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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  Great Car ... - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By rega - May 6 - 10:00 am

  Love the car and the way it handles. Love the exterior. Interior nice, needs more storage area. I also had the transmission problem. I took mine into the dealer after noticing the problem, and a replacement was ordered right away and installed within weeks. The dealer handled it very well. Its just a shame that one pays so much money for a car and then finds out within the first few miles that the transmission must be replaced. And yes, BMW has not issued a formal recall as of yet (dont know why). But I have heard the issue is resolved as of 12/03, and they certainly fixed mine and stood behind the car.

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  mostly satisfied - 2000 BMW 3-Series
  By spiker - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Impressed with handling and upper speeds, but it is a little sluggish on take off, even with manual. Irritated at stalling problem (some sensor) and power windows, but all fixed under warranty. In fact, at 30K, dealer even replaced both control arms. Grateful for free service even at 30K.

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  Compare to my Lexus RX300 - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By 330 lover - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Love my Bimmer, great performance 225- hp, good handling (I dont have sport package, so handling is just good not great). No overheat, no water leak or anything. No visit to the dealer until the 1st oil change just like my Lexus.

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  Cant go wrong with one of these. - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By daswolf - May 2 - 1:40 pm

  There are faster cars, there are better handling cars, there are more luxurious cars - BUT nobody has the whole driving package as well balanced, in this car category, as BMW does. 6 months later and I still have a big grin when Im walking out the office door to the parking lot. If your shopping around, drive your other options first. That will save you the return trip to the BMW dealer.

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  the ultimate driving machine - SMG - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By kncreed - April 30 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my 325 for 3 weeks now. All I can say is that it really is the ultimate driving machine. The SMG is fantastic! Downshifts are smooth and quick. I cant wait until the break-in period is over.

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  Come buy a lemon - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Dissatisfied with BM - April 27 - 2:00 am

  I special ordered a 2002 BMW 330 convertible. It has been in the shop 7 times since. Twice for problems with the convertible mechanism but 5 times including 4 tows for mechanical issues. My car has been in the shop since mid September and they cant figure out what is wrong. They keep on replacing the throttle mechanism stating this is the problem, but this only fixes the problem temporarily. They even had service technicians from BMW North America look at the car. Also BMW as a company is terrible to deal with. Very customer unfriendly and currently in litigation. Another colleague with a 2001 330 CIC is having the same problem. Very frustrating.

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  A car for driving enthusiasts - 2004 BMW 3-Series
  By silverbullet owner - April 25 - 10:00 am

  I bought my new 330i 6 weeks ago and have loved every minute driving it. This car is definately the car for those who like to drive.

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  Wait a week for tires!?! - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Lithops - April 20 - 1:16 am

  Coming from the older 530i to the new 325i is part of the problem, Im sure, but the ride on this new 3-series is horrible! Between the sports suspension and the run flat tires, I feel every tiny bump! Also, even though I live in Houston, its taking a week to get replacement tires!! BMW just tells me "Well, the tires will become more available." Also I can drive to the gas station and back (4 miles), and even after 2 hours, you cannot hold your hand where the hood meets the fender, the temp is so hot! I have a 3-car garage and this BMW is heating the whole thing 10-15 degress higher than the outside temp! Service tech tells me everything is "normal". Very unhappy overall.

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  Forget the Infiniti G35 Coupe - 2003 BMW 3-Series
  By Midas - April 17 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased my 325CI. I was seriously considering the G35 COUPE, but with all the BS I had to go through with the Infiniti dealer, I decided to get the CI. What a great choice.. Infiniti was selling at sticker, and the dealer was trying to rob me blind. I was wheeling back and forth with the G#% for days. I walked into the BMW dealer and about an hour later, walked out with a loaded one for $1500 over invoice.. I have the inside scoop on the G35 and they are looking at a min of $3500 over invoice. Way too much for a car that no one knows if it is going to have a good resale value. The BMW kicks butt and I would recommend it to anyone

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  330i - 2002 BMW 3-Series
  By jungster1 - April 5 - 10:00 am

  Have 17,000 miles on it now. Overall, the ownership experience has been positive. It is a great car. Powerful engine, great driving dynamics, look and feel of quality. After years of Toyota and Honda ownership, I have been a little disappointed by the reliability of some of the components. Nothing major but had to take the car in for two unscheduled repairs. Everything was covered under warranty.