Used BMW 3-Series Saloon (2005 - 2011) Equipment

The BMW 3 Series has thousands of combinations of trims and optional accessories – as is the norm with premium German saloons. In this section we attempt to give you an idea of the various trims available over the life cycle of the car. Bear with us, because it is a little bit confusing.

BMW 3 Series equipment

Entry level cars have four electric windows, 16-inch alloy wheels, a six-speed manual gearbox, air conditioning, CD/radio, six airbags, leather-covered steering wheel, trip computer, rear-seat Isofix child seat attachments, dynamic stability control (DSC+ on six cylinder models) and run-flat tyres. ES models add front fog lights and different alloys while SE models get automatic climate control, cruise control, rear parking sensors, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, multi-function steering wheel, and on six-cylinder models 17-inch alloy wheels. However, BMW still asks you to spend more than £2,000 for the turn-by-turn sat nav option on base and ES models and even more for full map navigation. Velour floor mats are £75 and active cruise control (only available on SE models) is £1210. In March 2008 Edition ES, Edition SE Business and Edition M Sport models (available on all four-cylinder petrol and diesel models) were introduced which add £3,000 worth of extra equipment to the standard trim levels. The extras on offer included remote audio, leather upholstery, metallic paint, sat nav, cruise control, parking sensors and sports seats.

BMW 3 Series accessories

Extras on the 3 Series include Dakota leather upholstery, 17-inch V spoke alloys and a three-spoke M multi-function leather steering wheel.

Parker’s top tip

We’d suggest you plump for one of the ‘Edition’ models introduced in March 2008 – either the ES, SE Business or M Sport. This is because they offer far more equipment than the previous models for a reasonable price. Don’t forget that options such as leather upholstery and sat nav are likely to bolster residual values, so it’s worth trying to buy a car with those fitted if at all possible. Also, steer clear of options which make the car a ‘desired taste’ such as graphics or gaudy colour schemes. This may put potential buyers off and will have an adverse effect on the car’s resale value.