First introduced in 1975 to replace the 02 Series, the 3 Series is approaching five decades on the road. Originally, it only came as a two-door saloon, but eventually, the range grew to include a saloon, estate, convertible and coupé. Now in its seventh generation, BMW continues to equip the 3 Series with the latest technologies and features to keep it at the top of its segment.
Used BMW 3 Series cars for sale
Why buy a used BMW 3 Series?
If you're in the market for a car that provides a thrilling drive and plenty of luxury and style, then a used BMW 3 Series is a great choice. The powertrains are refined, and the cabin continues to receive the latest tech features. This versatile luxury car is just as at home on the motorway doing long journeys as it is on the school run.
Latest used BMW 3 Series
BMW, 3 Series
2021 (21) - BMW 3 Series
31£20,631
Finance available £452 pm
*Representative example
- 2L
- Miles
61.9K
- Not Supplied
- Semi Auto
- Estate
BMW, 3 Series
2004 (04) - BMW 3 Series
30Low Mileage
£2,500
Finance available £33 pm
*Representative example
- 1.8L
- Miles
73.2K
- Petrol
- Automatic
- Hatchback
BMW, 3 Series
2015 (65) - BMW 3 Series
14Reduced
£8,995
Finance available £178 pm
*Representative example
- 2L
- Miles
55.5K
- Diesel
- Manual
- Saloon
Hitchin Motor Sales Ltd
BMW, 3 Series
2023 (72) - BMW 3 Series
25Low Mileage
£49,499
- 3L
- Miles
6.9K
- Hybrid
- Semi Auto
- Estate
Lookers BMW Stafford
BMW, 3 Series
2021 (70) - BMW 3 Series
13£19,995
Finance available £390 pm
*Representative example
- 2L
- Miles
79.0K
- Diesel
- Automatic
- Saloon
L A MOTORS
BMW, 3 Series
2013 - BMW 3 Series
10£7,995
Finance available £156 pm
*Representative example
- 3L
- Miles
128.0K
- Diesel
- Automatic
- Estate
Stockwood Village Automotive
BMW, 3 Series
2021 (21) - BMW 3 Series
38£20,853
Finance available £458 pm
*Representative example
- 2L
- Miles
52.8K
- Not Supplied
- Semi Auto
- Saloon
BMW, 3 Series
2018 - BMW 3 Series
57£12,850
Finance available £249 pm
*Representative example
- 2L
- Miles
48.7K
- Hybrid
- Automatic
- Saloon
BMW, 3 Series
2013 (13) - BMW 3 Series
19Reduced
£4,995
Finance available £89 pm
*Representative example
- 2L
- Miles
119.0K
- Diesel
- Manual
- Saloon
Cardiff Trade Cars
BMW, 3 Series
2014 (14) - BMW 3 Series
31Reduced
£8,191
Finance available £160 pm
*Representative example
- 2L
- Miles
101.5K
- Petrol
- Manual
- Hatchback
SHINE ON MANCHESTER LTD
BMW, 3 Series
2019 (19) - BMW 3 Series
38£12,450
Finance available £255 pm
*Representative example
- 2L
- Miles
95.0K
- Diesel
- Automatic
- Estate
Sarah Cox Cars Ltd
BMW, 3 Series
2014 (64) - BMW 3 Series
16Reduced
£7,000
Finance available £134 pm
*Representative example
- 2L
- Miles
133.1K
- Diesel
- Automatic
- Estate
Riverside Autos Ltd
BMW, 3 Series
2021 (21) - BMW 3 Series
£14,399
Finance available £299 pm
*Representative example
- 2L
- Miles
89.0K
- Hybrid
- Automatic
- Saloon
BMW, 3 Series
2019 - BMW 3 Series
12Low Mileage
£20,998
- 2L
- Miles
36.7K
- Diesel
- Automatic
- Hatchback
Arnold Clark Motorstore (East Kilbride)
BMW 3 Series snapshot review
Pros
- Good range of frugal and punchy powerplants
- Intuitive technology
- Brilliant driving dynamics
Cons
- In older models, cabin not as polished as rivals
- Firm ride on M Sport
- Expensive to buy
BMW 3 Series by type
Used BMW 3 Series information
Engines and transmissions
BMW manufactures petrol, diesel and hybrid powertrains for the newest 3 Series lineup, with the option of rear- or all-wheel drive and a sport automatic transmission.
