Used BMW 3 Series Touring cars for sale

Used BMW 3 Series Touring pros and cons

Is a second hand BMW 3 Series Touring a good car?

Practical family car buyers may have been tempted, in recent years, by a big SUV, but if they’re ignoring a BMW 3 Series in doing so, then frankly they might have bought the wrong car. The 3 Series Touring has an almost unbeatable mixture of practicality, style, performance, and driver appeal that should see it at the top of pretty much anyone’s shopping list. 

It’s a good looking car, too. Not perfect, but avoiding some of the oddball design decisions of some other recent BMWs, and basically looking quietly handsome. M Sport versions with blacked-out exterior trim look rather menacing. A Mercedes C-Class Estate or an Audi A4 Avant have their own visual appeal, but neither manages to look quite so tempting as the Beemer. 

The cabin’s good too. You sit low down, almost sports-car low if the adjustable driver’s seat is on its lowest setting, and the cabin wraps around you like a cockpit. It’s really well-built too, and while the post-2022 tech upgrade brought a big ‘TV-screen’ dashboard that stretches almost all the way over to the passenger seat, the earlier separate dials-and-screen setup is actually just as good and a little easier to use. 

Space is decent, as there’s stretch-out room in the front and useful rear seat space too, but the Mercedes and the Volvo V60 both offer slightly more room for those in the back. That said, BMW hasn’t forgotten the practical family stuff, so the back doors open wide and it’s easy to fit in child car seats. 

The boot can swallow 500 litres with the back seats up, and up to 1,510 litres if the back seats are folded down, so it’s plenty practical enough for family life. Plus, there are neat touches such as the fact that the rear windscreen opens separately, allowing you to just pop that up and drop in smaller shopping bags, without having to open up the entire tailgate. However, if it’s maximum space you need, look instead to the massive Skoda Superb Estate, with its 690-litre boot. 

While the suspension is slightly harsh over bumps — especially on M Sport versions which actually get slightly lower and sportier suspension — the 3 Series Touring is actually very smooth to drive, and very comfortable on a long journey so neither the kids in the back nor the Labrador in the boot will be bothered. If you are a regular motorway long-hauler, it’s best to go for the SE or Sport specification models, as those have slightly softer suspension which makes longer runs a little calmer. 

Any 3 Series is great through corners, though, with excellent steering response and feel, and the kind of chassis balance that you’d need a pukka sports car to seriously challenge. The 3 Series Touring might be a practical family car, but the keen driver will love it. 

There’s lots of engine choices, from a 2.0-litre 320d diesel (super economical, that one), to a plug-in hybrid 330e (great for anyone living in a ULEZ area), to a petrol 320i (a good all-round balance of performance and economy). There are also tempting high-performance versions, such as the M340i petrol and M340d diesel six-cylinder models, and even the mighty M3 Touring with its massive nostril radiator grilles and 530hp. Beware the thirst of those big six-cylinder engines, though. 

If you want a manual gearbox, you’ll have to buy pre-2022, as that’s when BMW stopped offering one in the 3 Series Touring (a shame, as it made the driving experience more involving), but the eight-speed automatic gearbox is one of the best, and better for those who drive regularly in town. 

The BMW 3 Series Touring estate really is a Goldilocks car — not too big, not too small, not too thirsty (M3 aside…), and not too dull. Step past the hordes of SUVs, and get yourself one of these instead — it’s a bona fide modern classic.

What to look for when buying a used BMW 3 Series Touring

BMW’s 2.0-litre diesel engine had a terrible reputation for snapping timing chains, causing catastrophic engine failure. That should have all been sorted by this (G20) 3 Series’ newer B47 2.0-litre diesel, but still check the service record carefully, and if there’s a ‘tinkling’ sound coming from the top of the engine, walk away rapidly. 

Some early models also had problems with the crankcase bearings, which meant a total engine replacement. Check to make sure that’s been done under recall and warranty. There are smaller regular issues with the battery and an ill-fitting centre rear headrest.

BMW finished in 14th place overall in the most recent Driver Power ownership survey, with a not-bad 21.4% of owners reporting issues with their cars. The 3 Series itself came 18th in the Driver Power list of the best 50 cars to own, which is a solid result, netting an 88.48% score from owners. 

BMW 3 Series Touring FAQs