Overview of the BMW 3
The 3 Series is German car maker BMW's signature model - a compact luxury passenger car that has existed in multiple generations since its 1975 debut.
Since 2014, the 3 Series name has applied to sedan and wagon body styles only, with coupe and convertible models adopting the 4 Series nomenclature.
The 3 Series has long been considered one of the most entertaining cars to drive in its class, and the flagship M3 performance variant is especially famous.
BMW 3 SERIES GENERATIONS (SINCE 1998)
1998-2006
2007-2012
2012-present
RUNNING COSTS
Fuel Consumption
2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol: 5.4-6.7 litres per 100km
2.0L 4-cylinder turbo diesel: 4.4-5.3 litres per 100km
3.0-litre 6-cylinder turbo petrol: 6.8-7.2 litres per 100km
3.0-litre 6-cylinder turbo diesel: 6.2-6.4 litres per 100km
Hybrid 2.1 litres per 100km
= Highly economical.
= Good economy.
= Average fuel use.
= Heavy consumption.
Servicing
A servicing package covering five years or 80,000km, whichever comes first, currently costs $1495. BMW 3 Series parts and equipment can be found on Gumtree.
SIMILAR MODELS TO BMW 3 SERIES
Audi A4
Jaguar XE
Lexus IS
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR: BMW 3 SERIES
As with any high-end European car, don't go near a 3-Series that doesn't have a fully stamped service history.
Biggest potential grief comes from variable valve-timing system (VANOS, in BMW-speak) which can fail due to internal leaks within the hydraulic circuitry. Some six-cylinder 3-Series were even recalled to fix this.
Beyond a leak, VANOS can fail through a lack of oil changes as dirt and grit blocks the tiny oilways that operate the system. If it fails, it can cost thousands to fix and the car won't be right without it.
Any 3-Series showing a 'check-engine' light on the dash is cause for concern.
Some early cars from this series had a brake booster that could fail, leaving the car with brakes but no assistance, requiring the driver to press harder on the brake pedal.
Again, this was the subject of a recall, so check that it's been done on affected cars.
