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BMW 3 SERIES Used Car Review

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.

Pros

Cons

  • Entertaining to drive with beautiful handling
  • Fuel efficiency consistently excellent, and often class-leading
  • Superb performance of six-cylinder engines
  • Good build quality
  • Run-flat tyres (introduced in 2007 in lieu of a spare wheel) bring a firmer ride
  • Four-cylinder turbos replaced brand's famous six-cylinders in performance but not sound
  • Adaptive suspension (optional on many models) needed for best ride quality
  • Interior presentation has generally lagged behind rival Audi A4
This is general information and should not be relied on as purchasing advice.
BMW3Fixed PriceManualAir conditioning?: YesClear all

Top2005 BMW 3 30Ci SMG HIGHLINE 5 speed auto Cabriolet

  • 120364 km
  • Convertible
  • Manual
  • 6 cyl 3.0L

For Sale BMW E46 Highline Cabriolet 2 dr Steptronic 5sp 3.0L (MY05) Compliance date January 2006 Build date November 2005 Mileage 120364 ks , 14 invoices for work and servicing, all BMW manuals and papers, all electrics work perfect, roof works flawlessly.Always garaged and covered. Has the "M" body kit

$19,750
Harrogate, SA

28/04/2024

Top1990 BMW 3 Series E30 325is Silver 5 Speed Manual Sedan

  • 206325 km
  • Sedan
  • Manual
  • 6 cyl 2.5L

+ ABSOLUTE CLASSIC + EXTENSIVE HISTORY + IMMACULATE CONDITION + 1990 Bmw 325is Manual Coupe finished in Granite Silver Metallic Paintwork with a Silver Cloth Interior Trim. + Rare Manual Coupe, Great Investment + Incredible Condition + Legendary M20 2.5 Litre Engine + 5 Speed Factory Manual Gearbox + Factory Sunroof + Factory M-Sport Package + Well Documented History + Much More! - PRESIDIAN WARRANTY AVAILABLE - MULTIPLE FINANCE OPTIONS AVAILABLE - CAN TRANSPORT AUSTRALIA-WIDE Located Onl

$69,990 Excl. Gov. Charges
Wilston, QLD

Dealer used
29/04/2024

Top2000 BMW 330Ci E46 330Ci Alpine White 5 Speed Manual Convertible

  • 107129 km
  • Convertible
  • Manual
  • 6 cyl 3.0L

Are you ready to turn heads and hit the open road in style? Look no further than this stunning BMW 3 Series E46 330Ci Convertible. This sleek and sporty 2-door vehicle is a true showstopper, and it's packed with all the features you need for an exhilarating drive. The first thing you'll notice about this BMW is its striking white exterior. This color choice not only adds a touch of elegance, but it also complements the convertible body style perfectly. Picture yourself cruising down the highwa

$17,995 Excl. Gov. Charges
Minchinbury, NSW

Dealer used
28/04/2024

TopBMW 325e

  • 144000 km
  • Sedan
  • Manual
  • 6 cyl 2.7L

1987 3 owner car, only 142,000 ks. Lots spent, new brakes, wheels, stereo, shocks, etc.etc. 5 speed manual, chipped so goes well. Great cruiser. Comes with personalized plate. This car is valued by Shannon’s at $25,000 for insurance purposes. Just been serviced by E30 specialist Quixspede. No offers.

$15,000
Waverton, NSW

24/04/2024

1990 BMW 3 Series E30 325is Silver 5 Speed Manual Sedan

  • 206325 km
  • Sedan
  • Manual
  • 6 cyl 2.5L

+ ABSOLUTE CLASSIC + EXTENSIVE HISTORY + IMMACULATE CONDITION + 1990 Bmw 325is Manual Coupe finished in Granite Silver Metallic Paintwork with a Silver Cloth Interior Trim. + Rare Manual Coupe, Great Investment + Incredible Condition + Legendary M20 2.5 Litre Engine + 5 Speed Factory Manual Gearbox + Factory Sunroof + Factory M-Sport Package + Well Documented History + Much More! - PRESIDIAN WARRANTY AVAILABLE - MULTIPLE FINANCE OPTIONS AVAILABLE - CAN TRANSPORT AUSTRALIA-WIDE Located Onl

