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 Car on the Planet - 1992 BMW 3-Series
  By BMWJunkie - February 11 - 2:00 am

  I love this car and always will. Cost for parts is average just need to know where to get the parts from. Internet filled with parts suppliers, both OEM and Aftermarket. Handled on rails even before changing to autocross suspension. Family loves the car wife loves it the most and has given up on her Eclipse. Engine is a powerhouse waiting to be unleashed. The things that people are complaining about are "wear items" and have to be replaced on any car. It is called MAINTENANCE people. Get over it. Those parts arent supposed to last forever. If you cant afford the maintenance dont buy the car. The M50 is the best engine that BMW came up with.

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  A real stunner - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By billymay - February 10 - 2:00 am

  I bought used 02 325Ci with 5K miles, have driven another 1K. This car lives up to the hype. Yes, there are a lot of them, guess why? I compared the BMW against the Audi A4, M- B C-class and Lexus IS. As much as I love my SLK (and kept it for the weekends!), the BMW really begs to be driven. I needed a usable back seat and comfortable highway car -- the 325Ci delivers. Im no lead foot, and the 184hp is fine. The cars wonderful in everyday driving. Im sure the M3 and 330Ci fly, but unless your last car was a Corvette you wont feel deprived. The coupe is stylish and scarcer than the sedan, so the "me too" factor isnt bad even here in southern Cal.

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  BMW 330 convertible - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By jack.richardson - February 10 - 2:00 am

  This is a great well built car that is fun to drive. The quaility and the performance is fantastic.

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  Great little Bimmer - 1991 BMW 3-Series
  By MD2575 - February 9 - 2:00 am

  Bought new in 91. Fun car, has only 50K on it now and driven only in the Summer. Looks like new inside and out, engine clean as the day I picked it up. This car is well balanced and fun, but a bit underpowered.

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  Just cant get enough of it! - 1997 BMW 3-Series
  By BMW Boy - February 8 - 2:00 am

  Love this car! I did research for months and compared it to many other cars that are similar. This one took the cake, and I test drove tons of other cars. Make sure you get the sports package and Harmon Kardon Sound. Ive done a few engine modifications for more horses, and now Ive beat plenty of Mustang GTs and others like it!

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  Beat BMW Ive Owned Yet - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By racerx330 - February 6 - 10:56 am

  Exhilarating to drive. Fun, fast rides on rails. Stereo sounds great. Very quiet. Fuel mileage better than all of its nearest competitors. Clearly the best yet to come from Munich. Keep up the good work BMW!

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  The snow plower - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By TACruiser - February 6 - 2:00 am

  I put on my 04 330XI only 2,300 miles so far, but I just have to say WOW!!! This car is built so solid, and the looks are killer if you put window tints on it!! The snow storm I was in last night was a joy to ride in in this car, for I passed by every vehicle like nothing with limited slippage. The power is good, and the steptronic is fun to pose as a manual driver. Excellent car!!!

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  Fast as a lighting - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By chungachguk - February 5 - 10:00 am

  Ive had an old BMW M3, and I can tell you that my new BMW is a lot better, and faster.

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  Outstanding - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By dvd - February 5 - 10:00 am

  A pleasure to drive - just enough power to make it fun. Features are "classy" - much better than the G35 Infinity....

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  Best of the Best - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By lovemydroptop - February 5 - 10:00 am

  This is the best quality you can get for the price. Tight, stable, quick and turns heads. Solidly built especially for a drop top.