Used BMW 3 Series Touring 2005 - 2012 review

What's the used BMW 3 Series like?

The BMW 3 Series Touring is every bit as good to drive as the saloon version. Despite being heavier than the saloon, 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.

Overview

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

Pros

• Great to drive and very practical

Cons

• Load space could be better

Used cars available now

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BMW 3 Series

2.5 325i SE Touring 5dr

£999

BMW 3 Series

2.0 318i Exclusive Edition Touring Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£1,495

BMW 3 Series

2.0 318d SE Touring Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£1,749

BMW 3 Series

2.0 318i ES Touring Auto Euro 4 5dr

£1,800

BMW 3 Series

2.0 318d Exclusive Edition Touring Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£1,895

BMW 3 Series

2.0 318d ES Touring Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£1,895

BMW 3 Series

2.0 320i M Sport Touring Steptronic Euro 4 5dr

£1,899

BMW 3 Series

2.0 320d Sport Touring Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£1,990

BMW 3 Series

2.0 318d ES Touring Euro 5 5dr

£1,995

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The interior offers enough head and leg room for tall passengers, and comes with BMW's typical attention to detail and build quality.

The boot isn't as generous as those of some estates in the class, but it's still a good size. The rear seats fold down flat, but the wheelarches intrude into the loadspace.

Our recommendations

Which used BMW 3 Series should I buy?

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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