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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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Top2018 BMW 3 Series F30 LCI 340i M Sport Silver Automatic Sedan

  • 218963 km
  • Sedan
  • Auto
  • 6 cyl 3.0L

2018 BMW 340 M Sport 2.0L Auto $29995 218 963kms Full Service History Rego until 31 July 2024 Comes with a Safety Certificate and 1000km/1 month Statutory Warranty Extended Warranties up to 5 years available Finance can be arranged Buy with confidence from a licensed dealer. Call Thomas 1220 Ipswich Road Moorooka (1069)

$29,995 Excl. Gov. Charges
Moorooka, QLD

Dealer used
27/04/2024

Top2011 BMW 320d E90 MY11 Lifestyle Silver 6 Speed Auto Steptronic Sedan

  • 137449 km
  • Sedan
  • Auto
  • 4 cyl 2.0L

2011 BMW 320d E90 MY11 Lifestyle Silver 6 Speed Auto Steptronic Sedan

$16,990 Excl. Gov. Charges
Bendigo, VIC

Dealer used
26/04/2024

Top2003 BMW 325Ci E46 Silver 5 Speed Automatic Steptronic Coupe

  • 209712 km
  • Coupe (2 door)
  • Auto
  • 6 cyl 2.5L

** 2003 BMW 325 Ci ** 2.5L 6 CYLINDER ** E46 AUTOMATIC ** FAST FINANCE APPROVAL TAP - WARRANTY & TRADE IN OPTIONS **LEATHER ** Test Drive Today** Auto Dominus are Proud to Present This Legendary E46 Automatic Transmission coupled with Extremely Popular 2.5L Six Cylinder Low kms BMW Two Door Coupe **Finished in stunning silver duco ** Leather interior ** Sunroof ** Meticulously maintained **Drives and looks fantastic ** This is a Fine Example of This German Icon, Stunning sporty M3 body

$10,990 Excl. Gov. Charges
Osborne Park, WA

Dealer used
23 hours ago

Top2013 BMW 3 Series F30 MY1112 328i Silver 8 Speed Sports Automatic Sedan

  • 87872 km
  • Sedan
  • Auto
  • 4 cyl 2.0L

2013 BMW 328i F30 LUXURY SEDAN^^* FULL SERVICE HISTORY^* ELECTRIC SUN-ROOF^* 19' M-SPORT ALLOY WHEELS^* REVERSE CAMERA & SENSORS^* FULL SET OF KEYS^* TRADE-INS WELCOME^* FANTASTIC FINANCE OPTIONS AVAILABLE^^Contact our experienced team NOW to secure this SPECIAL INTERNET ONLY price!^^All our pre-owned vehicles come with a 3-year Extended Warranty*, National Roadside Assist** & a 100 Point Safety Inspection. (*Please ask for a full copy of our terms and conditions upon enquiry of this vehicle.)^

$23,888 Excl. Gov. Charges
Morley, WA

Dealer used
27/04/2024

Top2009 BMW 3 Series E90 MY10 323i Steptronic Silver, Chrome 6 Speed Sports Automatic Sedan

  • 156010 km
  • Sedan
  • Auto
  • 6 cyl 2.5L

BMW 323i E90 SEDAN 2.5L 6 CYLINDER ENGINE ** 6 SPEED STEPTRONIC AUTOMATIC ** FAST FINANCE APPROVALS T's & C's APPLY - WARRANTY & TRADE IN OPTIONS ** Test Drive Today ** Perth Auto Centre: All Hours Inquiries ** Low 131,000 Kms ** Pristine Condition ** Low 156,000 kms ** Perth Auto Centre Present This Rare Find ** Highly Sought-after BMW 323i Straight 6 Cylinder Motor with 6 Speed Steptronic Automatic Transmission ** This is German Engineering at Its Finest ** This a Sought after C

$11,990 Excl. Gov. Charges
Osborne Park, WA

Dealer used
27/04/2024

Top2014 BMW 3 Series F30 MY0814 328i High-Line Luxury Line Silver 8 Speed Sports Automatic Sedan

  • 166149 km
  • Other
  • Auto
  • 4

We have over 300 good quality cars at unbeatable prices, Auto or Manual, SUV or Wagon, Coupe or Convertible, Sunroof , Hatch or Sedan, Petrol or Turbo Diesel, 4x4 or 4x2 All cars are workshop tested, and optional parts and labour warranties are available .• *Pension Finance Available (Single Parent Payments, Parenting Payment, Disability Pension) • *Fee Free, No Interest Loan for Vehicles That Can Be Paid Off with Simple Fortnightly for ppl on Government payments. • *Dealer Charges Apply. •

