xenon headlights and a sunroof. As usual, the options lists is long and strong, including everything from a hard-drive-based navigation system with a larger display screen to a Dynamic Handling package with a sport-tuned suspension and variable-ratio steering.

In reviews, we've lauded the exceptionally well-rounded nature of this 3 Series. Whether you're devouring miles on the interstate, running errands around town or making time on your favorite back road, the car always feels up to the task, even if its electrically assisted steering is less engaging than what previous generations of the 3 Series offered. Inside, drivers will find a restrained show of luxury, with an emphasis on comfort and involvement. The supportive seats underneath are complemented by a clean, clear analog gauge cluster dead ahead. The four available design "lines" -- Luxury, Modern, Sport and M Sport -- add visual spice to what has historically been a rather drab interior. Materials and build quality are exceptional; even the standard leatherette (vinyl) upholstery looks and feels better than one might expect.

Overall, if you can afford the price of admission, the BMW 3 Series is still the standard-bearer in the compact luxury-sport class. Thanks to its wonderfully balanced dynamics, powerful and efficient engine lineup and wide range of configurations, the 3 Series earns our very strong recommendation.

Used BMW 3 Series Models
The current, sixth generation of the 3 Series bowed for the 2012 model year. You may have to look twice to tell it apart from the previous generation, but a close inspection reveals a more voluptuous hood and sleeker taillights, among other changes. There's also an overhauled dashboard, revised suspension tuning, a new electrically assisted steering system, BMW's adjustable driving settings and additional feature content. Furthermore, the backseat has been enlarged to accommodate adults with greater ease.

Initially, the current 3 Series was offered in 328i or 335i trim with rear-wheel drive. For 2013, all-wheel drive was added to the roster, and both the 320i and ActiveHybrid 3 sedans debuted. The wagon and the diesel engine were introduced for 2014. Notably, the previous-generation 3 Series coupe and convertible were sold alongside the current-generation cars from 2012-'13, while the 4 Series was readied for production.

The previous, fifth-generation 3 Series debuted in both sedan and wagon form for 2006. Compared to the earlier 3 Series, it boasted bigger dimensions, new styling, updated electronics and improved performance. Originally, the model designations were 325i and 330i. The former was powered by a 215-hp 3.0-liter inline-6 engine, while the 330i featured a 255-hp 3.0-liter inline-6 engine.

BMW introduced the 328i and 335i model designations and associated engines for 2007, as well as the redesigned coupe and convertible. This was the first year for the 328i's 230-hp 3.0-liter inline-6 and the 335i's 300-hp engine. Also, the 3 Series coupe could be equipped with all-wheel drive for the first time.

For 2009-'11, a 335d sedan model was sold that featured a 3.0-liter diesel-powered inline-6 that produced 265 hp and 425 lb-ft of torque. Its blend of power and fuel economy was unmatched at the time. Other changes for 2009 included freshened styling for the sedan and wagon, as well as the debut of the "xDrive" moniker for all-wheel-drive models (replacing 328xi and 335xi). The high-performance 335is arrived for '11, as did slightly better fuel economy for the 335i's turbo engine that year.

This fifth-generation 3 Series provided perfectly sorted vehicle dynamics, strong engines and excellent interior build quality. If that sounds familiar, it's because these qualities have been 3 Series hallmarks for decades. The only notable downsides to the car are limited interior storage space and mediocre rear passenger space, even in the sedan and wagon. Used-car shoppers might want to pay special attention to the iDrive electronics interface that came with the optional navigation system -- it was considerably less user-friendly prior to 2009, so we suggest playing around with it before signing on the dotted line.

The highly regarded fourth-generation ("E46") 3 Series debuted as a sedan for the 1999 model year. The coupe, convertible and wagon models fell in line a year later in 2000. This iteration of the BMW 3 Series never failed to impress as a top choice in the segment. Our editors consistently attested that the E46's world-class suspension, engines, steering and brakes made it a delight to drive, while its interior design and overall quality satisfied those desiring luxury and prestige.

Originally, the available engines included a 170-hp 2.5-liter inline-6 (curiously dubbed the 323i) and a 193-hp 2.8-liter inline-6 in the 328i. You might want to look at the newer models, though -- for 2001, feature content and engine technology were boosted, and all-wheel drive became available. The 2.5-liter model was renamed 325i and produced 184 hp, while the more powerful model was renamed 330i based on its new 3.0-liter, 225-hp engine. An exterior face-lift for sedans and wagons arrived for 2002, with the coupes and convertibles following suit for 2004. Detail improvements like navigation, bi-xenon headlights and rain-sensing wipers helped carry the 325i and 330i BMWs through the remaining few years.

