BMW is well-known around the world as a brand that provides pure driving pleasure. This reputation holds true whether the vehicle is new or a well-maintained used BMW. Most of the time, your local dealers will offer information on nearby used luxury cars. Because many owners are willing to sell their luxury vehicles these days, it is simple to discover a well-maintained secondhand car in perfect shape.
Buying a used BMW 3-Series is worthwhile if you know what you’re doing and get the correct one. You’ll get one of the best cars money can buy, as well as all the perks that come with owning a BMW, such as exceptional service. Continue reading to find out why you should buy a used BMW 3 Series.
Major Changes Over The Years
The significant changes to the BMW 3 Series in recent years:
2017: Apple CarPlay and wireless device charging were introduced; the 328i trim was replaced by the 330i.
2018: the year saw no significant changes.
2019: sedan was completely rebuilt with improved performance, a revised exterior style, a higher-quality interior, and a more advanced infotainment system.
2020: The M340i trim is released, with standard navigation; the Sports Wagon and Gran Turismo body types are phased out.
2021: Android Auto becomes standard; the plug-in hybrid 330e trim and the high-performance M3 are reinstated.
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Engines
The BMW 330i has a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 255 horsepower and 294 pound-feet of torque standard. This is one of the greatest outputs for a base engine in the class, but it’s also nearly identical to certain key competitors, including the Kia Stinger and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The acceleration is impressive, and the eight-speed automatic transmission provides smooth, rapid shifts. The 3 Series is also available as a plug-in hybrid. We go through the 330e in greater depth below.
The BMW M340i is powered by a turbocharged six-cylinder engine with 382 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque. This inline-six engine pours fresh energy into the vehicle, allowing it to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in as little as 4.1 seconds. This variant also has variable sport steering as well as an M Sport differential, brakes, and suspension.
The used BMW M3 will return to the market in 2021, completely overhauled. The M3’s twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine produces 473 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. BMW claims it can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 4.1 seconds.
The M3 Competition ups the ante with a re-tuned engine producing 503 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. The M3 Competition accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds.
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Ride and Handling
The BMW 3 Series features crisp, responsive driving as well as well-controlled body motions during corners. Optimal suspension tuning maintains a comfortable ride quality. The M340i variation is more sporty and suited to enthusiastic driving than the original model due to its performance upgrades.
The M3 pushes handling and sportiness to new heights, feeling more at home carving laps on a track than in city traffic. The transmission changes rapidly and matches the engine’s surprisingly adaptable power.
The 330i’s brakes are excellent all around and are one of the car’s strengths. In casual driving, the pedal is smooth and easy to manage, but in hard use, it is robust, stable, and confident. The car’s agility around turns is highly praised by critics.
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Interior
The interiors of the BMW 3 Series have been renovated, with excellent materials and amazing build quality. Nothing in the 3-series feels cheap, and the controls are neatly placed. BMW also enhanced outward visibility, and the standard sports seats are well-bolstered and firm, with enough flexibility to provide a comfortable ride. The optional features include a comprehensive head-up display, programmable ambient interior lights, heated front and rear seats, remote start, and wireless charging. The digital instrument cluster on the BMW is a little crowded but nonetheless appealing. One might find the counterclockwise sweep of the tachometer needle strange at first, but it becomes second nature soon. The 3-series has a large trunk with a power-operated lid.
The 3 Series has 17 cubic feet of trunk space, which is more than most other cars in the class. Only competitors with a hatchback or liftback configuration provide more space. You may increase cargo capacity by using the standard 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat and opting for a hands-free trunk opening.
The trunk space in the 330e is 13.2 cubic feet, which is about average for the class. The trunk of the M3 measures 13 cubic feet. Two distinct sets of LATCH connectors are included for the rear outboard seats, as well as a tether anchor for the middle seat. All of the anchors are simple to locate and use. For its ease of use, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety rated this arrangement the highest rating of Good.
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Infotainment
The 3 Series’ infotainment system is divided into two levels. The typical configuration includes an 8.8-inch touch screen that runs the 6.0 edition of the brand’s iDrive software. This system is simple to use, and you can personalize particular menus and icons on select displays. In addition to the touch screen, a rotary control knob on the center console is available.
A 10.25-inch touch screen is combined with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and iDrive 7.0 in the updated system. You can then select gesture control, which allows you to do cool tricks like wave your finger in a circle in the air to increase or decrease the volume.
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Fuel Economy
The BMW 3 Series achieves an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway with its basic engine and rear-wheel drive. Those are great figures for a fancy compact car. The 3 Series 330i xDrive’s fuel economy drops marginally to 25 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the interstate.
With rear-wheel drive, the M340i achieves 23/32 mpg city/highway and 22/31 mpg with xDrive all-wheel drive. The 2021 M3 gets 16/23 mpg city/highway.
Safety Features
Key safety features include:
- Available blind-spot monitoring and rear-cross-traffic alert
- Available lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assistance
- Available adaptive cruise control
Verdict
The BMW 3 Series is a capable performer, with nimble handling that complements each of the three capable powertrain options. The 3 Series’ appeal is further enhanced by spacious, comfortable seating and one of the largest trunks in the class. Its minor drawbacks include an interior quality that falls short of some rivals’ opulence and an entertainment system that is generally user-friendly but has some cumbersome optional features. You get a good product for your money, with good performance and free maintenance as a bonus.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the BMW 3 Series a reliable car?
The 3 Series is well-known for its reliability; it consistently outperforms other vehicles in its class. When you buy a certified used BMW 3 Series, you may be liable for extended warranties and other assurances that will ensure you get the most out of your BMW experience, including professional service and repairs when required.
What are common problems with the BMW 3 Series?
Common problems with the BMW 3 Series include oil leaks, coolant leaks, drops in engine performance and overheating.
Which 3 Series is best?
The E46 BMW 3 Series from the fourth generation is the best 3 Series model to date. It was also the most successful BMW model of all time, selling over 3.2 million units over its nearly decade-long lifespan.
Is the BMW 3 Series expensive to maintain?
During the first ten years of ownership, a BMW 3 Series will cost an estimated $13,219 in maintenance and repairs.
This is $1,258 higher than the industry median for luxury sedan models. During that time, there is also a 40.39% probability that a 3 Series will require a major repair. It is 0.83% worse than comparable vehicles in this class. The graph below depicts how these costs and repair chances will rise over time.
How long will a BMW 3 Series last?
When cared for properly and driven sensibly, the BMW 3 Series can last between 200,000 and 250,000 miles. If you drive 15,000 miles per year, it will last between 13 and 17 years before requiring costly and inconvenient maintenance. There have been reports of 3 Series vehicles traveling up to 300,000 miles.