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

Dealer used
27/04/2024

2007 BMW 323i E90 Silver 6 Speed Auto Steptronic Sedan

  • 168866 km
  • Sedan
  • Auto
  • 6 cyl 2.5L

2007 BMW 323i ** E90 SEDAN AUTOMATIC ** SUPER ECONOMICAL YET POWERFULL 6 CYL ENGINE ** SUNROOF ** LEATHER AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION** Trade-ins and Easy Finance Available ** This Beautifull Pre-Owned Sporty BMW is in Great overall condition and comes with Guaranteed clear title and Write-off Vehicle Check ! Come Down And Test Drive Today! -Dual Front Airbags Package -Anti-lock Braking -Air Conditioning -Alarm System/Remote Anti Theft -Adjustable Steering Wheel - Tilt & Telescopic -18

$10,990 Excl. Gov. Charges
Osborne Park, WA

Dealer used
2 hours ago

2005 BMW 3 Series 320i E90

  • 134558 km
  • Other
  • Auto

***finance from $68,14 per week*** Automatic Aircon works Book history Cruise control 134558 kilometres Tyres okay Seat belts okay 3 keys 🔧 Workshop City is now open at 56 Division Street in Welshpool and they have a special offer of a FREE SERVICE with every car purchased this month. They can help with all your maintenance and repairs. Buy a car this month to get a FREE SERVICE! ⚙️ *WE LOVE TRADE IN'S & WILL PAY TOP DOLLAR FOR YOUR CAR. * FINANCE AVAILABLE ON ALL OF OUR CARS. STUDENT

$9,979.99 Excl. Gov. Charges
Victoria Park, WA

Dealer used
6 hours ago

2005 BMW 330i E90 - SUNROOF -LOW KMS -RARE - BKS - FINANCE & TRADE INS WELCOME

  • 147000 km
  • Sedan
  • Auto
  • 6 cyl 3.0L

2005 BMW 3 SERIES 330i E90 M SPORT ALLOYS - SUNROOF - LOW KMS - BOOKS - RARE Very Nice Example.........2005 BMW 330i E90 Sedan fitted with M Sport Alloys! Very Rare 330i Sedan that Cost over $100,000 New on Road Fitted with Staggered 18" M Sport Spider Spoke 193 Alloy Wheels Optioned With Electric Sunroof. Very well Maintained with Full & Complete Service History Sought after Colour Combination.....Titanium Silver with Beautiful Black Leather Word Class Sedan that's loaded with Opt

$10,950 Excl. Gov. Charges
South Windsor, NSW

Dealer used
12 hours ago

2010 BMW 3 Series E90 MY10 323i Steptronic Silver 6 Speed Sports Automatic Sedan

  • 171448 km
  • Sedan
  • Auto
  • 6 cyl 2.5L

2010 BMW 3 SERIES 323i 2.5L PETROL 6-SPEED AUTO * 2.5 Litre V6 Petrol Engine * 16" Alloy Wheels * Touchscreen Infotainment System * Immaculate Interior * Low KMs * Rego until 17th January 2025 * Safety Certificate * Clear PPSR Check * Comes Fully Serviced FIND US AT: 53 Grice Street Clontarf Qld -> Open 7 Days - 10am to 7pm -> After Hours By Appointment -> Call us on ******** 609 We offer video calls to show you the cars so you can know you're not just dealing with a robot. If you'd

$8,999 Excl. Gov. Charges
Clontarf, QLD

Dealer used
14 hours ago

2010 BMW 3 Series E90 MY11 320d Steptronic Lifestyle Silver 6 Speed Sports Automatic Sedan

  • 118234 km
  • Sedan
  • Auto
  • 4 cyl 2.0L

+ SPECIAL ORDER MOONSTONE BMW INDIVIDUAL PAINTWORK + SUNROOF + XENONS + AMAZING CONDITION + FULL HISTORY + GREAT VALUE GERMAN LUXURY SEDAN + 2010 BMW 320d Saloon finished in Moonstone Silver Pearl Metallic Paintwork with a Beige Leather Interior Trim. + Great Condition & Low Mileage for Age + Fantastic Value European Luxury Motoring + Special Order BMW Individual Moonstone + Torquey Turbocharged Diesel Engine + Slick Sports Automatic Transmission + Electric Glass Sliding Sunroof + Xenon Head

