For Sport Plus special editions are based on M Sport trim, but add 19-inch alloy and unique bodykit and interior trim, as well as sat-nav and Bluetooth. Just over two thirds of the price of an M3 buys you a lot more than two thirds of the performance.

Against Top of the range diesels rival the 335i for pace but cost less to fuel. The Sport Plus rides firmly, especially at low speeds on Highline wheels, and costs a lot more than the standard SE version.

BMW 3 Series Coupe

What Car? says

4 out of 5 stars

A fantastic car. Performance is exceptional, with the handling to match, while running costs are more reasonable than you'd think. Don't buy an M3 unless you've test driven a 335i first.

What Car? readers say

4.325


Key facts

0–60mph
5.5 secs
Top speed
155 mph
Average mpg
33.6
Tank range
464 miles
See all running costs

View the whole BMW 3 Series Coupe range

Read in full

The full BMW 3 Series review


Buyer's notes

Target Price team says:

The BMW 3 Series Coupe doesn’t have quite such a wide engine range as the saloon or Touring versions of the 3 Series, but there are still four petrols and four diesels to choose from.

Our favourite is the 335i. Why spend nearly half as much again on an M3 when the 335i is so quick? On a more modest budget and with an eye on the tax bill for company car drivers, the 320d is a compelling car, but to be honest, there isn’t a bad model in the range.

There’s a choice of SE and M Sport specifications. SE comes with a long list of standard equipment and costs much less, so it’s the one we’d recommend. On the other hand, M Sport models have sportier looks and stiffened suspension for the ultimate in handling.

It’s worth buying one of BMW’s inclusive servicing packages, which will make the car easier to sell on.

Reader test team says:

BMW 3 Series Coupe 335i SE 2dr

The 335i isn't a choose for people who want a car that will give them Nissan Leaf type MPG. Its more of a car you buy with your heart than your head,…

Richard Burkitt

5 out of 5 stars

BMW 3 Series Coupe 320d SE 2dr

Owned for 3 years and 52k miles. Bubbling alloys, changed 2 of them under warranty. 54mpg average. Stop start fine. Changed away from runflats to…

adam livett

5 out of 5 stars

BMW 3 Series Coupe 325i M Sport 2dr

I have a 325i M Sport Auto Coupe as a temporary lease car, the engine, power delivery and sound is very good, looks nice and I am getting used to the…

Mark Thompson

3 out of 5 stars

BMW 3 Series Coupe 318i M Sport 2dr

After having driven Audi a4 2.0 tdi s- line for 4 years needed a change and glad I did . This engine is not for the real speed merchants out there but…

iain gray

4 out of 5 stars
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