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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.
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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

TopBMW E30 325i Coupe

  • 198911 km
  • Sedan
  • Manual
  • 6 cyl 2.5L

This is a E30 325i with full Leather trim that is in exceptional condition, it has not had any accident damage other then a few minor dents that are to be expected on a 35 year old car. The paint as far as i know is original save for the RHF mudguard that was repainted due to fading of the original paint.The car was auto but has been converted to a manual.using all genuine factory parts. The car was in storage from 2006 to 2021 so has had all the brakes replaced along with the exhaust system &

$32,000Negotiable
Caringbah, NSW

19 hours ago

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

Top1988 BMW E30 325i M Technic Convertible

$48,000Negotiable
Lalor, VIC

28/04/2024

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
14 hours ago

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

Yesterday

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
14 hours ago

BMW E30 325i Coupe

  • 198911 km
  • Sedan
  • Manual
  • 6 cyl 2.5L

This is a E30 325i with full Leather trim that is in exceptional condition, it has not had any accident damage other then a few minor dents that are to be expected on a 35 year old car. The paint as far as i know is original save for the RHF mudguard that was repainted due to fading of the original paint.The car was auto but has been converted to a manual.using all genuine factory parts. The car was in storage from 2006 to 2021 so has had all the brakes replaced along with the exhaust system &

$32,000Negotiable
Caringbah, NSW

19 hours ago

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

Yesterday

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

1988 BMW E30 325i M Technic Convertible

$48,000Negotiable
Lalor, VIC

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

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.