Petrol- 320i produces 181bhp for a 0-62 mph time of 7.4 seconds and fuel economy of 43.5mpg.
- 330e is a plug-in hybrid providing 252bhp and an all-electric range of up to 32 miles.
- 340i is the range-topping 326bhp variant, producing a 0-62mph time of 4.4 seconds.
- 320d outputs 190bhp for a 0-62 mph time of 6.9 seconds and efficiency of 57.6mpg.
- 340d produces 335bhp and can hit 62mph in 4.6 seconds.
Practicality
The 3 Series is extremely practical with its exceptional power, spacious cabin and functionality.
Interior space- Adjustable driver's seat provides great support and comfort.
- Wide-opening rear doors give access to the spacious back seat.
- Multiple ISOFIX points in the back for child seats.
- 480-litre boot compares well with the Audi A4 and is larger than the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
- 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats create a customisable storage area.
- Tie-down hooks, storage nets and a 12-volt socket are included in the boot.
- Four-door saloon is a versatile option for executive travel or family driving.
- Five-door estate, known as the Touring, is available with newer models.
- Previously available coupé, convertible and hatchback models are part of the 3 Series.
Safety
- Perfect five-star rating from Euro NCAP.
- 97% adult occupancy rating tops the charts.
- Standard safety kit includes Active Guard Plus, which provides emergency automated braking for cyclists and pedestrians.
Technology
- All-new graphics installed with the digital instrument panel.
- Voice-controlled infotainment system allows for hands-free use.
- Available wireless phone charger keeps devices ready.
BMW 3 Series generations
Seventh Generation (2019 to Present)
With the release of the seventh generation, BMW strove to update its style to match models from Mercedes-Benz and Audi, including a larger kidney grille and narrower headlights. Much of the older design was replaced with updated materials and accents.
In a 2022 refresh, BMW added a 12.3-inch digital instrument display flush against the iDrive widescreen console. Metal buttons were included to give the cabin more class, and ambient lighting was added.
- Fuel type:
- Diesel / Not Supplied / Petrol
- Engine Size:
- 2 - 3
- MPG:
- 28 - 176
- Acceleration:
- 3.6 - 8.8 seconds
- Boot space:
- 375 - 500 L capacity
- NCAP Safety rating:
- 5 / 5 stars
Greenest
330e SE Pro 4dr Auto
Cheapest
318i SE Pro 4dr Step Auto
Fastest
B3 3.0 Bi Turbo 4dr Switch-Tronic AWD
Sixth Generation (2012 to 2020)
With the release of the sixth generation, BMW focused heavily on offering new powertrains. The most important may have been the 3.0-litre straight-six putting, out 326bhp, which was different from what other competitors were offering at the time.
The facelift included LED running lights and some updates to the nose. Inside the cabin, there were new decorative touches, soft-touch materials and chrome detailing.
- Fuel type:
- Diesel / Hybrid - Petrol/Electric / Not Supplied / Petrol
- Engine Size:
- 1.5 - 3
- MPG:
- 34 - 148
- Acceleration:
- 4.8 - 11.4 seconds
- Boot space:
- 370 - 520 L capacity
- NCAP Safety rating:
- 5 / 5 stars
Greenest
330e SE 4dr Step Auto
Cheapest
316i ES 4dr
Fastest
335d xDrive Luxury 4dr Step Auto
Fifth Generation (2005 to 2013)
The E90 came with some significant updates at the time. Models were slightly bigger and heavier than before, which changed some of the driving dynamics.