$14,990 Excl. Gov. Charges
Wilston, QLD

Dealer used
14 hours ago

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
15 hours ago

2009 BMW 3 Series E92 MY09 325i Steptronic Silver 6 Speed Sports Automatic Coupe

  • 45000 km
  • Coupe (2 door)
  • Auto
  • 6 cyl 2.5L

This Superb Condition, Full Service History 2009 BMW 3 Series E92 MY09 325i Steptronic Sports Automatic Coupe is now in stock an ready for sale and comes with Super Low k's., Its just been serviced and been through an extensive 114-point inspection, which includes full mechanical, electrical, interior and exterior checks, as well as a complete road-test. To guarantee full transparency these results are detailed in a written report which is available for assessment on any pre-owned vehicle. Loo

$17,990 Excl. Gov. Charges
Myaree, WA

Dealer used
15 hours ago

2016 BMW 3 Series F30 LCI 320i Luxury Line Silver 8 Speed Sports Automatic Sedan

  • 69596 km
  • Sedan
  • Auto
  • 4 cyl 2.0L

**Bold, Beautiful, BMW!** Discover the thrill of driving again in our stunning used 2016 **BMW 3 Series F30 LCI 320I Luxury Sedan**. Fitted with a powerful 2.0T engine, this sleek 4-door sedan offers a dynamic blend of performance and luxury. Take command with its smooth 8-speed automatic transmission. Indulge in the opulence of BMWs renowned luxury line, featuring premium interiors and state-of-the-art technology. With its distinctive design, the F30 LCI 320I is a statement of style. Its

$25,998 Excl. Gov. Charges
Edgewater, WA

Dealer used
15 hours ago

2011 BMW 3 Series E90 MY1011 320d Steptronic Lifestyle Silver 6 Speed Sports Automatic Sedan

  • 154330 km
  • Other
  • Auto
  • 4

2012 BMW 320D...SUNROOF, LEATHER, NAV, SENSOR, FOGLIGHT, CD PLAYER, AND LOGBOOKS. Family owned business operating and servicing NSW for over 30 years. Elderslie NSW Yard - Centrally located 50 minutes from Sydney for all your used car needs. Servicing Bickley Vale, Bringelly, Camden, Camden South, Catherine Field, Cawdor, Cobbitty, Currans Hill, Elderslie, Ellis Lane, Gledswood Hills, Grasmere, Gregory Hills, Harrington Park, Kirkham, Leppington, Mount Annan, Narellan, Narellan Vale, Oran Par

$9,999 Excl. Gov. Charges
Elderslie, NSW

Dealer used
16 hours ago

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
18 hours ago

2003 BMW 325Ci E46 Silver 5 Speed Automatic Steptronic Coupe

  • 209712 km
  • Coupe (2 door)
  • Auto
  • 6 cyl 2.5L

** 2003 BMW 325 Ci ** 2.5L 6 CYLINDER ** E46 AUTOMATIC ** FAST FINANCE APPROVAL TAP - WARRANTY & TRADE IN OPTIONS **LEATHER ** Test Drive Today** Auto Dominus are Proud to Present This Legendary E46 Automatic Transmission coupled with Extremely Popular 2.5L Six Cylinder Low kms BMW Two Door Coupe **Finished in stunning silver duco ** Leather interior ** Sunroof ** Meticulously maintained **Drives and looks fantastic ** This is a Fine Example of This German Icon, Stunning sporty M3 body

$10,990 Excl. Gov. Charges
Osborne Park, WA

Dealer used
23 hours ago

2005 BMW 3 Series E90 325i Steptronic Silver 6 Speed Sports Automatic Sedan

  • 162787 km
  • Sedan
  • Auto
  • 6 cyl 2.5L

PLEX MOTORS YOUR LOCAL DEALER DARLINGTON At Plex Motors, we work hard to provide our customers with the very best vehicles and exceptional service they can rely on. It is important to the team at Plex Motors that our customers leave our dealership with a vehicle that is perfectly suited to their lifestyle and budget. We aim to make sure that every customer is satisfied with the high level of service they receive throughout the purchase process. Along with stocking a great range of vehicles,

