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 Dream Car & Best Car I Ever Owned!!! - 1995 BMW 3-Series
  By LB Hunter - March 7 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car in 1995 and have kept it (so far) for 9 years. I have had NO problems with this car and have kept up the requiered maintenance, tune-ups, etc. It has been a great car to own and has had nothing out of the ordinary (based on mileage) go wrong or need repair. It is VERY comfortable to drive (I have a bad back so comfortable seats are very important to me). It drives like a dream and has always been so fun to drive - nothing drives quite like a beemer! I would recommmend this car and BMWs in general to anyone - they are great and mine has required very little maintenance over the years. I love my little red driving machine!

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  328i - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By M35 - March 6 - 2:00 am

  This car was an amazing blend of performance, comfort, and reliability. I will always own a BMW. The overall balance of their cars can not be matched.

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  BMW328is 2 door - 1997 BMW 3-Series
  By TZILLIGEN36 - March 4 - 2:00 am

  This car is the best handling car I have driven. It is a fun car to drive and gets good gas milage.

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  Great drive - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By KeninNC - March 1 - 5:03 pm

  I have been very impressed with the drive and handling. This is my first BMW and will not be the last. Solid power in the smaller 325 engine but still very adequate. Good sound system comes standard and the extra couple of inches over 2005 model helps.

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  i love BMWs - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By Marianne Gray - March 1 - 2:00 am

  I have had a small sports car and an SUV and the BMW 325i is the best car I have ever owned! Its small enough to be the easiest to handle and park but it has a lot more interior room than expected! I have been able to fit a lot more in it than I thought I could

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  Review for BMW 330 CiC - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By MSB - March 1 - 2:00 am

  This is the third car that I have owned, but the first BMW that I have had the pleasure of owning. This car is amazing! I got the upgraded tires and wheels with the car, and they had the low profile tires on them. At the time I was worried about comfort level, and the ride not being smooth. However, I was pleasantly surprised, to find that it drove as if I had the stock wheels on it. I would absolutely recommend this car to anyone who loves to drive a fun, yet classy vehicle.

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  A big change from an SUV - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By jenny - February 29 - 7:20 am

  Ive enjoyed owning the 330i, however it has been a big change from an SUV. For someone who is taller it is much harder to get in and out of. You must fall in and climb out of the vehicle. Also, the sport package is great, until it snows. The traction control worked as long as you were moving. Once you stop you are stuck. It feels great to drive but the tires like to follow the grooves of the road and you feel every bump. The sport wheels are also very difficult to keep perfect as the rim is so low to the ground. It is very easy to ding and scratch your rims. All in all it has been fun to drive.

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  One Heck of Good Automobile - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By Road Racer - February 28 - 10:00 am

  This car has simply been the best car Ive ever owned. In terms of performance, there is no sedan on the road the compares to this car. Being a motorcyle rider all my life, I enjoy to open it up on the road sometimes as well has hammer a few corners here and there. Heres my advise, if you want luxury and dont want to miss having a sports car, this is the car for you. You will not be dissapointed.

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  Two Thumbs Up - 1995 BMW 3-Series
  By LB1 - February 28 - 2:00 am

  This is an incredibly fun car to drive and has had practically no mechanical problems in the 6 years Ive owned it. Tight handling, good gas mileage and sportier than many others in its class. Rear-wheel drive has never been a problem in the snow-belt due to the All-Season-Traction and investing in Blizzak snow tires in the winter. The dash board "oil change light" are great and on average Ive only needed an oil change every 10,000 miles! Over all, its been my favorite car Ive owned!

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  bmw - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By jliebhardt - February 28 - 2:00 am

  great looking car inside and out and performs just as well