For The 320d ED has the lowest CO2 emissions of any car in the class, which makes it an attractive company car buy it also means businesses can write off 100% of the cost of the car in the first year.

Against To make the 3 Series handle like it should, you need to add the optional VDC package. The ED's relatively small fuel and road tax savings don't make much sense for private buyers.

BMW 3 Series Saloon

What Car? says

5 out of 5 stars

If you’re a company car driver, then the BMW 320d Efficient Dynamics is the perfect 3 Series for you, but private buyers should stick with the standard 320d and enjoy the 3 Series at its brilliant best.

What Car? readers say

4.333333


Key facts

0–60mph
8 secs
Top speed
mph
Average mpg
68.9
Tank range
861 miles
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Features

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Size

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The full BMW 3 Series review


Buyer's notes

Target Price team says:

So far, we’ve only driven three versions of the BMW 3 Series. The 328i, with its four-cylinder 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine, is reasonably quick, but the 335i, which has a six-cylinder 3.0-litre twin-turbo, is phenomenally quick. Our favourite so far, though, it the 320d. Its 2.0-litre turbodiesel is effortlessly flexible, and it’s properly quick when you want it to be. It also delivers much better running costs than any other version we’ve driven.

SE looks like the best package of equipment, but above that, buyers can personalise their cars with the Sport, Modern and Luxury trims, while M Sport makes the 3 Series a fine-looking machine that will rival Audi’s S line models.

Anyone buying a 3 Series should also consider one of the two servicing packages, which give you five years, 60,000 miles, servicing for a one-off fee.

Reader test team says:

BMW 3 Series Saloon 320d Eff. Dyn. 4dr

Excellent drive. My first 3 Series, I think it's safe to say I am converted. Very economical and drives beautifully. Good handling too.

Azher Hussain

4 out of 5 stars

BMW 3 Series Saloon 320d Eff. Dyn. 4dr

The 2.0 diesel is disappointingly noisy and rough sounding, but it has plenty of performance, with very impressive midrange punch. The 6 speed gearbox…

Dan Post

4 out of 5 stars

BMW 3 Series Saloon 320d Sport 4dr

This is our fourth 3 series and replaces a 325D M Sport. The 320D engine isn't as smooth as the six cylinder diesel and is slightly noisier at low…

David Baker

5 out of 5 stars
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