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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  Absolutely Awesome = 328i - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By SF328i - February 26 - 2:00 am

  If your considering buying it, it is supreme over all competetors in its category. Considerable difference over the 325 also. Much nicer, highly recommended.

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  Driving Fun Except The Repair Bills - 1997 BMW 3-Series
  By Ron E. - February 25 - 2:00 am

  We bought our 328i used with 44K miles after having it checked out by BMW shop. The driving experience is beautiful with all the power I think is necessary. The automatic is flawless in it smoothness. The engine begs to be driven. The greatest drawback to this car is the repair bills which seem to happen far too often. Parts are not cheap!!!!! Do not buy this model or brand of car unless you can get a warranty from BMW. $1500 worth of service each year is obscene, particularly in the days of Acuras, Passats and Lexus. I will miss the driving experiance, but my retirement will not, Im afraid, allow another BMW in my life!

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  330ci - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By mullhaupt - February 23 - 10:00 am

  I love this car since I bought it and I never new what I was missing until I bought it I drove a 93 325i and I thought it was good but this is like the little ferrarri I cant afford. It has some rattles in the moon roof cover but its faint, I heard this is common so I dont worry about it, All in all I wouldnt give it up of anything, (maybe a M5) or ferrarri or a 911, but I dont have that kind of cash. I wish it would have been a little cheaper, I never paid 40K for a car

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  10 Years and Still Enjoying It - 1993 BMW 3-Series
  By Jim K - February 23 - 2:00 am

  This car gets better and better, even after 10 years. It seems as tight as the day I bought it it handles as well it continues to be a joy to drive every day. I have had more maintenance than I wish over 10 years (like now my trip computer does not work and my seat heaters are worthless)but some of this probably is due to a run in with a deer the first month I owned it (ugh!).

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  I love my beemer! - 1998 BMW 3-Series
  By cats_rule_texas - February 23 - 2:00 am

  This car is fun to drive and comfortable. My car does not look like it is 5 years old. It handles well and is fun to drive.

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  for autobahn drivers not commuters - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By rajdc - February 21 - 2:00 am

  I bought a used 328i convertible in 1999. it got too problematic after 100K. who ever said german engineering is superior is crazy! ok maybe the perforance and design...but everything else--total crap. At first it gave me problems with the top. It would get stuck, and just act flaky. The car ran pretty well but had a lot of electrical problems--I mean A LOT! Pretty much everything on the dash was replaced at one point--even the HEATING unit!! spent about $5000 in repair.

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  BMW 3 series a bust - 1992 BMW 3-Series
  By CABMW - February 19 - 2:00 am

  There are so many things wrong.Dont know where to start.Plastic radiator lasts maybe 3 yrs at best.Always in the shop.Never buy BMW again!!!

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  Best of the bunch - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By pmichaelis - February 19 - 2:00 am

  This is the fourth BMW owned. One 6 series, remainder 3 series. All cars have met expectations, particularly the 1999 328ia. This car has all the attributes expected in a high priced small car. It handles well, is comfortable on a long trip..1400+ miles, and has been utterly reliable. The only negative has been the brake pads wearing out at 24,000 miles. Excellent mileage, 32+ mpg on a trip, nonexistent oil consumption during service interval. My basis of comparison is a 1997 Porsche 993 C2S.

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  This is a great sports car! - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By hollybuttitta - February 17 - 2:00 am

  This car is incredibly reliable and a complete workhorse. Its hauls up hills, passes at the slightest touch of the gas, it wants to run! The engine purrs and its ride is really smooth. I cant say anything bad about this car. BMW makes cars that are strong, reliable, and fun to drive. If you have to enjoy driving you need a car like this- its worth the extra money.

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  Excellent car!!!!! - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By sal sheik - February 16 - 2:00 am

  I got my 99 4 dr 323 from a dealership and have been nothing but pleased. I put some 17" m3 wheels on it! If the engine light comes on it is usually only a loose gas cap.