Item: Used BMW 3 Series Touring 2005 - 2012
Rating: 4
Author: What Car? Team

What is it like?

Ownership cost

Advice for buyers

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Estate

Munich-based BMW is most famous for its sports saloons, in particular the 3 Series and 5 Series. However, it actually builds almost every type of car imaginable: everything from two-seat convertibles to seven-seat MPVs.

The cheapest model in the BMW range is the 1 Series hatchback, which is a rival to the Audi A3, Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Volkswagen Golf. Meanwhile, at the other extreme is the i8 plug-in hybrid sports car, which costs more than £100,000.

BMW was also quick to capitalise on the rise of the SUV and now has six in its range: the X1, X2, X3, X4, X5 and X6.

All of this makes it one of the big three German prestige brands, along with Audi and Mercedes-Benz.

3 SERIES

The BMW 3 Series Touring is far from the biggest estate, but it's brilliant to drive and highly desirable.

Used BMW 3 Series Touring 2005 - 2012

Fuel-saving Efficient Dynamics technology was introduced to the 3 Series range in 2007 and has been steadily improved since, making later cars noticeably more efficient.

The 320d improved from an average of 47.9mpg and 158g/km of CO2 to 58.9mpg and 128g/km, while the 318d improved from 48.7mpg and 155g/km of CO2 to 62.8mpg and 120g/km.

The petrol models lag some way behind. Originally, the 318i managed an average of 37.2mpg and emitted 182g/km of CO2, while the current version improved to 44.8mpg and 147g/km. It's a similar story with the more-powerful version. The original 320i managed 37.2mpg and produced 182g/km, while the current car jumps to 44.1mpg and 149g/km.

The least-powerful models are in insurance group 21, rising to group 38 for the range-topping diesel models.

Typically, franchised BMW dealers have some of the UK's highest labour rates, so look to independent specialists when servicing cars more than three years old.

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The BMW 3 Series Touring is far from the biggest estate, but it's brilliant to drive and highly desirable.

Diesel is the best option by far, but the vast array of engines could leave buyers confused. Many are the same size but have different power outputs, and have been uprated since launch.

The 120-141bhp 2.0-litre 318d is acceptable, but we'd go for the 320d with 161bhp, or 174bhp after Sept 2007 and 181bhp post-March 2010. The performance-oriented 3.0-litre models come as the 194-201bhp 325d, and the 228-241bhp 330d or 282bhp 335d.

If you cover only a low annual mileage, one of the petrol models may prove better value. The refined 127-168bhp 2.0-litre 318i or 320i will suit most, while the brawny six-cylinder engines come in three variants: a 2.5-litre with 215bhp and two 3.0-litre models with between 254bhp and 302bhp. All come with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, but there's also a six-speed automatic option.

Entry-level models miss out on alloys, but do get a CD player, air conditioning and four electric windows.

ES specification adds alloys and front foglights, air-conditioning and four electric windows, but SE cars are the most common models on the used market, with bigger alloys, a multi-function steering wheel, traction control and reversing sensors. The M Sport editions get a muscular bodykit, larger alloys and the firmer sports suspension.

In mid-2009, the SE Business Edition was introduced, which added leather upholstery, Bluetooth and sat-nav to the standard SE spec.

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<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Huge boot and excellent practicality</li> <li>Plenty of interior space so you can carry passengers as well as luggage </li> <li>Strong engines to pull a heavily laden car</li> <li>Comfortable ride, especially on the motorway</li> <li>Low running costs for company car drivers</li></ul>

If you’re after bags of space but you don’t want to commit to the van-like dimensions and styling of an MPV, there are some great estate cars on offer that should do the job.

Tricks to look out for include an electric tailgate&nbsp;that opens automatically when you wave your foot under the rear bumper; this is&nbsp;particularly handy if you’re trying to load in a heavy or&nbsp;bulky item. You should also look for handles in the side of the boot itself that can drop down the rear seats; these are much more convenient than having to walk around the side of the car to do it.

There are some terrific estates at most price ranges. The humble Skoda Fabia Estate offers cavernous space for not much cash at all, for example.

Further up the price range, another of our perennial favourites is the Skoda Superb Estate;&nbsp;it’s great to drive and as practical as most people should ever need. Meanwhile, for serious mile-munching ability and a premium, well-finished interior, it’s hard to look beyond the BMW 5 Series Touring.

Generally, the BMW 3 Series Touring has a good reputation for reliability, but there are a number of things to check.

The majority of 3 Series came with run flat tyres as standard, but due to the expense of replacing them some owners fitted standard tyres instead. The tyre pressure sensors can fail if replacement tyres don't have exactly the same rolling circumference as the originals.

Door handles can stick and the interior trim can work itself loose over time. There are also some reports of issues with turbos, rapidly wearing front brakes, central locking malfunctions and air-con faults.

Only buy cars with a full service history, and avoid shoddy examples. There are plenty of cars to choose from, so you can afford to be fussy.

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The BMW 3 Series Touring is every bit as good to drive as the saloon version. Despite being heavier than the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/3-series/saloon/review/n91">saloon</a>, this estate is extremely agile.

The car's superb dynamics are not at the expense of comfort, although some may find it a touch too firm at low speeds – especially with the optional Sports suspension.

The interior offers enough head and leg room for tall passengers, and comes with <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/bmw">BMW</a>'s typical attention to detail and build quality.

The boot isn't as generous as those of some <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/category/estate">estates</a> in the class, but it's still a good size. The rear seats fold down flat, but the wheelarches intrude into the loadspace.

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Used BMW 3 Series Touring 2005 - 2012 review

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