BMW 3 Series Touring full 9 point review
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Performance
The 318i isn't that quick, but there are no weak links in the engine range. The other four-cylinder choices are the gutsier 320i, the 318d and two versions of the 320d. The six-cylinder petrol choices are the 325i and the turbocharged 335i, which goes like a rocket. All three 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesels - the 325d, 330d and 335d - are strong. Transmission options are a six-speed manual, six-speed auto or, for 335i versions, a twin-clutch seven-speed semi-automatic transmission.
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Ride & Handling
The 3 Series is the sharpest car to drive in its class. Sublime body control and tenacious grip give it poise through corners, while the steering is accurate and communicative. The firm suspension makes you aware of low-speed bumps and coarse surfaces, but it’s never uncomfortable. The ride is firm, particularly around town, but it’s still perfectly acceptable.
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Refinement
The 3 Series is a quiet car and makes a great long-distance cruiser. You can tell which fuel the diesel uses, but engine noise is always well isolated and you barely hear it once it's settled on the motorway. Road- and suspension noise are subdued over even the worst road surfaces. Some wind noise is noticeable at high speeds, though.
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Buying & Owning
Prices for the 3 Series Touring on a par with its rivals, although it's a little pricier than the Audi A4 Avant. Residual values aren't anything special, but most will be run as company cars and here the BMW's impressively low CO2 emissions come into their own. The 318i, for instance, falls into the 17% bracket for company car tax.
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Quality & Reliability
This car oozes class. Everything has a solidly constructed, built-to-last feel, while the cabin materials are top quality. Numerous trim combinations allow buyers to tailor the interior to their own tastes. We don’t expect mechanical reliability to be a concern.
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Safety & Security
The 3 Series scores well for safety, with twin front, side and curtain airbags, run-flat tyres, electronic brakeforce distribution and stability control standard across the range. It was also awarded a maximum five-star rating in Euro NCAP crash tests, while deadlocks make life difficult for thieves.
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Behind The Wheel
A good range of adjustment of both the driver’s seat and steering wheel means people of all shapes and sizes can find a suitable position, but the manual mechanism is awkward. The standard dash layout features simple stereo and heater controls, while the optional sat-nav has BMW's iDrive system. This is now more user-friendly because it features short-cut buttons.
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Space & Practicality
There's plenty of room for four passengers in the cabin, but boot space is less impressive - the Audi A4 Avant and Mercedes C-Class Estate both offer more. The BMW's boot is poorly shaped, too, but you do get convenient features such as underfloor storage, lashing points and a rear screen that opens separately.
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Equipment
Entry-level ES models come with alloy wheels, a CD player, four electric windows and air-conditioning, but you have to upgrade to SE to get dual-zone climate control and reversing sensors. Range-topping M Sport cars feature a muscular bodykit, larger alloy wheels, lowered suspension, sports front seats and brushed aluminium interior trim. Exclusive and Sport Plus models are also worth a look, as they provide plenty of extra kit over SE and M Sport models (respectively) at a bargain price.
3 Series rivals
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BMW 3 Series Touring 320d ES 5dr
With a superb blend of fine economy, a superb drive and plenty of standard kit, this is our favourite version of the 3 Series.
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