Used BMW 3 Series cars for sale

Used BMW 3 Series pros and cons

Is a used BMW 3 Series a good car?

The BMW 3 Series is still, more than 40 years on from the original version, the best of the posh saloon brigade. Buying one is like being a film-maker who hires Cillian Murphy — everything is just going to be better, now. 

Even though the current model, called the G20 in internal-BMW-number-speak, has been around since 2018, it’s still a better car to drive than the Audi A4 or Mercedes C-Class, and while the Alfa Romeo Giulia is prettier, it doesn’t have the BMW’s sense of quality. 

The styling, although continually updated, is some of BMW’s better recent work and avoids the huge-grille issues of other models, but it’s still not the prettiest car in its class — that’s the Alfa. That said, the good thing is that BMW hasn’t changed the styling much, so even if you buy an older 3 Series, it still looks fresh. Either way, you’ll have to put up with the way it looks a bit bulky around the rear three-quarters. Buy an M-Sport model, and all of the exterior trim gets blacked-out, so it looks a bit more sinister. 

Early models, from 2018 to 2023, featured possibly BMW’s best digital instrument and infotainment setup, with a separate instrument panel under a traditional binnacle, and a wide-screen infotainment system that was both a touchscreen and could also be controlled by the familiar iDrive click-wheel on the centre console. BMW kept physical air conditioning controls in those versions, which really helped. The 2023 update brought in instead the huge curved screen on top of the dashboard, familiar from lots of other BMW models. This is unquestionably very high tech, and pretty slick to use, but it’s not as intuitive as the older system, and the lack of physical buttons can be annoying. 

In spite of its reputation as a driver’s car, the 3 Series is actually pretty spacious, with plenty of room for four adults in the cabin — although if you want proper stretch-out space, consider the less-posh but still impressive Skoda Superb instead. There’s a practical boot too, which is even better in the brilliant Touring estate, but remember that the plug-in hybrid 330e version loses lots of luggage space because of its big hybrid battery — so much so that there’s more luggage space in the back of a VW Golf hatchback.

For the person in the driver’s seat, that won’t be a big problem though, as the 3 Series has long been the best in its class to drive, and that’s still the case today. The steering is full of feel and information, and BMW strikes a terrific balance between making the 3 Series feel sharp and responsive through corners, but still comfortable enough for everyday use. M-Sport models get slightly lower, slightly stiffer suspension though, so if most of your life is spent driving around town, then it might be worth considering an SE or Sport version for their better comfort levels. 

Early on, the 3 Series came with a huge engine range, from de-tuned 318i petrol and 318d diesel versions, through the ever-popular 320i and 320d, and up to the 330i and six-cylinder 330d. Over time that lineup has shrunk, so that more recent models basically come with the choice of 320i or 320d, and then you’re into the high-performance likes of the M340i and M340d, as well as the mighty M3 with 510hp for the early models, and more recently 530hp (also available as the brilliant M3 Touring estate). 

The 330e was introduced in 2019, providing 330i power but with 320i fuel economy — or even better than that if you plugged in and charged it up regularly. Boot space drops, but early versions could manage around 30 miles on battery power, while more recently that has been upgraded to a seriously useful 62 miles. There’s no fast-charging option though, so all charging has to be done at home or at work.

What to look for when buying a used BMW 3 Series

Oil leaks from the rear differential is a common fault, as are fiddly issues with the stereo and the infotainment system. If you’re looking at a diesel, beware of clogged particulate filters, especially if the car is a very low mileage example. 

There have been quite a few 3 Series recalls, including for airbag problems, crankshaft bearings, rear headrests, steering tie-rods, high-voltage battery short-circuits, 48-volt electrical system gremlins, leaking exhaust gas recirculation coolers, incorrect brake discs, seat belt buckles, steering shaft corrosion, and radiator problems. Make sure all of that work has been carried out, and if you’re looking at buying a 330e, make sure you get an independent battery health check. 

The 3 Series finished 17th in the Driver Power owner survey’s Top 50 Cars To Own list, indicating strong customer satisfaction, but the overall marks for build quality and reliability weren’t great. BMW itself finished 14th out of 32 brands in the wider Driver Power survey, with 21% of owners reporting problems with their cars.

BMW 3 Series FAQs