For The BMW 3 Series 328i Modern gives excellent performance, and pulls very smoothly. On top of dual-zone climate control, rear parking sensors and automatic lights and wipers, Modern models have cloth/leather trim.

Against It doesn't have the same low-rev strength as the 320d, which means it's not as easy to get the same pace. It also doesn't have the same economy, and some buyers may be disappointed the 328i doesn't have a six-cylinder engine.

BMW 3 Series Saloon

What Car? says

4 out of 5 stars

There's nothing substantially wrong with the BMW 3 Series 328i Modern, but the 320d makes such a compelling case for itself that we can't see the point in going for a 328i.

What Car? readers say

4.333333


Key facts

0–60mph
5.9 secs
Top speed
mph
Average mpg
44.1
Tank range
551 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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