BMW also offered several powertrains, including punchy four-cylinder diesel engines. Both manual and automatic transmissions were popular, though it's the auto that is the most readily available on the used market.
- Fuel type:
- Diesel / Petrol
- Engine Size:
- 2 - 3
- MPG:
- 28 - 68
- Acceleration:
- 5.4 - 11.4 seconds
- Boot space:
- 350 - 460 L capacity
- NCAP Safety rating:
- stars
Greenest
318i SE 4dr
Cheapest
318i 4dr
Fastest
335i SE 2dr DCT
Used BMW 3 Series information
Used BMW 3 Series FAQ's
Where does the 3 Series fit in the BMW lineup?
BMW uses the numbers to designate how large the vehicle is in comparison with others in the lineup. Therefore, the 3 Series is larger than the 1 Series and 2 Series models but smaller than the 4 Series and 5 Series.
Which is the most popular engine in the BMW 3 Series?
With the newest lineup, the plug-in hybrid is proving popular with drivers because it provides up to 35 miles of driving on electric power only. However, the petrol engine is still the most attractive to buyers with it's decent 181bhp and lower cost.
What are the most popular 3 Series trim levels?
BMW currently offers three 3 Series models: Sport, M Sport and M. The Sport is the lowest-priced option with fewer features than the others, with the M offering the most potent powertrain configurations. However, the mid-range but still sporty M Sport is proving to be the most popular among 3 Series owners, and has been for many years.
What optional extras should I look out for?
With so many customisations available through the years, it's easy to find a number of different optional extras in the used market. Look for larger wheels and high-tech equipment, such as premium sound systems. You could also opt for models equipped with more sophisticated safety systems, such as adaptive cruise control.
Is the BMW 3 Series a good family car?
Yes, the 3 Series is considered one of the best family cars because of its versatile and spacious cabin. There's plenty of back seat room and a decent size boot in addition to the quiet and comfortable driving experience.
Is the BMW 3 Series available as an automatic?
Newer 3 Series models come with a standard automatic transmission. Older models can be found with the option of a manual or automatic transmission.
Is there a four-wheel drive version available?
BMW does offer the option of all-wheel drive with some 3 Series models. Look out for models badged with "xDrive" - this is the name of BMW's all-wheel drive system.
Find a specific BMW 3 Series
Trim
BMW 3 Series ESBMW 3 Series Edition M SportBMW 3 Series EfficientDynamicsBMW 3 Series EfficientDynamics BusinessBMW 3 Series EfficientDynamics PlusBMW 3 Series EfficientDynamics SportBMW 3 Series Exclusive EditionBMW 3 Series LuxuryBMW 3 Series M SportBMW 3 Series M Sport Business EditionBMW 3 Series M Sport HighlineBMW 3 Series M Sport Plus EditionBMW 3 Series M Sport Pro EditionBMW 3 Series M Sport Shadow EditionBMW 3 Series M340dBMW 3 Series M340iBMW 3 Series ModernBMW 3 Series SEBMW 3 Series SE Business EditionBMW 3 Series SE HighlineBMW 3 Series SE ProBMW 3 Series SportBMW 3 Series Sport PlusBMW 3 Series Sport Plus EditionBMW 3 Series Sport Pro
Body Style
Engine Size
Fuel Type
Transmission
Colour
Registration Year
BMW 3 Series 2004BMW 3 Series 2005BMW 3 Series 2006BMW 3 Series 2007BMW 3 Series 2008BMW 3 Series 2009BMW 3 Series 2010BMW 3 Series 2011BMW 3 Series 2012BMW 3 Series 2013BMW 3 Series 2014BMW 3 Series 2015BMW 3 Series 2016BMW 3 Series 2017BMW 3 Series 2018BMW 3 Series 2019BMW 3 Series 2020BMW 3 Series 2021BMW 3 Series 2022BMW 3 Series 2023BMW 3 Series 2024
Buying a used car checklist: what to look for
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