Item: Used BMW 3 Series Compact 2001 - 2004
Author: What Car? Team

What is it like?

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Hatchback

<p dir="ltr">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.</p>

<p dir="ltr">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.</p>

<p dir="ltr">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.</p>

<p dir="ltr">All of this makes it one of the big three German prestige brands, along with Audi and Mercedes-Benz.</p>


3 SERIES

<p>The BMW 3 Series Compact is a fine-handling, premium-badged hatchback, but it's not as spacious as a VW Golf or Audi A3.</p>


Used BMW 3 Series Compact 2001 - 2004

<p>Anything with a BMW badge does not get sold cheaply and that rule applies here. This is far from the cheapest small hatchback.</p>

<p>Insurance costs on the 316ti and 318ti are reasonable. Provided you don't succumb to the lure of a Sport badge, you'll face no more than group 12 costs. The diesel variant sits one group higher, while the most costly to insure is the 325ti, in group 16.</p>

<p>The 325ti is also the thirstiest model in the range, retuning no more than 31mpg on average. The 316ti delivers a claimed 40mpg, although the more powerful 318ti almost matches that with 38mpg. Most economical of all is the diesel, at a claimed 49mpg, which will still easily translate into 42mpg in the real world.</p>

<p>Servicing is required every 15,000 miles, but BMW dealers are far from cheap, so unless you are buying a very late car with some warranty left, it makes more sense to seek out a good independent specialist.</p>

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The BMW 3 Series Compact is a fine-handling, premium-badged hatchback, but it's not as spacious as a VW Golf or Audi A3.


<p>Although the entry-level engine is labelled 316i, it is actually a 1.8, while a 2.0-litre unit powers the 318i. The 115bhp 1.8-litre is adequate, but it will always leave the keen driver frustrated that they can't exploit the Compact's fine chassis a little further.</p>

<p>Our choice, the 140bhp 2.0-litre, is a rewarding drive and posts a 9.0sec 0-60mph time. An excellent 150bhp 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine arrived in late 2001 with masses of pulling power, while fastest of all is the 192bhp 325ti, capable of hitting 60mph in just 6.9sec.</p>

<p>Safety is good on all models, with anti-lock brakes and front and side airbags as standard. ES trim adds a single-CD player and air-con. We recommend the SE, though, which comes with alloy wheels, fog lamps and steering wheel-mounted controls. Top-trim models are badged Sport and feature traction control, stiffer sports suspension and sports seats.</p>

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<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Plenty of practical space </li> <li>Low running costs </li> <li>A comfortable ride </li> <li>A healthy equipment list </li> <li>Quality materials and thoughtful touches inside </li> <li>Rock-solid reliability</li></ul>

<p>Family cars arguably have the toughest brief of all: they have to be good at pretty much everything. They’re used as the daily drive, on the school run or work commute (often both), and have to be able to cope with a family’s clutter on weekends and holidays.</p>

<p>The Skoda Scala is a relative newcomer, but it's&nbsp;already carved out a name for itself in this segment.&nbsp;If you're looking for a moderately priced car that combines a supple ride, neat handling, a spacious interior and a capacious boot&nbsp;it's well worth a look.&nbsp;Alternatively, if you're looking for entertaining handling then the&nbsp;BMW 1 Series may well be for you. It's great to drive, rides well&nbsp;and also comes with a top-notch interior, featuring one of our very favourite infotainment systems.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Toyota Corolla&nbsp;is another great choice. This latest version of one of the world's best-selling cars of all time can be had with a choice of two different petrol-electric hybrid engines, both of which should mean&nbsp;potentially lower fuel bills. It's comfortable, well equipped and should be very reliable, too.&nbsp;</p>

Family

<p>While it hasn't quite been top of the class in recent What Car? JD Power Customer Satisfaction surveys, the BMW 3 Series Compact still enjoys a good reputation for sturdiness, with few problems to report.</p>

<p>By late 2006 there had only been one official recall. This addressed the concern that bearings on the fuel injection pump could be prone to failure.</p>

<p>When you test drive a potential purchase, check the engine out thoroughly, as some early visions had misfire problems. If a high-mileage diesel engine produces clouds of black smoke under hard acceleration, go and find another one. And, make sure there's no hint of clutch slip, but don't be put off if the manual gearchange feels sticky at first, as that's a characteristic rather than a fault.</p>

<p>The deep front bumper is prone to stone chips and the design of the alloy wheels means they are easily kerbed.</p>

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<p>Ever since the launch of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/1-series/hatchback/review/n26">1 Series</a>, the BMW 3 Series Compact has tendes to be overlooked, and this three-door hatchback isn't helped by odd looks. On top of that, it doesn't have as big a boot as an <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a3/hatchback/review/n77">Audi A3</a>, nor are its rear seats as roomy. And entry-level models are modestly equipped.</p>

<p>There is still much to like about the Compact, though. Fit and finish are up to <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/bmw">BMW</a>'s usual high standards and there's the same, driver-oriented, high-tech feel that characterises the marque.</p>

<p>You certainly won't find much to moan about behind the wheel. Admittedly the entry-level 1.8-litre model is far from rapid, but the rest of the range exhibits refinement and smoothness that few rivals can match. While the ride is hardly super-soft, the handling is first-rate, making the 3 Series Compact easily the best-driving hatch of its era.</p>

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Used BMW 3 Series Compact 2001 - 2004 review

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Alternatives

What alternatives should I consider to a used BMW 3 Series hatchback?