For The 318i returns getting on for 50mpg and has low company car tax liability. Upgrading to SE from ES adds dual-zone climate control, cruise control and reversing sensors.
Against This engine has nothing like as much grunt as the diesel engines, and can't match their economy, either.
What Car? says
This may be the cheapest 3 Series, but you'd never know to drive it. Good as it is, though, we'd urge you to try and dig a little deeper for a diesel-engined version.
Reader review rating
View the whole BMW 3 Series Saloon range
Cheaper
-
Saloon 318i ES 4dr
£22,155 -
Saloon 318i SE 4dr
£23,480 -
Saloon 320i ES 4dr
£23,850 -
Saloon 316d ES 4dr
£24,015 -
Saloon 318i SE Business Edition 4dr
£24,480 -
Saloon 320i SE 4dr
£25,175 -
Saloon 318i M Sport 4dr
£25,435 -
Saloon 320i SE Business Edition 4dr
£26,175 -
Saloon 318i M Sport Business Edition 4dr
£26,435 -
Saloon 318d SE Business Edition 4dr
£27,100 -
Saloon 320i M Sport 4dr
£27,130 -
Saloon 325i SE 4dr
£27,770 -
Saloon 320d EfficientDynamics 4dr
£27,820 -
Saloon 318d M Sport 4dr
£28,055 -
Saloon 320i M Sport Business Edition 4dr
£28,130 -
Saloon 318d M Sport Business Edition 4dr
£29,055 -
Saloon 325i M Sport 4dr
£30,465 -
Saloon 330i SE 4dr
£31,230 -
Saloon 330d SE 4dr
£31,770 -
Saloon 335i SE 4dr
£32,880 -
Saloon 330i M Sport 4dr
£34,185 -
Saloon 330d M Sport 4dr
£34,725 -
Saloon 335d SE 4dr
£34,995 -
Saloon 335i M Sport 4dr
£35,835 -
Saloon 335d M Sport 4dr
£37,950
More expensive
-
Saloon 318i ES 4dr
£22,155 -
Saloon 318i SE 4dr
£23,480 -
Saloon 320i ES 4dr
£23,850 -
Saloon 316d ES 4dr
£24,015 -
Saloon 318i SE Business Edition 4dr
£24,480 -
Saloon 320i SE 4dr
£25,175 -
Saloon 318i M Sport 4dr
£25,435 -
Saloon 320i SE Business Edition 4dr
£26,175 -
Saloon 318i M Sport Business Edition 4dr
£26,435 -
Saloon 318d SE Business Edition 4dr
£27,100 -
Saloon 320i M Sport 4dr
£27,130 -
Saloon 325i SE 4dr
£27,770 -
Saloon 320d EfficientDynamics 4dr
£27,820 -
Saloon 318d M Sport 4dr
£28,055 -
Saloon 320i M Sport Business Edition 4dr
£28,130 -
Saloon 318d M Sport Business Edition 4dr
£29,055 -
Saloon 325i M Sport 4dr
£30,465 -
Saloon 330i SE 4dr
£31,230 -
Saloon 330d SE 4dr
£31,770 -
Saloon 335i SE 4dr
£32,880 -
Saloon 330i M Sport 4dr
£34,185 -
Saloon 330d M Sport 4dr
£34,725 -
Saloon 335d SE 4dr
£34,995 -
Saloon 335i M Sport 4dr
£35,835 -
Saloon 335d M Sport 4dr
£37,950
Buyer's notes
Target Price team says:
It's hard to go wrong with the 3 Series, but the diesels are the best bet. Even the cheapest of these performs strongly, but the 320d really hits the sweet spot for price, economy and emissions. It's all the car most of us will ever need.
That's not to say it's all the car we'll ever want. The more powerful 330d and 335d are quicker still and more desirable, with extraordinary muscle and surprising economy. They're every bit as swift as the big six-cylinder petrol models, which will cost more to run.
Thanks to BMW’s Efficient Dynamics fuel-saving measures, though, even the petrol versions are cleaner and greener than most rivals.
Basic ES versions come with a reasonable rather than generous level of kit. The SE adds more toys, but on balance the ES is better value. M Sport models have a sportier feel, with lowered suspension, larger alloys and brushed aluminium trim.
Inclusive servicing packages are available, which makes budgeting easier.
Reader test team says:
BMW 3 Series Saloon 318i M Sport (127bhp) 4dr
A very good car to drive on a decent run, around…
BMW 3 Series Saloon 320d M Sport 4dr
This is a fab car which I have enjoyed owning and…
BMW 3 Series Saloon 320i 4dr
A good car completely spoiled by Run-Flat tyres.…
BMW 3 Series Saloon 320i 4dr
I've had this company car for approx 30 months and…
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