$69,990 Excl. Gov. Charges
Wilston, QLD

Dealer used
29/04/2024

2007 BMW 3 Series E90 320i Executive Silver 6 Speed Manual Sedan

  • 127852 km
  • Sedan
  • Manual
  • 4 cyl 2.0L

2007 BMW 318i E90 SEDAN MANUAL (PERSONAL IMPORT) 127,852KMS $8,990.00 *****EXTENDED WARRANTIES***** We can offer an Extended Integrity Warranty from 1 to 5 Years with 5 different levels of cover to select from. These Warranties are excellent value and are also transferable if you decided to sell the vehicle privately in the future. *****FINANCE***** If you would like to apply for Finance for your new vehicle we can help with that process. All that is required to get the application

$8,990 Excl. Gov. Charges
St James, WA

Dealer used
29/04/2024

2000 BMW 330Ci E46 330Ci Alpine White 5 Speed Manual Convertible

  • 107129 km
  • Convertible
  • Manual
  • 6 cyl 3.0L

Are you ready to turn heads and hit the open road in style? Look no further than this stunning BMW 3 Series E46 330Ci Convertible. This sleek and sporty 2-door vehicle is a true showstopper, and it's packed with all the features you need for an exhilarating drive. The first thing you'll notice about this BMW is its striking white exterior. This color choice not only adds a touch of elegance, but it also complements the convertible body style perfectly. Picture yourself cruising down the highwa

$17,995 Excl. Gov. Charges
Minchinbury, NSW

Dealer used
28/04/2024

1998 BMW 318i E46 Black 5 Speed Manual Sedan

  • 257568 km
  • Sedan
  • Manual
  • 4 cyl 1.9L

1998 BMW 318i, powered by a 1.9 litre 4 cylinder with a 5 speed manual gearbox. This vehicle was purchased from the seconded owner whom owned it for the last 20 years. He had fully replaced quite a lot of parts etc from the engine bay to the underside. There is a story with this BMW 318i which we are happy to answer any questions etc that you may have. A test drive is a must on this BMW 318i to appreciate the work that has been carried out throughout the vehicle. This vehicle has service h

$11,990 Excl. Gov. Charges
Batemans Bay, NSW

Dealer used
28/04/2024

2002 BMW 330Ci MANUAL

  • 278300 km
  • Convertible
  • Manual
  • 6 cyl 3.0L

VIDEO WALK AROUND - 2 minute video showing you the vehicle condition. HERE https://fb.watch/roGIKYA-PS/ WOW! 1 Owner full-service history and fully loaded 2002 BMW 330Ci Convertible Individual and 5 speed manual gearbox for the "ultimate driving Machine", as BMW say. I have every document for servicing dated back to the original purchase and even the Original sales document showing the car at $123,000 when new! The owner has chosen beautiful Nappa Red leather that really sets this car apart.

$9,990 Excl. Gov. Charges
Ascot, WA

Dealer used
28/04/2024

2010 BMW 3 35i M SPORT

  • 130000 km
  • Coupe (2 door)
  • Manual
  • 6 cyl 3.0L

~ 1 Year Warranty ~ Sunroof ~ Manufactured in Germany ~ RWC ~ N55 Motor ~ Outstanding Service History ~ Excellent Condition ~ Credit is due to the previous owner for keeping this well-appointed 3 Series in great order. Add it to your shortlist as this turbocharged coupe is a must-see. STAGE 2+ ENGINE TUNE STAGE 3 TRANSMISSION TUNE ALL SUPPORTING MODIFICATIONS 1 year of warranty is included with the purchase of this 335i. *** Key Features *** ~ Roadworthy Certificate ~ M Spor

