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For The 3 Series saloon remains the best compact executive to drive, although the Merc C-Class runs it close. There's a superb engine line-up, with economy and emissions which have the beating of most rivals'.

Against Space in the back isn't generous, and the boot isn't as well shaped as an Audi A4's. Prices are a little steep, and M Sport ride firmly.

BMW 3 Series Saloon

What Car? says

5 out of 5 stars

The best compact exec. We'd recommend the 320d for its superb economy and low emissions. The opposite is true of the 335i, but it's still a superb car.

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The BMW 3 Series Saloon full verdict Read in full


There are 24 BMW 3 Series editions available

BMW 3 Series Saloon 318i ES 4dr £21,525
What Car? says:5 stars out of 5
BMW 3 Series Saloon 318i SE 4dr £22,820
What Car? says:5 stars out of 5
BMW 3 Series Saloon 320i ES 4dr £23,170
What Car? says:5 stars out of 5
BMW 3 Series Saloon 318d ES 4dr £24,235
What Car? says:5 stars out of 5
BMW 3 Series Saloon 320i SE 4dr £24,465
What Car? says:5 stars out of 5
BMW 3 Series Saloon 318i M Sport 4dr £24,735
What Car? says:5 stars out of 5
BMW 3 Series Saloon 320d ES 4dr £25,385
What Car? says:5 stars out of 5
BMW 3 Series Saloon 318d SE 4dr £25,530
What Car? says:5 stars out of 5
BMW 3 Series Saloon 320i M Sport 4dr £26,380
What Car? says:5 stars out of 5
BMW 3 Series Saloon 320d SE 4dr £26,680
What Car? says:5 stars out of 5
BMW 3 Series Saloon 325i SE 4dr £26,985
What Car? says:5 stars out of 5
BMW 3 Series Saloon 318d M Sport 4dr £27,445
What Car? says:5 stars out of 5
BMW 3 Series Saloon 325d SE 4dr £28,190
What Car? says:5 stars out of 5
BMW 3 Series Saloon 320d M Sport 4dr £28,595
What Car? says:5 stars out of 5
BMW 3 Series Saloon 325i M Sport 4dr £29,625
What Car? says:5 stars out of 5
BMW 3 Series Saloon 330i SE 4dr £30,345
What Car? says:5 stars out of 5
BMW 3 Series Saloon 325d M Sport 4dr £30,830
What Car? says:5 stars out of 5
BMW 3 Series Saloon 330d SE 4dr £30,870
What Car? says:5 stars out of 5
BMW 3 Series Saloon 335i SE 4dr £31,950
What Car? says:5 stars out of 5
BMW 3 Series Saloon 330i M Sport 4dr £33,235
What Car? says:5 stars out of 5
BMW 3 Series Saloon 330d M Sport 4dr £33,760
What Car? says:5 stars out of 5
BMW 3 Series Saloon 335d SE 4dr £34,005
What Car? says:5 stars out of 5
BMW 3 Series Saloon 335i M Sport 4dr £34,840
What Car? says:5 stars out of 5
BMW 3 Series Saloon 335d M Sport 4dr £36,895
What Car? says:5 stars out of 5
3 Series Our pick

BMW 3 Series Saloon 320d ES 4dr

With a superb blend of fine economy, a superb drive and plenty of standard kit, this is our favourite version of the 3 Series.

What Car? says:5 stars out of 5
Read full verdict

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, the 318d, 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 Tarmac-churning 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 greaner 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 320d (175bhp) ES 4dr

I had a 320d ES as a company car for a couple of…

Simon McLachlan

4 out of 5 stars

BMW 3 Series Saloon 325d M Sport 4dr

I have owned this from new, I previously owned a…

Luvneet Dayal

4 out of 5 stars
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