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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  Theres no going back! - 2005 BMW 3-Series
  By beamerlover - May 28 - 8:46 pm

  Excellent auto. Though its a nightmare to steer it in the winter if you live on the East Coast...I would suggest getting the AWD model. Otherwise, the car has been a dream!

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  1st BMW but not last! - 1998 BMW 3-Series
  By MarkT - May 27 - 11:55 pm

  1st BMW but not last! Got a great deal on a great car. Have had it over 2 years and have enjoyed every minute. Only 1 minor problem, a leaky valve, $200, and not a bump since. Best driving car, the Japanese cannot compete with the Germans! Have had Honda, Toyota, Nissan, but nothing like a BMW!!! I am about to buy my 2nd, a 5 series, since having a baby. Would recommend a 98 328 to anyone condsidering an entry Beemer...

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  Wow - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By Greg - May 27 - 10:26 pm

  This is my first BMW and I love this car. Handling is 2nd to none. I tend to tire of vehicles very easily and this one is a joy to drive. This one has the DINAN upgrades which make it even more fun.

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  3.0 Diesel Disaster cy - 2011 BMW 3-Series
  By No BMW for me anymore - May 27 - 4:33 pm

  Never, EVER buy a 3.0 6 cylinder diesel BMW. Fortunately, I purchased the 5-year, 100K factory extended warranty for my 2011 BMW 335d, and boy-of-boy did I ever have to use it -- A LOT! This diesel engine is absolute crap. Had every fuel injector replaced at least once (a couple 2x) before hitting 45,000 miles. The car was out of service so often that I got to drive a number of other BMW products from dealer, most of which were no where near as nice or had performance as good as my other vehicles (Jaguar XK, Chevy Tahoe Z71 4x4, Jeep GC Overland 4x4 diesel). I bought the 6 cylinder BMW diesel based on a recommendation from a friend, in England ("John"), who told me that loved his (at the time). However, several months after I bought my diesel, John told me that his 6 cylinder BMW diesel engine had blown up (literally!) while traveling about 50 milers from his home, and this just a few days after it had been "serviced" by the local BMW dealer. His vehicle had just gone off warranty, and neither BMW nor the dealer would givr him any compensation or other assistance for the defective engine. Again, STEER CLEAR of any BMW 6 cylinder diesel engine -- they are "junk".

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  Lemon 2003 330i - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By WFO - May 27 - 10:00 am

  Bought the car and logged 13,000 miles before the DSC, Brake and other lights started to appear. Entire wiring harness as well as throttle replaced. BMW tried 4 times to fix the mystery problem with no success. BMW is buying the car back. Loved the car, but the color is no longer available, si I am forced to choose another color.

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  Great car, just need newer.......... - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Judy Scroggin Updike - May 26 - 1:04 am

  Still love the car, but its getting a bit old and so am I. Think I need a newer model for safety.........

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  Great car, I love it! - 1994 BMW 3-Series
  By Andrew - May 24 - 5:20 pm

  So far its been a great car to me and I have a lot of plans to make it even better. Really the only thing that has mechanically failed is the Idle Control Valve (ICV) which produced bad bouncing idle... so, clean yours!

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  5 speed without the clutch - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By John - May 23 - 1:22 am

  This was a great car. I had to sell due to it not being practical to carry clients in, but it performed well. The AC was a bit sporadic and I had to play with the control to get it to blow the right level.

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  You Havent Driven Until You Have A BMW - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Bill - May 21 - 8:57 am

  Have owned it 3 years now and still love it. Averages 25 mpg city/highway. Super in New England weather, but you need to keep up on tire condition. I got 50K out of originals and replaced them with the same. Only complaints are high upkeep costs, and electrical rear tailight that the dealer cant seem to get straight, also it stalls every one in awhile. However, there is nothing like a BMW and this one gives you peace of mind with the all-wheel drive.

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  Wow - The new 330XI - What a Car!! - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By EDoane - May 21 - 7:33 am

  Does everything well - I am so very impressed with handling and power. Noticeable upgrade in Power from my E46 330i. Went with the ZPP and ZCP - All the options are wonderful and great.