$24,999 Excl. Gov. Charges
Hoppers Crossing, VIC

Dealer used
28/04/2024

2007 BMW 325i E93 MY08 325i Silver 6 Speed Manual Convertible

  • 86233 km
  • Convertible
  • Manual
  • 6 cyl 2.5L

** Since 1994 our Family run business has been specialising in prestige European car sales from our indoor warehouse in Sydney ** ** WINNER of the 2020 Local Business awards for Outstanding Automotive Services** - BMW 325i Convertible Manual 2.5i - 6 speed manual - Only 86,000klms since new - Unmarked alloy wheels - Parking sensors - Leather interior - Dual zone aircon - we are extremely thorough about the sort of cars we buy and go over them with a fine- tooth comb. - this car will be me

$17,950 Excl. Gov. Charges
Rydalmere, NSW

Dealer used
28/04/2024

2005 BMW 3 30Ci SMG HIGHLINE 5 speed auto Cabriolet

  • 120364 km
  • Convertible
  • Manual
  • 6 cyl 3.0L

For Sale BMW E46 Highline Cabriolet 2 dr Steptronic 5sp 3.0L (MY05) Compliance date January 2006 Build date November 2005 Mileage 120364 ks , 14 invoices for work and servicing, all BMW manuals and papers, all electrics work perfect, roof works flawlessly.Always garaged and covered. Has the "M" body kit

$19,750
Harrogate, SA

28/04/2024

2014 BMW 320D M Sport - Full Service History

  • 150000 km
  • Sedan
  • Manual
  • 4 cyl 2.0L

Great condition and beautiful to drive. Selling as I am moving overseas. Features: - M Sport - Diesel - Sun roof - Full service history - Serviced every 6 months. - Brake pads, discs and sensors replaced April 2023 - Tyres under 1 year old (thank NSW pot holes) - New battery 2 years ago - 6 months rego - Driven gently No I will not give you my email. Thanks

$18,000
Hunters Hill, NSW

26/04/2024

1998 BMW 3 18i 5 SP MANUAL 4D SEDAN

  • 130000 km
  • Sedan
  • Manual
  • 4 cyl 1.9L

1998 BMW top off the range for its year . This car is absolutely immaculate interior is like brand new and has only done 130, 000 klms. Cannot fault the car Mechanically.

$7,000
Adelaide CBD, SA

25/04/2024

1993 BMW E36 320i 5SP MANUAL 4D SEDAN

  • 320000 km
  • Sedan
  • Manual
  • 6 cyl 2.0L

For sale is a 1993 BMW E36 320i. The vehicle is fitted with an M50B20TU 6 cylinder engine and a factory five speed manual gearbox, and reproduction 17" BMW 24 style wheels. The vehicle has recently received a major service, including: - New windscreen. - Bridgestone RE003 tyres fitted to all four wheels. - New idle control valve. - New power steering rack. - Valve cover, gaskets, spark plugs and perishable rubber hoses. - Brake system flush and refresh. Vehicle has full Victorian registratio

$9,500
Wodonga, VIC

25/04/2024

BMW 325e

  • 144000 km
  • Sedan
  • Manual
  • 6 cyl 2.7L

1987 3 owner car, only 142,000 ks. Lots spent, new brakes, wheels, stereo, shocks, etc.etc. 5 speed manual, chipped so goes well. Great cruiser. Comes with personalized plate. This car is valued by Shannon’s at $25,000 for insurance purposes. Just been serviced by E30 specialist Quixspede. No offers.

$15,000
Waverton, NSW

24/04/2024

1996 BMW 3 16i COMPACT 5 SP MANUAL 3D HATCHBACK

  • 19770 km
  • Hatchback
  • Manual
  • 4 cyl 1.6L

1996 316i e36 2 door manual great condition classic, service history tyres 80% won't disappoint

$6,500
Renmark, SA

10/04/2024

2001 BMW 325i

  • 153000 km
  • Sedan
  • Manual
  • 6 cyl 2.5L

E46 325i Drives very smooth Very clean car in and out No scratches and well taken care of Comes with 3 months Clean history No time waster please

$8,500
Craigieburn, VIC

27/03/2024

Overview of the BMW 3

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

SIMILAR MODELS TO BMW 3 SERIES

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.