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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  2006 BMW 3 Series 325i - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By lwdw - October 8 - 10:06 pm

  Silky ride and excellent road feel. Very good build quality (matls) and fit/finish.

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  my first BMW...wont be my last, either! - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By andergtr - October 6 - 10:00 am

  45,000 miles and over 18 months after buying the car, i still love it. it truly is the ultimate driving machine. near perfect balance and amazing feedback for the driver. i wish it had more power, but then again ive never had problems speeding at over 100 mph from LA to san diego. reliability has been great. the only gripe i have is that it costs a lot to maintain.

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  Ultimate Driving Machine - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Braindead - October 6 - 10:00 am

  The 330i is the closest thing to the perfect car when it comes to driving. Tremendous acceleration and at the same time the control and the ride are amazing. The price of course is quite a bit more than the competition but spending those few K more gets you the ultimate driving machine.

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  A car for the rest of your life! - 1993 BMW 3-Series
  By scottie2 - October 1 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car for 8 years and it is by far the best car I have ever owned. Its black on black wth gray around the very bottom on the exterior which looks very good and you dont see on other cars and newer BMWs. The dash also is very cool with all the buttons for the auto A/C. The road feel in this car is like no other make of car I have ever driven. There are many other little extras that when you get a BMW 325is and experience it you will understand why its such a great car and hard to let go have once you own one. The exterior styling is very classic and my car looks as good as anything out there and its almost ten years old.

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  Ultimate Driving Machine? Maybe - 1998 BMW 3-Series
  By ArturoIsGod - October 1 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 1998 323IS back in February 2002. I love the syling, handling, and the performance from the 2.5 liter inline 6 is pretty good. Thing is its only got 60K miles on it and Ive already had to replace the catalytic converter, the water pump, and the serpentine belt. The thing vibrates like crazy when at idle and seems to be getting progressively worse. One of the exhaust mounting brackets has broken loose and it rattles under the car. As soon as the extended warranty runs out its gone. Anyone know the phone # for Acura?

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  SUV? - 2017 BMW 3-Series
  By Cary - September 30 - 5:16 pm

  I had a 2003 Lexus IS300 Sportcross for 13 trouble-free years and despirately wanted to stay with a Toyota product. Unfortunately Toyota has seen fit to make C pillars so big you can easily hide an Escallade in the blind spot and thats just not okay. Reluctantly I jumped ship and leased a 2015 328i Wagon. True to the reviews it was very luxurious and handled well but it was a luxury car... not so much a Sport Wagon. Thanks to an idiot who couldnt see 4,000 pounds 10 feet away and decided to make her left turn anyway I recently found myself back in the market. With no viable options to even consider I leased a 2017 330i Sport Wagon. The specs say its the same size as the 2015 but it drives like a small car instead of a mid-size and feels like a compact sports sedan. Steering is much heavier, turbo-lag is non-existent and it just feels right. Oh yea... and theres a ton of cargo room in the back.

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  Ignore the Bad Bimmer Reviews - A Lot To Enjoy - 2009 BMW 3-Series
  By D Needles - September 30 - 1:44 pm

  By the way, if you are going to buy the car, its Bimmer. The other spelling is for motorcycles. Ive read the negative reviews. High maintenance costs, rock hard RFTs, suspension issues, blah, blah.....Heres my story. Bought my 328xi black beauty with 34K for about half of the original cost. Have now owned it for 2 yrs. No major repair issues. I have a local BMW (not dealership) do most of my maintenance well below the dealer prices. I do the oil changes and plan to replace the front brakes next month. Most of what I learned about how to work on my Bimmer I got off YouTube. Trust me, you can do some of the basics or more if you care to. RFTs? I want them. Wont see me changing a tire on the Interstate one late night. And I had a flat with one, drove it 50 miles going 50 MPH to a Costco, no damage to the rim. I replaced the OEMs with Bridgestone DriveGuard RFTs and they have been great. Much better than the OEMs. Got 25K miles on them and plenty of tread left. Suspension issues? Yeah, it does on occasion "boom" when I hit a med sized pothole, but no damage to the car. I figure you given up something for the superior handling and overall driving experience. I see one coming, I go around it. No problem. There is nothing like driving a well-cared for BMW, black-on-black, on a bright summer day. Its artwork in motion.

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  First, but not the last - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By lovemybeemer - September 30 - 7:33 am

  This is my first BMW and I couldnt be happier with a car in this class. Ive had two Mercedes C230s, but neither were as fun to drive as this car. The inline 6 is much more responsive than the Mercedes with superchargers and the interior is far more comfortable. I didnt spring for the 330, but with 215hp the 325 has more power than most cars in the class. Under advice from this site and many other BMW owners, I did not get the navigation package with the iDrive.

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  Going to miss this car - 1994 BMW 3-Series
  By mango7 - September 30 - 2:00 am

  What a great car. Its taken everything Ive given it(Not that I abuse), and it is as good as it was when I bought it 3 yrs ago. Looks like a $35,000 car. It gets more looks than my CLK430. The only thing I didnt like about it was that its rather underpowered, especially with A/C on! Poor thing--I felt like I was ringing its neck on those hot summer days. Also, when raining, the water spills in when door is ajar. Perhaps I wont sell it, if I cant get what Im asking. Good luck

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  low profile tires - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By burtlin - September 30 - 2:00 am

  two blow outs on sidewalls within past 6 months - very frightening. low profile tires on sport package {330ix) a definite hazzard in the western hill country on Massachusetts.I will not buy another bmw with these type of thin sidewalls. it is best handling auto as well as most uncomfortable. Car radio (premium) just awfull. no range and difficult to use without taking eyes off the road. Otherwise car just fine,