Used BMW 3 Series Touring 2005 - 2012 reliability review

Name: Used BMW 3 Series Touring 2005 - 2012
Rating: 4
Author: Stuart Milne

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

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What should I look for in a used BMW 3 Series?

Generally, the BMW 3 Series Touring has a good reputation for reliability, but there are a number of things to check.

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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.

Tips & Advice

Check for outstanding recalls

Many cars are recalled so that faults can be put right. Recall work shouldn’t cost you a penny, and they’ll make your car safer or more mechanically robust. Checking if your car has been recalled is easy

Choose the right breakdown cover

You may already have a breakdown policy through your home insurance or new-car warranty so check to avoid paying twice

Ensure you have breakdown cover

Thousands of What Car? readers deliver their verdict on the best breakdown companies helping you to choose the best cover

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BMW 3 Series

2.5 325i SE Touring 5dr

BMW 3 Series

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

BMW 3 Series

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

BMW 3 Series

2.0 318i ES Touring Auto Euro 4 5dr

BMW 3 Series

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

BMW 3 Series

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

BMW 3 Series

2.0 320i M Sport Touring Steptronic Euro 4 5dr

BMW 3 Series

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

BMW 3 Series

2.0 318d ES Touring Euro 5 5dr

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About the writer

Name: Stuart Milne

Title: Digital editor

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Stuart has been a motoring journalist for more than 25 years, writing and editing for a wide range of consumer titles. Today, Stuart is responsible for the smooth running of whatcar.com and all of its related social and digital channels. And he’s the man responsible for making sure you're able to find What Car?’s industry-leading content whenever you search for it.

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