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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  HIGHLY RECOMENDED - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By DAIRYDAVE - March 15 - 2:00 am

  I PURCHASED THE 04 330CI IN AUGUST AND IT IS BEST CAR I HAVE EVER OWNED. THE SIX SPEED MANUAL IS FUN TO DRIVE. THE SEATS ARE VERY COMFORTABLE AND THE PERFORMANCE FOR ME IS GREAT. I KNOW SOME PEOPLE WOULD NOT THINK OF THIS CAR AS HIGHLY PERFORMANCE ORIENTED BUT IT SEEMS TO ME THAT IN FREEWAY DRIVING IT HOLDS THE ROAD VERY WELL AND ALWAYS WANTS TO GO FASTER!! A GREAT CAR!!!

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  Truly "The Ultimate Driving Machine"! - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By mschbrem - March 13 - 10:00 am

  If you have the money to spend, and tend to drive with only one more person, this is the car for you! Back seat space is a little limited but then again IT IS A COUPE! Drove the car from South Florida to Northern Virginia without getting back problems or growing tired. Smooth, quiet and very comfortable (with the sport seats)!

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  Great Santa Cruz Mountain Commuter - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By Jon C - March 10 - 5:33 pm

  I just bought this car as my wifes 1st car. She is arriving soon from Thailand and has never driven a car. I wanted something fun but safe & reliable. I bought the car for $7,500, 83K miles and put about $500 more into new bushings, hoses, belts, and fluid changes etc. The car is a lot of fun and quite a bit of fun to drive. The body and interior are flawless, mechanically it is very sound. My regular mechanics ordered the dealer parts and made the repairs I needed cheaply. This is a fun and cheap little car. I have read all the crying and hand wringing on this site but I have been lucky. It needed an alignment and bushings as stated but nothing else major. Ill follow up if it implodes...

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  Steel Gray BMW - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By WLLWNH - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I have only had the car three weeks but it is the finest vehicle I have ever driven. I tried Corvette,Jaguar,etc no comparision to the BMW. It is a PLEASURE! to drive. The handling,style,looks is fantastic.

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  2001 330ci sport/premium - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Dixon Downey III - March 8 - 2:00 am

  This precison workhorse of machine is incredibly fun to drive with the tight suspension of the sport package and 17" alloy rims with the accompanying Conti Sport performance tires. The acceleration is head and shoulders above the 325, the 323 and the 328. It has consistent torque and power above 3000 RPM up to 100MPH. The layout of the interior and the overall feel of the car as a solid dynamic whole give it tremendous attitude as a touring master. This will go down as a classic BMW model and apart from the M which may be a bit over the top, may be the crown jewel of the 3 series thus far in this owners opinion.

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  BMW 325i - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By AbzoTech - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I have extensively test driven many cars before my purhase. Some cars I have tested had more power, but none came close to the handling and solid feeling of a this car. Truly fun to drive. The service at Koni BMW in Beaverton, and specially at BMW Northwest in Fife is excellent.

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  Out of the box. - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Mannyc - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Its only got 300 miles on it so far, but I really love it. A great, comfortable and quiet ride with performance to boot and handling to boot.

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  I love my 2006 330i - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Chris - March 5 - 4:40 pm

  This is a great car! I have always loved how fun it is. I love it even more now because I was stopped in traffic on the freeway and someone slammed in to me. You would not believe how well my car held up, I was able to drive it away while the other car was totalled and towed. My 5 year old was in the backseat and I was driving pregnant, and we came out great. I feel so safe in this car!

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  I Love My Red Little Girl - 1991 BMW 3-Series
  By JP - March 2 - 10:42 pm

  Bought this car new and have had it for 15 years. She has over 160,000 miles on her and still runs great - maybe even better than she used to. Shes a 5 speed manual and loves being driven hard. Havent had any problems-just routine maintenance issues. Shes been nothing but reliable. I would get a newer one, but theyve done away with that classic BMW. I also have an Audi A4 which I use in inclement weather due to the rear wheel drive of the BMW. But, when the roads are dry, I prefer the handling of my fun and faithful friend. After all, an automobile is about driving, and nothings beats the Ultimate Driving Machine, no matter how old.

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  325i - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By 325i - March 2 - 10:00 am

  BMW is still fun to drive, but the quality in no longer what it used to be. The paint gets irremediably damaged from the smallest bird drop, even thougt the car is washed and waxed regularly. In less than 12000 miles, the clutch needs replacement (noise towards the end of pedal) and the engine suddenly looses power while driving.