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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  BMWs are fun to drive! - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By shentz4768 - June 15 - 2:00 am

  I love my car. It has had some little problems which were covered by the warranty...fortunately. I had a window that malfunctioned and a radio knob that would turn the radio up instead of down. Everything was replaced completely at no cost to me.

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  Certified Great! - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By Jon Graham - June 15 - 2:00 am

  I was in hell during the initial part of the test drive... you know when the dealer has to drive it off the lot. I couldnt wait to take the wheel, and when I finally did, I fell madly in love with the performance and handling. I love everything about this car. Although the symbols on the interior controls take some getting used to, I find them very easy to use after a couple of months together. My wife gave what I feel is a great compliment when she said it was "easy to drive." It takes care of the mundane things and keeps me safe, yet it doesnt over think for me. I still have control.

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  Nice Economical Luxury Car - 1995 BMW 3-Series
  By harlequin1971 - June 13 - 2:00 am

  Suffers the same knocks as the Infiniti G20: low power and not enough soul. The 4-cylinder engine will not have you racing your engine at stoplights and looking for trouble. Gas mileage is less than average compared to small, similar engined cars currently out on the market today, 24-28mpg (with 89 octane). Why do I love my car? Intangibles. That kidney grill counts for something, that taletell styling of the 3-series sedan. The fact that I got more attention from the upper management types around the office...intangibles. The price makes for a good value for a used car and everyone will think you spent more.

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  Only one complaint... - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By RonJ - June 13 - 2:00 am

  After 3 years, only only complaint - and it is a BIG one - is that the left bolster of the sport driver seat is always uncomfortably pushing on my thigh. I must either pull my foot forward so that my thigh/knee are above the bolster, and thus not in the way, or keep my thigh on the bolster, where I become so uncomfortable in only 5-10 minutes, I must find a new position. If I straighten my left leg "within" the seat (to the right of the left bolster), my feet are in each others way and I cant properly/safely operate the brake and accelerator pedals. BMW, why did you cram the sport seat into such a tight cockpit like this?

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  Beamer - 1994 BMW 3-Series
  By BMW Fan - June 12 - 2:00 am

  Looks great drives great sounds great its the best car ever

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  Japanese Cars Are Far Better. - 1997 BMW 3-Series
  By Hieu Quachtat - June 12 - 2:00 am

  During the first three months I discovered the following problems: 1. The front right fender was not properly painted. 2. STRUCTURE DESIGN IS VERY POOR. It is a common problem among 1997 BMW 3 series. 3. The left door lock was loosen at 3000 miles. 4. AirCond malfunctioned. 5. Premium sound system malfunctioned. 6. Nuisance warning light illuminated intermittently. 7. Wind noise is terrible. Dealer fixed it by putting transparent tape around door frame. 8. The Service people at Irvine BMW stole money from my car.Should I say BMW dealers has no class? 9. Engine Controller malfunctioned. Had to be reprogrammed. LEXUS IS THE WAY TO GO

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  Love it ! - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By Fripp64 - June 12 - 2:00 am

  First BMW but not the last !

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  The Germans build a better car. - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By rwlpa - June 11 - 2:00 am

  I had always owned American cars --- never again. The Germans build a better car. No more front wheel drive for me. The performance and handling of a manual gearbox front rear wheel drive car is a wonderful thing.

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  Fantastic car - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By ekuo - June 11 - 2:00 am

  We bought this car new to replace my aging Integra Hatchback. Essentially, I wanted the 325i sedan but we needed the larger trunk space and utility of a wagon. This vehicle sacrifices none of the sedans handling and performance. We included the sports package, which I believe is a must have for the 325. The handling is sharp, telescopic, and easy to manage. The car simply loves being tossed into a corner. The exterior also benefits from a true wagon design, not the hatch on the sedan design that you might see on some others. The only mechanical issue this car encountered was the faulty auxillary fan.

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  Definitely the Ultimate Driving Machine! - 2008 BMW 3-Series
  By trojanfanjen - June 9 - 1:50 am

  Just got the 4-door 328i for Christmas, my first BMW. Ive had 2 Acuras prior to this car, and the BMW makes the Acura drive like a Ford. Its amazing!! Handling is incredible. Run flat tires make for a very smooth ride. Turning radius cant be beat. Takes tight curves really smoothly, and the acceleration is amazing. I truly LOVE this car, and cant imagine driving anything but a BMW from here on out.