$9,990 Excl. Gov. Charges
Darlington, SA

Dealer used
Yesterday

2010 BMW 3 25i

  • 134225 km
  • Sedan
  • Auto
  • 6 cyl 2.5L

Pictured is a 2010 bmw 325i This is a very clean example with full bmw dealer service history and two fully functional keys. Features include - Parking sensors - sunroof - Bluetooth connectivity - keyless entry And much more Vehicle is dealer sold with RWC and registration. Please contact us for any enquires or to arrange an inspection Here at Benz Star Motors we take pride in our work and vehicles we sell. We look forward to a future of repeat clients and reliable motoring. Lmct

$12,999 Excl. Gov. Charges
Reservoir, VIC

Dealer used
27/04/2024

2008 BMW 320i E90 08 Upgrade Executive Silver 6 Speed Auto Steptronic Sedan

  • 205557 km
  • Sedan
  • Auto
  • 4 cyl 2.0L

This vehicle is in great condition for its age, has Full-Service History and is sure to impress. At this advertised price it is astonishingly affordable. Be sure to act quick to take advantage of this amazing offer before someone else does. Comes with a Free - 1 year dealer warranty, a current RWC is supplied and all on road costs are included driveaway, no more to pay! Why buy your car from us Because it’s the intelligent choice! Established in 1988, our Dealership has been offering uniq

$8,999 Excl. Gov. Charges
Braybrook, VIC

Dealer used
27/04/2024

2015 BMW 3 Series 320i M Sport F30 Silver Sedan

  • 135058 km
  • Other
  • 4

This immaculate 2015 BMW 3 Series 320i M Sport F30 Silver Sedan offers a fantastic driving experience and its Key Features: - Parking sensor front & rear - Reverse Camera - Leather Seat - Electrical Sunroof - Satellite Navigation - Cruise Control - Heated Seats - Dual Zone Climate AC. - Odometer of 135,058 km We are a family owned and operated dealership specialising in price range, value for money, and pre-owned vehicles. - Roadworthy Certificate - Full-Service History

$22,999 Excl. Gov. Charges
Altona, VIC

Dealer used
27/04/2024

2012 BMW 328i F30 Silver 8 Speed Automatic Sedan

  • 115770 km
  • Sedan
  • Auto
  • 4 cyl 2.0L

Are you ready to experience luxury at an unbeatable price? Look no further than this 2012 BMW 3 28i F30 sedan, now available for just $18,990.00 AUD. With its sleek silver exterior and refined design, this BMW is sure to turn heads wherever you go. But this car is more than just a stylish ride - it's packed with features that will enhance your driving experience. Step inside and you'll be greeted by the luxurious leather upholstery and a leather steering wheel that exudes elegance. The power

$18,990 Excl. Gov. Charges
Rockingham, WA

Dealer used
27/04/2024

2014 BMW 3 Series F30 MY0814 328i High-Line Luxury Line Silver 8 Speed Sports Automatic Sedan

  • 166149 km
  • Other
  • Auto
  • 4

We have over 300 good quality cars at unbeatable prices, Auto or Manual, SUV or Wagon, Coupe or Convertible, Sunroof , Hatch or Sedan, Petrol or Turbo Diesel, 4x4 or 4x2 All cars are workshop tested, and optional parts and labour warranties are available .• *Pension Finance Available (Single Parent Payments, Parenting Payment, Disability Pension) • *Fee Free, No Interest Loan for Vehicles That Can Be Paid Off with Simple Fortnightly for ppl on Government payments. • *Dealer Charges Apply. •

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

Dealer used
27/04/2024

2008 BMW 3 Series E93 MY08 335i Steptronic Silver 6 Speed Sports Automatic Convertible

  • 123185 km
  • Convertible
  • Auto
  • 6 cyl 3.0L

**Discover the Ultimate Driving Machine - The 2008 BMW 3 Series E93 MY08 335i Convertible** A testament to BMWs engineering prowess, this used 2008 BMW 3 Series E93 MY08 335i Convertible, with a mere 123,000 km mileage, delivers an impeccable blend of performance, luxury, and style. Ready to grace the roads once again, this vehicle is a testament to BMWs commitment to unrivalled driving pleasure. Here are the **top 10 features** that set this BMW apart: 1. **3.0 Twin Turbo Engine:** Experien

