Item: Used BMW 3 Series 1998 - 2005
Author: What Car? Team

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Saloon

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 is superb in almost every way, but it's more costly to buy than rivals of similar age.

Used BMW 3 Series 1998 - 2005

The only trouble with the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/bmw">BMW</a> 3 Series is that it's so desirable, which keeps resale values high and makes it a more expensive used buy.

However, once you have one, running costs aren't too bad. Four-cylinder petrol cars can return well over 30mpg on a run, and even the six-cylinder models aren't too far behind, as long as you drive gently.

For the optimum fuel economy, the diesels are best. In the 320d, you'll see mpg as high as the upper 40s, and even the 330d returns over 40mpg, which is remarkable in a car that hits 60mph in just over seven seconds.

Insurance won't be cheap, with no models below group 11, but that's no worse than rivals from <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/audi">Audi</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/mercedes-benz">Mercedes</a>. Perhaps most surprisingly, maintenance costs aren't steep, either. Figures from Warranty Direct show that average bills are on a par with those for <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/volkswagen">VWs</a>.

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The BMW 3 Series is superb in almost every way, but it's more costly to buy than rivals of similar age.


There isn't a bad 3 Series - or even a disappointing one. The best two models are the petrol 318i and the diesel 320d, with the 318i preferable thanks to its lower purchase price. However, if you cover a lot of miles, then the better economy of the diesel car may be more attractive.

The 1.9-litre engine in the 316i is a little weak for a car of this size, and the 320d is worth the extra over the 318d. Gearboxes aren't a worry: manuals are slick, autos are smooth.

Trim-wise, on most early models, it's a question of standard or SE, but Sport and ES gradually joined the range over the years. On early cars, if there is a choice at all, the SE's extra equipment makes it the one to go for, but on later cars, ES is the top choice, with much of the SE's attractions at a lower cost.

For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter <a href="https://pages.haymarket.com/whatcar/wcar-form.html">here</a>

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<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Effortless long-distance capability</li> <li>Strong standard specification</li> <li>Low running costs</li> <li>Comfortable driving position</li> <li>Comprehensive yet easy-to-use infotainment system</li></ul>

Executive cars are often the choice of company car drivers, so factors such as CO2 emissions (which govern your monthly tax bill) are just as important as cruising refinement for those long motorway journeys, a plush cabin and (whisper it) the image of the badge on the bonnet.

The good news is that there are options for all budgets and tastes. If rear space is crucial and you’re willing to put up with a less-than-premium badge, the Skoda Superb is tough to beat, while if you want a premium badge on the bonnet then the BMW 3 Series is consistently one of our favourites in this class.

And don't think you're limited to just petrol or diesel-powered choices in this class,&nbsp;because at the top end the Tesla Model 3 is well worth considering for its long range and engaging driving style.

Executive

You'd expect the BMW 3 Series to prove a tough, well built saloon and that's very much the case. Although there have been a few recalls over the years, relating to (among other things) the side airbags, brakes, wheels and suspension, the 3 Series is a very sound piece of engineering.

Figures from Warranty Direct show it to have better-than-average reliability, with the cars requiring little time off the road when problems do occur.

Whatcar.com reader reviews certainly bear this out, with few reporting problems and, in most cases, when things did go wrong, the dealers were very prompt and efficient in sorting things out.

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The most crucial part of the BMW 3 Series' appeal is the class-leading way it drives.

It's true that, compared to the car it replaced, this model was designed to be a little less sporting, so that it could compete with the comfort and refinement of the likes of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/c-class/saloon/review/n70">Mercedes C-Class</a>, but it still remains the best car in its class to drive.

It has a fantastic blend of ride, handling and well weighted controls that none of its rivals can touch. Whatever you want in a car – whether it's an exciting drive or something more refined and relaxing – the 3 Series provides it.

What it also provides is decent space. Whereas previous versions had been rather cramped, this model can get a couple of adults in the back or make a stab at family duties.

Build quality is as good as you could expect of a German prestige saloon and equipment levels are good across the range.

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Used BMW 3 Series 1998 - 2005 review

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