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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  best damn car built = 325i sedan - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By wm. priff - June 19 - 10:00 am

  car is fun and easy to drive and very comfortable for a 61" driver and if necessary no car has any better acceleration in its class and price.

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  great drive and looks but poor quality - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By mikeo - June 17 - 9:01 pm

  While I love the performance and looks I will never buy another BMW. The quality is poor from interior lining peeling, excessive tire wear, rough ride and poor electronics. I wanted to look at 06 330 sedan but decided on a Lexus. Not as sporty but quality is there. Why else does BMW offer 48 months maintenance free except to cover their poor quality.

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  Ultimate Tanning Machine - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By Uboat - June 16 - 9:21 pm

  We picked up our 330Cic on a Euro Delivery in Munich. Drove the car on the A-bahn @ 100+ to France and loved every mile. A truly fun car that will change your life for the better!

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  Puts the Fun Back in Driving - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By TDS - June 16 - 1:51 am

  After a very bad experience with faulty brakes on my Infiniti G35, I was looking for a new car. I never expected to find a car that could possibly replace my G, but this is it. It is a tight well made vehicle that really is fun to drive. Due to my job, I log a lot of hours, but this car makes it easy to hit the road again.

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  Lexington KY 325xi Driver - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By RWS - June 16 - 1:28 am

  Ive owned my BMW a year and have put 20,000 miles on it. The car is very enjoyable to drive. In fact, I keep volunteering to drive it even on days where its my car pool partners turn. I drive 25 miles each way to work through pretty countryside and its probably my favorite portion of my day. The 5-speed automatic is very smooth shifting. I also feel secure in the car due to the great handling and braking as well as the sturdy construction. I do wish the car were a bit lighter I believe its 3,400 pounds contribute to so-so gas mileage (particularly poor in-town mpg) and overtaxes the engine a bit. Rear seat room is minimal, but I believe typical for a sport compact.

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  Things You Can Do Without - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By catj5 - June 15 - 10:00 am

  Im just going to go straight to the point. I like my car and I have a-lot of fun driving it. However, there are points that one should be aware of. First, the Harmon Kardon speakers was a waste of my money. They are weak speakers. Second, the car is too low that you are likely to hit, raised manholes, rocks, metals on the street. Third, the windows rattle loud when driving fast. Fourth, the driver and passenger SIDE MIRRORS doesnt go back far enough. Fifth, the chairs are very hard and thin. Sixth, rear bumper too low and unprotected and will get easily hit by other cars especially if you live in the city.

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  It is just right - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By KimberlyM - June 15 - 10:00 am

  This is my first BMW and I am very pleased with the overall performance and looks of the car. I can navigate on a curvy road and still maintain intregity and speed.

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  Ultimate Convertible - 2007 BMW 3-Series
  By Velocity - June 12 - 10:46 pm

  Simply put, for me and should be for you, this is the best convertible in its class. Most fun to drive. Gets all the looks, has plenty of power and handles like a pure sports car. It is stiff, but I expected it. If you want a soft Lexus type of ride this is not for you. I love the ride and feel very confident turning the car at high speeds. If you are looking for a sports convertible and you dont test ride this you are making a mistake. Its great to build the one you want as well. Your options, your colors, but the option packages can put you in the range of of a 5 or 6 series in price.

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  What a Ride! - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By Jim Seeberger - June 12 - 4:09 pm

  I was in the market for a Honda or Toyota product (was leaning towards the Avalon) until I took the wheel of a 2005 BMW 325i. There was just no comparison! The 325i was far superior in drive, ride, and comfort (to say nothing of its sharp look!) to any of the Honda and Toyota products I drove - - and I have great admiration for Honda & Toyota (my previous car was a Toyota). If you want to step up into a whole new realm of driving, do yourself a favor and take a look at the 325i. Youll be glad you did!

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  Great car even for a busy mom with kids - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By rob4kari - June 12 - 3:46 pm

  Love this car. It has great acceleration and the braking is very quick. The only thing I dont like is lack of storage for things like sunglasses/cell chargers/cds etc. It needs a center console that is bigger. Gas mileage is o.k. The back seat can be a bit crowded if you want large adults in the back. I have two car seats in the back and it works out perfect.