$19,990 Excl. Gov. Charges
Liverpool, NSW

Dealer used
27/04/2024

2009 BMW 3 Series E90 MY10 323i Steptronic Silver, Chrome 6 Speed Sports Automatic Sedan

  • 156010 km
  • Sedan
  • Auto
  • 6 cyl 2.5L

BMW 323i E90 SEDAN 2.5L 6 CYLINDER ENGINE ** 6 SPEED STEPTRONIC AUTOMATIC ** FAST FINANCE APPROVALS T's & C's APPLY - WARRANTY & TRADE IN OPTIONS ** Test Drive Today ** Perth Auto Centre: All Hours Inquiries ** Low 131,000 Kms ** Pristine Condition ** Low 156,000 kms ** Perth Auto Centre Present This Rare Find ** Highly Sought-after BMW 323i Straight 6 Cylinder Motor with 6 Speed Steptronic Automatic Transmission ** This is German Engineering at Its Finest ** This a Sought after C

$11,990 Excl. Gov. Charges
Osborne Park, WA

Dealer used
27/04/2024

2003 BMW 3 Series E46 MY2002 318i Steptronic Silver 5 Speed Sports Automatic Sedan

  • 180117 km
  • Sedan
  • Auto
  • 4 cyl 2.0L

2003 BMW 3 Series E46 MY2002 318i Steptronic Silver 5 Speed Sports Automatic Sedan

$6,990 Excl. Gov. Charges
Minchinbury, NSW

Dealer used
27/04/2024

2001 BMW 3 Series E46 330Ci Steptronic Silver, Chrome 5 Speed Sports Automatic Convertible

  • 106100 km
  • Convertible
  • Auto
  • 6 cyl 3.0L

2001 BMW 3 Series E46 330Ci Steptronic Silver, Chrome 5 Speed Sports Automatic Convertible

$19,990 Excl. Gov. Charges
Artarmon, NSW

Dealer used
27/04/2024

2013 BMW 3 Series F30 MY1112 328i Silver 8 Speed Sports Automatic Sedan

  • 87872 km
  • Sedan
  • Auto
  • 4 cyl 2.0L

2013 BMW 328i F30 LUXURY SEDAN^^* FULL SERVICE HISTORY^* ELECTRIC SUN-ROOF^* 19' M-SPORT ALLOY WHEELS^* REVERSE CAMERA & SENSORS^* FULL SET OF KEYS^* TRADE-INS WELCOME^* FANTASTIC FINANCE OPTIONS AVAILABLE^^Contact our experienced team NOW to secure this SPECIAL INTERNET ONLY price!^^All our pre-owned vehicles come with a 3-year Extended Warranty*, National Roadside Assist** & a 100 Point Safety Inspection. (*Please ask for a full copy of our terms and conditions upon enquiry of this vehicle.)^

$23,888 Excl. Gov. Charges
Morley, WA

Dealer used
27/04/2024

2018 BMW 3 Series F30 LCI 340i M Sport Silver Automatic Sedan

  • 218963 km
  • Sedan
  • Auto
  • 6 cyl 3.0L

2018 BMW 340 M Sport 2.0L Auto $29995 218 963kms Full Service History Rego until 31 July 2024 Comes with a Safety Certificate and 1000km/1 month Statutory Warranty Extended Warranties up to 5 years available Finance can be arranged Buy with confidence from a licensed dealer. Call Thomas 1220 Ipswich Road Moorooka (1069)

$29,995 Excl. Gov. Charges
Moorooka, QLD

Dealer used
27/04/2024

2015 BMW 320D 8SP AUTO TURBO DIESEL

  • 101000 km
  • Other
  • Auto

2015 BMW 320D 8SP AUTO TURBO DIESEL AMAZING CAR IN EXCELLENT CONDITION WITH VERY LOW KMS LEATHER SEATS, PUSH TO START, 360 PARKING CAMERA WITH SENSORS, PADDLE SHIFTERS, 2 KEYS 5 SEATER AIRCON 3 YEAR AUSTRALIA WIDE WARRANTY 3 MONTHS WA REGO TRADE INS WELCOME CONTACT US ON or 045118238 IF INTERESTED. WE ARE ALWAYS BETTER WITH PRICE AND QUALITY, TRADE INS WELCOME TOP $$$ PAID NO MATTER WHATEVER THE CONDITION IS, BEST RANGE OF PASSENGER AND COMMERCIAL VEHICLES IN STOC

$22,990 Excl. Gov. Charges
Welshpool, WA

Dealer used
27/04/2024

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.