From 1992-'98, BMW's 3 Series was in its third generation ("E36"). Even though these 3 Series models are getting on in years today, they were peerless at the time when it came to combining luxury and sport. Body styles included a sedan, a coupe, a convertible and a short-lived hatchback. Engine choices ranged from a 1.8-liter four-cylinder to a 190-hp six-cylinder. In general, any BMW 3 Series from this generation that's been well maintained and has low mileage remains compelling, though keep in mind that maintenance costs can easily outstrip the car's market value within a few years.

User Reviews:

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  My second 325xi wagon! - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Cessna67304 - August 11 - 2:36 pm

  This is my second 325xi wagon. I love them. Versatile, fun, looks great. Ill drive them until they die.

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  330i - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By ultraman - August 11 - 4:56 am

  not enough bang for the buck. price/power ratio not favorable. underpowered for the price. still a nice car.

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  Such a disappointment - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Frank - August 9 - 12:05 pm

  Since the intro of the E46 body style I drooled at each passing BMW. I finally had the oppt to purchase a red 330i and I couldnÂ’t have been more excited. Boy, what a let down. Problem after problem after problem. I have replaced 3 rear tires. There is something wrong with the rim and they deflate and boom. The tire dealer says that he canÂ’t find anything wrong with it. I have replaced 2 turn signal bulbs and 1 headlamp bulb. Recently, I had to reseat the other headlamp because it just stopped working. I have had the window problem with the regulator but was able to fix myself (it still cost me $116 in parts). And donÂ’t get me started with the AC. I could go on. DonÂ’t buy this car!

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  New body changes hideous - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By BMW King - August 7 - 10:00 am

  I just got a 2004 BMW 330 CiC and I hate the new headlights. The tail lights are nice. Plus the new bumper is kinda ugly. But I love the car it has no roof unlike the 2002 bmw 325 coupe i just traded in so when the weather is good the car is 10 times better.

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  WOW - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By Guy - August 2 - 1:26 pm

  This is my third BMW convertible and by far the best. The SMG transmission is great and really adds to the fun of driving. Absolutely no problems. I would recommend this car to anyone considering a convertible - two or four place.

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  Great car, but less sporting than E46 - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By kbeers40 - July 27 - 11:50 pm

  Coming to the 335xi coupe from a 00 328Ci, the 335xi is a more grown-up and far more powerful car. The engine lives up to its reputation and then some. Amazing low end torque - really does feel like a V8. This makes the 335xi a very different animal from the traditional BMW inline-6 car, and while quicker, it feels somewhat less sporting. With the old inline-6s (and presumably the new 328) you really had to spool up the engine. Now, you dont have to push it and if you do youre soon over the speed limit. Great fit and finish. The xi drive is fantastic in poor conditions, although the xi suspension is softer than in my old E46 (more body roll). All-in-all, very happy with it.

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  2001 330ci - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By benitocellini - July 27 - 12:41 pm

  This car is still a hoot to drive and it still gets envious stares after more than six years. Seems quite quick, stops on a dime and corners with ease (I cant get the tires to squeal). Very hard to fault it in any way. Im thinking about moving up to a Jag XK or BMW 650, for highway comfort, but Ill miss the agility and easy parking.

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  A lifesaver!! - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By JHG - July 27 - 10:00 am

  I loved my 2000 323i until my husband put it into a tree just off the interstate going approx. 80 mph. The car was totalled but he came out with just a mild concussion and few abrasions from the glass. Thank you BMW for saving his life with such a well built car! We will be in soon to order our 2004 3 series very soon!

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  Beam-Me-Up - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By XOM - July 27 - 10:00 am

  Silver grey with premium package is a hoot to drive and looks dynamite. Great acceleration and handling. Steptronic system is fun although makes me wish I had a manual. Nice understated interior with functional gauges and handy steering wheel controls.

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  Wow !! - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Chris - July 24 - 6:22 am

  This car is amazing. My girlfriend and I were looking for a nice used luxury sports car and i had read many reviews on this vehicle. The reviews dont do it justice. This car is very quick and very nimble. I was really suprised at how much life this car has left in it with having 68K on the odometer but it purrs like a kitten. It also has great curb appeal. If you are looking for a great handling sports car, look no further. This car has it all and then some. The only downside is the interior plastic door handles squeak a bit. This may be do to the fact that the previous owner may have had them taken off the car.