BMW 3 Series Review (2005 to date)

Quick Summary

Improving the old 3 Series Touring was quite an ask but BMW responded sensibly, tweaking the formula rather than going for anything too radical. Cleanly styled with an unbeatable engine line up, the E91 generation 3 Series Touring remains the pick in its sector. We'd look for a used 320d ES or, if funds permitted, the truly astonishing 335d M Sport.

Overall:

Models Covered:E91 generation 3 Series Touring: (318i, 320i, 325i, 330i, 335i petrol, 318d, 320d, 325d, 330d, 335d diesel)

TOUR GUIDE

Just occasionally it's refreshing to choose something alternative, to swim against the tide a little. On other occasions, there are reasons why a given car is so popular and in the case of BMW's 3 Series Touring, it's not hard to see why. Beautifully finished, great to drive and with low depreciation that keeps a lid on running costs, the 3 Series Touring remains a very informed pick.
Used BMW 3 Series for sale

History of the 3 Series

The Touring has long been the minor player in the 3 Series firmament, lacking the big volumes of the saloon and the glamour of the coupes and convertibles. Nevertheless, when the money men in Munich looked at the way the market was shifting, it became apparent that the E912 generation 3 Series Touring, introduced in September 2005, would be a key contributor to BMW's bottom line. After a period where estate cars seemed to be utterly toxic to European buyers, many customers defecting to the charms of small MPVs and 4x4s, the lure of a smart handling car that could still do the family duties started to draw customers back. Business user choosers swelled their numbers and the 3 Series Touring was a massive beneficiary.Bigger in every dimension to its predecessor, the 3-SeriesTouring range was fleshed out considerably in the years following its launch, with the 330i (July 2005), the 330d (November 2005), the 318i (January 2006), and the 335i, 325d and 335d (September 2006), the latter being the car that many have labelled the best in the real world. That's quite some billing. The Autumn of 2007 BMW included its EfficientDynamics package across the 3-Series range with dramatic effects. The technology uses Brake Energy Regeneration and Auto Stop-Start amongst other features to dramatically cut emissions and enhance fuel economy. The headline grabbing model was the 318d which became capable of over 60mpg on the combined cycle and 123g/km emissions.
Used BMW 3 Series for sale

BMW 3 Series Road Test

BMW offers a typically formidable range of powerplants for 3 Series Touring buyers to furnish their vehicle's engine bay with. There's not a dullard amongst them. Ten main engines are available priced from £21,885. The petrol range runs from the 129bhp 318i, through the 150bhp 320i to the 218bhp 325i. Then things get really serious. The 330i manages 258bhp but if that's not fast enough, then there's a twin-turbo 335i flagship variant putting out a massive 306bhp.If you'd rather go for diesel power, there's an entry-level 318d model which manages 50.4mpg on the combined cycle. Most however, go for the 163bhp 320d which returns 49.6mpg yet still manages to get from rest to sixty in just over eight seconds on the way to 140mph. If that's not fast enough, there are three other diesel variants on offer. First up is the 197bhp 325d, which sits just below the 231bhp 330d in the pecking order. Flagship of the diesel line-up is the 335d which ups the ante to a massive 286bhp. The 3 Series Touring is heavier than the saloon by some 90kg but any variations in the driving dynamics are negligible. There's still that all-important 50:50 weight distribution and an advanced five-link rear axle set-up. This is quite simply the most rewarding driver's car in the compact executive estate segment and, sampling its poise through the bends along with its polished responses, it's hard to imagine an equivalent model eclipsing it until BMW themselves replace this car sometime in the distant future.
Used BMW 3 Series for sale

Buying a BMW 3 Series

No major faults have been reported with this generation 3 Series, BMW learning their lessons from the old car's problems with sub-par South African cars and lingering Nikasil cylinder lining grumbles. Always go for metallic colours. Be suspicious of cars that have had many owners in a short time (this could be a sign of ongoing problems). If you really want peace of mind, buy from a BMW dealer – but be prepared to pay the premium.
Used BMW 3 Series for sale

BMW 3 Series Typical Pricing

The first thing to look for when buying a used 3 Series is that the owner has specified metallic paint and these valuations take that into account. No metallic means a difficult sale. With this in mind, expect to pay around £15,499 for an 06 plate 320d SE with higher mileage or £18,000 for average mileage. Around £17,495 will net you a low mileage 320i, again on the 06 plate. 335d Touring models are still hovering around £30,000, although the 330i can be found from around £26,500.
Used BMW 3 Series for sale

BMW 3 Series Parts

(approx based on a 2006 318i) A clutch assembly is around £150. Front brake pads are around £60, a full exhaust about £420, an alternator around £150 and a tyre around £70. A starter motor is about £160.
Used BMW 3 Series for sale