Adjusting the rearview mirror
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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.
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.
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.
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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 exterior dimensions are:
The BMW 3 Series boot size is:
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.
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.
£23,099
£25,617
£667 off£17,436
£46,995
£31,968
£748 off£27,218
£27,700
£33,500
£19,132
£25,800
£37,250
£30,700
What is the most popular colour for BMW 3 Series ?
What is the most popular gearbox for BMW 3 Series ?
What is the most popular fuel type for BMW 3 Series ?
What is the most popular engine for BMW 3 Series ?
What is the average mileage for BMW 3 Series ?
28408
How many BMW 3 Series cars are available for sale?
309
