BMW 3 Series review
The BMW 3 Series is what many drivers aspire to run, thanks to the kudos the BMW badge brings, terrific driving manners and a quality interior. The 3 Series is a fantastic used compact executive car to buy, whether you use it for commuting, taking the kids to school or fetching the week’s shopping. Learn what it's like to drive in our road-tested BMW 3 Series review.
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Pros
- Practical family car
- Modern interior
- Handles well
Cons
- iDrive infotainment isn't for everyone
- A lot of pricey optional extras
Interior
Our rating: 7/10
Audi tends to outshine BMW when it comes to interior quality, but the latest 3 Series is more than a match, with lots of soft-touch plastics, leather, wood or metal, depending on trim level.
If you want a used Audi that measures up against the 3 Series for interior, take a look at a used Audi A4.
Tech and features
There’s also a central infotainment screen that differs in size according to trim level and, on the newer models, either digital or analogue instruments ahead of the driver – the older model’s dials are physical.
BMW’s infotainment system has long been class-leading, thanks to its superb iDrive controller. Some models have the option of voice and gesture control – although the latter is a bit of a gimmick.
BMW has only recently started to allow its cars to speak to Android Auto, while Apple CarPlay has been supported for years.
All models get sat-nav as standard, along with climate control, Bluetooth connectivity and a DAB radio.
Higher trims bring sports seats, auto wipers and lights, swankier interior materials, parking sensors and dual-zone climate.
Additional extras include wireless smartphone charging, a Harman/Kardon sound system and a Wi-Fi hotspot – ideal if you don’t have much data on your phone plan.
Driving position
It’s easy to get comfortable, with the front seats fully adjustable either manually or via motors, and there’s enough leg and headroom for tall adults.
The rear seats in the older 3 Series are best reserved for two adults because legroom is tighter.
It’s a different story in the later car, although the hump in the floor means a third person’s feet will have to straddle it like they’re riding a donkey at the beach.
Performance
Our rating: 8/10
Engines and power
Most engines are either 2.0-litre or 3.0-litre units with different power ratings.
All are capable of pootling around town or keeping up with the flow on the motorway, and the automatic gearboxes in particular are very impressive.
One more thing – an sDrive badge translates as rear-wheel drive, while xDrive means four-wheel drive.
Handling and ride comfort
If you love driving, but don’t think a dedicated sports car will fit into your life, the 3 Series is a brilliant compromise.
BMW gets just about everything right, from the perfect driving position and the quick-ratio steering to the brilliant handling and responsive engines – you’ll finish every journey with a smile on your face.
Sure, the ride quality is a little firm, especially on larger wheels, but BMW has even managed to improve on that with the latest model.
Practicality
Our rating: 7/10
Boot space
The Touring is the 3 Series you’ll want if your idea of a fun day out is a trip to IKEA – the estate car’s volume is similar to the saloon’s (at close to 500 litres) and you get a large boot opening that makes loading bulky items easier.
Rear seats
Folding the Touring’s rear seats back (they’re split 40/20/40 on the estate) extends the volume to 1,500 litres – the equivalent of six large suitcases or a few flat-packed bookshelves.
Split-folding rear seats were an option on the older saloon. Whichever body style you opt for, boot space is on a par with rivals such as the Audi A4 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
The rear seats on the latest model are reputed to be wide enough for three child seats, with ISOFIX points only on the outer two seats.
Storage solutions
Oddment storage extends to a good-sized glovebox, door bins with cup holders, a central cubby between the front seats and nets on the back of the front seats – perfect for passengers to store their road-trip snacks.
Running costs
Our rating: 6/10
Fuel economy
The 330e plug-in hybrid is the BMW 3 Series that tends to get all the attention, thanks to its ability to run on pure-electric power for around 30 miles and return well over 100 miles to the gallon (on paper).
It’s a very good option if you tend to cover lots of local journeys rather than long motorway trips.
The diesels are the better all-rounders, with the 320d achieving an average economy of 60mpg in the real world.
The most economical petrol engine is the 318i, which returns 44.1mpg officially, according to the latest WLTP figures.
Naturally, engines with higher power outputs will drink more and cost more to insure.
The latest M3 will give you economy in the low 20s if you behave like your favourite F1 driver.
The verdict
Interior
7/10
Performance
8/10
Practicality
7/10
Running costs
6/10
Is the BMW 3 Series the ultimate driver’s car?
Quite possibly: it’s massively capable both in town and on the motorway.
There are plenty of engines to choose from and many of them are economical – choose wisely and you’ll end up with a car you’ll fall in love with for years.
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