Used BMW 3-Series Saloon (2005 - 2011) Review Review by David Ross on 23 Apr 2010 Last Updated: 16 Feb 2011 4.5 The fifth-generation BMW 3 Series combines a high-quality cabin and decent equipment levels with the best drive among 'executive' saloon alternatives. Its rivals, including the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and the Audi A4, have struggled to match the BMW’s driving dynamics. Latest BMW 3-Series Saloon review Summary Driving & Performance Equipment Comfort Costs Safety & Reliability Buying & Selling Owners' Reviews Also Consider Facts & Figures Gallery Great to drive, decent level of standard kit, premium image, superbly built, refined interior Expensive options, firm ride New price range: £19,845 - £38,685 Used price range: £1,019 - £9,452 View all used prices Summary Parkers Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Test drive with BMW or request a brochure The fifth-generation BMW 3 Series combines a high-quality cabin and decent equipment levels with the best drive among 'executive' saloon alternatives. Its rivals, including the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and the Audi A4, have struggled to match the BMW’s driving dynamics. The striking four-door gets a power boost over the old model but, thanks to the Efficient Dynamics program, both fuel economy and emissions have actually been improved. It's not as good an all-rounder as the Audi A4, with less passenger space and a firmer ride, but it sets the class benchmark for driving pleasure. Good range of engines A choice of three petrol engines were available upon launch – 320i, 325i and 330i. Initially there was just one diesel engine – a 320d – but in 2005 a 330d model was introduced, with the 325d and fantastically fast 335d arriving in 2006. In September 2007 the engine range was completely overhauled, with the Efficient Dynamics programme rolled out across the range. This meant more power and better efficiency, while a 335i petrol engine was added which gave even the M3 a run for its money. Great to driveBMW prides itself on driving pleasure, and the 3 Series is no exception. All are rear-wheel-drive, which means the front wheels can concentrate on the steering and the rear on delivering the power. Of special note is the steering, which provides excellent feedback through the wheel and although slightly heavy compared to electrically assisted systems is some of the most direct available on the market. 2008 faceliftAn autumn 2008 facelift gave the 3 Series sharper styling and a refreshed interior and also brought a new diesel engine to the line-up in the shape of the 330d. However, the pick of the line-up - for performance and economy - is the excellent 320d EfficientDynamics which is great to drive and is claimed to return an amazing 69mpg. It’s also very attractive to company car drivers thanks to its low CO2 emissions. So should you buy a 3 Series BMW, or should you look at rivals from Audi and Mercedes-Benz? Read on for our full and comprehensive BMW 3 Series review to find out. Parkers Ratings Overall 4.5 out of 5 Performance 5 out of 5 Handling 5 out of 5 Comfort 4 out of 5 Practicality 3.5 out of 5 Behind the wheel 4.5 out of 5 Safety 4.5 out of 5 Reliability 4 out of 5 Running costs 3.5 out of 5 Green credentials 3 out of 5 Buying used 3.5 out of 5 Selling 4.5 out of 5 Equipment 4 out of 5 What owners say... “ The boot is surprisingly big for a small saloon, but rear legroom is very tight for adults in the back. ” 5 out of 5 Nicholas Kennedy , 01 May 2016 ... read more “ The 60/40 split folding seats are a welcome addition in a boot that isn't the largest in the world by any means. Fine for 3 people though. ” 5 out of 5 Anthony Liddle , 15 Apr 2016 ... read more “ 5 seats, good space, good boot, blue tooth Rubbish in the ice and snow. ” 2 out of 5 Richard Purnell , 25 Nov 2015 ... read more See all Owners' Reviews Read the full facts and figures about this car Compare this car to other cars Next steps Test drive with BMW or request a brochure View 323 used BMW 3-Series Saloons for sale Get an Insurance QuoteRead 94 owners' reviews Tweet Other BMW reviews Continue to: Driving & Performance Best deals on BMW 3-Series Saloons Used BMW 3-Series 318d M Sport 4d Step Auto (2010/10) Price £3,995 Save £1,575 Brockwell Car Sales Ltd Used BMW 3-Series 320d (177bhp) M Sport 4d Auto (2008/08) Price £3,990 Save £1,545 Fish For Motors Ltd Used BMW 3-Series 330d SE 4d Auto (2006/06) Price £3,495 Save £1,340 Mexus Used BMW 3-Series 318d M Sport 4d Step Auto (2009/59) Price £4,650 Save £1,720 Greenpoint Car Sales Ltd
“ The boot is surprisingly big for a small saloon, but rear legroom is very tight for adults in the back. ” 5 out of 5 Nicholas Kennedy , 01 May 2016 ... read more
“ The 60/40 split folding seats are a welcome addition in a boot that isn't the largest in the world by any means. Fine for 3 people though. ” 5 out of 5 Anthony Liddle , 15 Apr 2016 ... read more
“ 5 seats, good space, good boot, blue tooth Rubbish in the ice and snow. ” 2 out of 5 Richard Purnell , 25 Nov 2015 ... read more
Used BMW 3-Series 318d M Sport 4d Step Auto (2010/10) Price £3,995 Save £1,575 Brockwell Car Sales Ltd
Used BMW 3-Series 320d (177bhp) M Sport 4d Auto (2008/08) Price £3,990 Save £1,545 Fish For Motors Ltd
Used BMW 3-Series 318d M Sport 4d Step Auto (2009/59) Price £4,650 Save £1,720 Greenpoint Car Sales Ltd