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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  Love my bimmer - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By lovemybimmer - June 27 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had the car 3 days but Im already hooked. Ive driven over 350 miles...thats how much fun it is to drive my 325i. This car handles beautifully...stops on a dime and is extremely responsive to the driver. I can now understand what BMW owners mean when describing their "ultimate driving machines". Go get one...you wont be disappointed!

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  Great Car-Great Car - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By jason varner - June 24 - 2:00 am

  I love the car, not happy with the 181.00 per Control Arm, the ball joint housing does not stay still moves 1/2 inch causing clunking underneath,replaced with new control arms at 53k,expensive little job.but hey its a bmw right?

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  Fun to Drive - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By GregG - June 24 - 2:00 am

  Great overall car. Superb performance and comfort with timeless styling. Mechanically trouble-free, minor fit and finish item with interior door seal.

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  Everything Your Dream Of - And More - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By NewYorkie - June 24 - 2:00 am

  This is by far the most exciting driving experience one can encounter. It is a solid, sturdy vehicle that grips the road with precision. Its classy, yet sporty design takes your breath away each time you take a glance. Three words instantly come to mind when you turn on the ignition, shift it into drive and accelerate: comfort, pleasure and FUN!

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  whatever happened to quality ? - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By HI800 - June 23 - 5:50 am

  I purchased a new 325i and when the car had 600miles, the problems began. The instrument cluster blacked out for about 30secs while I was driving on the freeway at night and that reset everything, but the total miles driven. Quite a frightening experience not knowing what was going on with the new car while driving 65mph. Soon the service engine indicator came on and when the car came to a complete stop, it was shaking violently. I brought the car back to the dealer and the mechanic made it out to be a tiny little problem, peanuts he said. So they supposedly fixed the problem, but after a month, the service engine light is on again at 2000miles.

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  Truly the "Ultimate" - 1997 BMW 3-Series
  By H328i - June 23 - 2:00 am

  When we had the second child, my wife suggested I get rid of my truck for a "family" car. With the only requirements to be an automatic and a 4-door I set out to find my new wheels, trying like mad to avoid a mini van at all costs. Missing my old sports car from high school and tired of seeing everyone in Camrys and Accords, I wanted different and unique. I found this 328i to be just the cure for the "midlife" and still making the wife happy for the rare transports of the kids. This car is awseome. Sometimes the best part of the workday is the drive to and from work. BMW is the Ultimate Driving Machine.

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  I hate this car - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By K Harney - June 22 - 2:00 am

  There is always something wrong with this car. The top quit working, the trunk lid wont catch properly, the all-window switch broke, the auto door locks stick, the brake rotors are wear items(!!), the covering has worn off the center console, the glove box wont open. I will admit it drives great, but I cannot accept the constant stream of annoyances. BMW customer care couldnt care less. Ill NEVER own another BMW.

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  The only car for me - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By globetrotter - June 18 - 2:00 am

  This is the only car I want so I will skip the laurels and talk about the downside. I bought the 2 yr old with a recent inspection through a broker and saved $10000 over a new one. The next week the service engine soon light came on, the dealer replaced parts under warrentee but said I needed new belts and a break flush for $250. The next day the battery died and the car was towed back to the dealer for replacement. The next week the headliners came off and back to the dealer. BMW service is a zoo, sooo many cars all the time. But this car hits all the right buttons for me!

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  medium - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By ias - June 18 - 2:00 am

  The mannual shifting is not smooth. It is big for a sports car. The sunroof is small. Continuous problems with the allignment

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  The reluctant BMW Owner - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By MDchick - June 18 - 2:00 am

  There is a stero type out there about BMW owners. Dont believe me? Just take a look at the lastest TV ad from Audi. I tested all of the cars in the entry level luxury category. I also included cost of ownership and resale value in my decision making process. BMW came out the winner! It was the best mix of sport and luxury. It is also fun to drive.