For The engine gives a fine blend of efficiency and performance, with tremendous flexibility at low revs. The BMW 3 Series 320d SE gets dual-zone climate control, rear parking sensors and automatic lights and wipers.

Against Going for SE denies you the opportunity to choose some of the personalisation options that are available on dearer trims.

BMW 3 Series Saloon

What Car? says

5 out of 5 stars

The BMW 3 Series 320d SE is great to drive, cheap to run and well specified, this is the pick of the 3 Series range.

What Car? readers say

4.333333


Key facts

0–60mph
7.5 secs
Top speed
mph
Average mpg
61.4
Tank range
768 miles
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Features

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Size

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Cheaper

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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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