Used BMW 3 Series for sale: everything you need to know
The BMW 3 Series has always been towards the top of its class for ability, but over the last few generations, it’s also been one of the UK’s best-selling cars full stop. It’s an aspirational car that an increasing number of people have been able to put on the driveway, and those buyers will have experienced one of the best all-rounders on the market - a car with a premium image that handles well, goes well, doesn’t use much fuel, and comfortably seats four.
The latest generation went on sale in 2019 and was refreshed in 2022, the facelift tweaking the styling but also updating the car’s infotainment, for a more screen-based cabin layout - either a blessing or a curse depending on your penchant for buttons. The 3 Series’ popularity though means used choice is abundant, so read on below to find out more.
Should you buy a BMW 3 Series?
The BMW 3 Series is one of those cars that’s very easy to make a case for. Its desirability is without question, based on both an aspirational badge but also the car’s reputation as being one of the best all-rounders on the market for decades now. Ubiquity doesn’t seem to have harmed it either - 3 Series are everywhere, but the car’s image is none the worse for it.
The most recent generation of 3 Series arrived in 2019, and it retains many of the qualities of its predecessors, while enhancing several others. It’s still one of the sharpest cars in its class to drive, and while increased levels of refinement and isolation means it’s not as interactive for keen drivers as it used to be, it’s still more fun than most, and doesn’t punish you with an overly firm ride - though it’s certainly got a sporty feel.
Most models pair four-cylinder engines with automatic gearboxes these days, but all are swift and smooth, refined at a cruise and punchy from low revs, just where you need it for strong acceleration. The driving position is great, and things are pretty good for other passengers too - rear room is pretty good these days and there’s a decently-sized boot too, bigger still if you opt for the Touring estate. BMW’s infotainment, meanwhile, is still among the best in this class.
That’s a class that includes the Audi A4, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Jaguar XE, and Alfa Romeo Giulia, plus models like the Lexus IS and Volvo S60 if you want to look further afield. The Jag and Alfa are up there with the 3 Series in the driving stakes, but don’t have the same all-round appeal, while the Audi and Mercedes get close but once again, don’t quite hit as many high notes as the BMW.
What’s the best used BMW 3 Series model to buy?
The 3 Series has a reputation for being an all-rounder, with no real weak points - and that means you can confidently buy pretty much any model in the range and find little to complain about. In other words, even a 318i SE will do the job, though understandably most buyers will want to set their sights higher. While diesel is falling out of favour, the 320d is still a fantastic all-rounder, being quick and very frugal, while if you’ve got the budget, the six-cylinder engines are still hard to beat - that means a 330d, M340d, or M340i. Later cars tend to be better equipped than earlier ones, but all 2019-on 3 Series should still feel pretty fresh.
Used BMW 3 Series fuel economy and performance
- BMW 3 Series 318i: It’s been a while since 318i meant 1.8 litres - instead you get a turbocharged 2-litre four-cylinder petrol with 156PS, and a choice of six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic gearbox depending on year. It’ll do 0-62mph in 8.4 seconds, and 44.1mpg combined.
- BMW 3 Series 320i: You get the same engine here but upgraded to 184PS, for 0-62mph in 7.1 seconds. Economy matches the 318i, while transmission is a choice of an eight-speed automatic and either rear- or all-wheel drive.
- BMW 3 Series 330i: Another variant of the 2-litre, this time with 258PS and offering a 0-62mph dash of 5.9 seconds. It gets the same gearbox and drivetrain options as the 320i, and does 43.5mpg.
- BMW 3 Series M340i: This 3 Series gets a 3-litre turbocharged petrol inline six, making 374PS. It’s all-wheel drive only, capable of 0-62mph in 4.3 seconds, and 36.7mpg combined.
- BMW 3 Series 330e hybrid: The plug-in hybrid reverts back to a 2-litre four-cylinder, with electric assistance for 252PS or up to 292PS for short periods in Sport mode. 0-62mph takes 5.9 seconds, while electric running helps it to 138mpg.
- BMW 318d: The first of the diesels uses a 2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder, with 150PS to match the 318i. 0-62mph takes 8.4 seconds, again matching the petrol, but economy is 57.6mpg. Manual and automatic gearboxes are available.
- BMW 320d: Output climbs to 190PS for the 320d, for a brisk 6.8-second 0-62mph time through the standard eight-speed automatic. Rear- and all-wheel drive versions are offered, while economy is up to 61.4mpg.
- BMW 330d: In diesel form 330 means a 3-litre turbocharged inline six, with 286PS and a 5.3-second 0-62mph time. Combined economy is quoted at 56.5mpg.
- BMW M340d: Another M-badged model, this too uses a 3-litre straight six, albeit diesel this time, for 335PS and a 4.6-second 0-62mph time. Diesel also means 52.3mpg combined economy.
What used BMW 3 Series trim levels are available?
From 2022 the 3 Series came in the trim levels you’ll see below, while certain models are also offered in ‘Pro’ trim which upgrades each trim with a few extra features normally found on the options list. M340d and M340i variants top the range, and of course there’s a full BMW Motorsport model too, the M3, which we’ve covered in detail elsewhere.
- The BMW 3 Series SE might cost the least but it’s still well-equipped as standard, and comes with a wide range of engines, including the 318i and 318d, 320i and 320d engines and the 330e plug-in hybrid.
- The BMW 3 Series Sport has a few extra styling and specification upgrades to justify the extra cost over the SE, and comes with the 330i, 330d and 330e engine variants.
- The BMW 3 Series M Sport has a sportier appearance with different bumpers and alloy wheels to the models below, plus some interior upgrades. It’s offered across most of the engine range.
- The BMW 3 Series M Sport Pro takes the M Sport and adds further styling details and more equipment, and can be paired with the 320d, 330d, 330i and 330e engines.
- The M340d and M340i are similar in specification to the M Sport Pro models but are uniquely offered with the petrol and diesel six-cylinder engines.
Used BMW 3 Series dimensions and boot size
The BMW 3 Series exterior dimensions are:
- Length: 4713mm
- Width: 1827mm
- Height: 1435mm
- Ground clearance: 136mm
The BMW 3 Series boot size is:
- 480 litres (375 litres for 330e)
Used BMW 3 Series road tax
Most of the 3 Series range now costs more than £40,000 to buy brand new, which attracts a premium car tax that results in a £600 annual bill for 2024/2025. You can cut £10 off that by buying the 330e, or find a lower-spec 318i or 320i, which might just have dipped under the £40k barrier. This means a lower £190 bill - the same the others will drop down to after their first six years on the road. Alternatively, the all-electric BMW i4 currently attracts no tax.
How much is it to insure a BMW 3 Series?
The 3 Series range starts in group 24 for a 318i in SE trim, and rises to group 42 (out of 50) for an M340d. These figures aren’t too different to other premium-badged saloons of this size and performance.
