What does it cost?
For The BMW 3 Series delivers strong performance, excellent economy, fine handling and a luxurious and spacious cabin.
Against There’s a bit too much wind noise and you have to add the optional adjustable suspension to make the 3 Series ride and handle like it should. The four-cylinder petrol engines aren’t the sweetest around.
What Car? says
If you choose the right version and add the right options, the BMW 3 Series is as good as is gets for compact executive buyers. It's our reigning Executive Car of the Year.
What Car? readers say
4
There are 39 BMW 3 Series versions available
Buyer's notes
Target Price team says:
No matter what type of performance, equipment or running costs you want, there’s a 3 Series for you. That means there’s a huge selection of engines, gearboxes and trim levels, but there’s little reason to look beyond the 320d Efficient Dynamics model.
It’s quick and flexible, and the running costs are seriously impressive. If you’re a company car driver, you’ll love the low company car tax bills it commands.
The standard manual gearbox is notchy, so we’d choose the slick automatic, especially because it hardly dents performance and actually makes the car more economical.
We’d also strongly advise adding the optional Adaptive M Sport Suspension. With it, the 3 Series is the best-driving car in the class; without it, the car’s dynamics are a little disappointing.
Reader test team says:
BMW 3 Series Saloon 320d Efficient Dynamics 4dr
I bought my well equipped (professional nav, xenon adaptive lights, sports 8 speed auto gearbox, heated leather, privacy glass, comfort pack) 320D…
5
out of 5 stars
BMW 3 Series Saloon 320d Luxury 4dr
My first BMW and it certainly lives up to the hype. I have the optional adaptive suspension and auto gearbox which results in a creamy smooth drive…
4
out of 5 stars
BMW 3 Series Saloon 320d Efficient Dynamics 4dr
I have had the car since April and Having had the previous 3 for a while I must say overall it is a much better car. Space & economy have been…
5
out of 5 stars
BMW 3 Series Saloon 320d SE 4dr
Major problems with my 2006 diesel automatic - latest Turbo charger failure. Also had hydraulic unit replaced last year. Overall finish is poor. Very…
1
out of 5 stars
Post a reader review for your car
View all reader reviews
3 Series rivals
3 Series used car reviews
advertisement
See all
Our pick of the range
BMW 3 Series Saloon 320d Efficient Dynamics 4dr
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.
Read reviewAdvertisement
What Car?
is brought to you by
Haymarket Consumer MediaWhat Car? is part of Haymarket Motoring
© Haymarket Media Group 2013
