View all BMW reviews

All the latest information on BMW's 3-Series range. Read expert and owner BMW 3-Series reviews, including full performance figures, running costs, practicality, safety and handling statistics and options data. Browse the photo gallery and get accurate pricing for any BMW 3-Series.

Plus, get a great deal on new or used BMW 3-Series cars for sale.

Latest reviews

We have 4 reviews of recent BMW 3-Series models:

  • A devastating super saloon that’s both flawed and brilliant

    Parkers rating: 4 out of 5 4.0
    New price: £82,535 - £105,655

    PROS

    • Brilliant to drive
    • Fairly practical
    • Compelling engine

    CONS

    • Very expensive BMW 3 Series
    • Controversial styling
    • Aurally not exciting
    Read full review
  • Fabulous driver's car with room for the family

    Parkers rating: 4.1 out of 5 4.1
    New price: £87,945 - £108,155

    PROS

    • Rewarding to drive
    • Room for four, plus luggage
    • Supercar-baiting acceleration

    CONS

    • Expensive, with high-cost options
    • Styling is still divisive
    • It's not exactly quiet
    Read full review
  • Still the best compact executive saloon for enthusiastic drivers

    Parkers rating: 4.5 out of 5 4.5
    New price: £40,220 - £59,845

    PROS

    • Wide range of engines and trims available
    • Great fun to drive while still comfortable
    • High-quality interior with lots of tech

    CONS

    • Options can make it quite pricey
    • Jerky start/stop system
    • Firm and fidgety ride on M Sport models
    Read full review
  • Great to drive with some clever practicality features

    Parkers rating: 4.2 out of 5 4.2
    New price: £42,430 - £61,645

    PROS

    • Great to drive yet comfortable
    • Lots of smart design touches
    • Wide range of trims and engines

    CONS

    • Non-premium rivals carry more
    • Not all of the tech works perfectly
    • Expensive, especially with options
    Read full review

Older reviews

Saloon (5 reviews)

2012 - 2020

  • Despite its age it remains a compelling all-rounder

    Parkers rating: 4.4 out of 5 4.4
    Used price: £2,371 - £51,421
    PROS
    • Engaging handling regardless of engine
    • Comfort isn’t spared for agility
    • Generous equipment levels
    • Performance/efficiency balance
    CONS
    • Interior doesn’t feel as premium as some rivals
    • M Sport ride can be unsettled without adaptive dampers
    • Cabin isn’t the roomiest in this segment
    Read full review
  • Parkers rating: 4.3 out of 5 4.3
    Used price: £14,467 - £32,269
    PROS
    • Engaging performance
    • Muscular stance
    • Communicative handling
    • Family car practicality
    • Manual gearbox standard

     

    CONS
    • Very expensive 3 Series
    • Interior lacks drama
    • ‘Piped’ exhaust sound

     

    Read full review

2005 - 2013

  • Solid, desirable used saloon

    Parkers rating: 4.5 out of 5 4.5
    Used price: £607 - £6,470
    PROS
    • Great to drive
    • Decent level of standard kit
    • Superbly built, refined interior
    CONS
    • Expensive for what it is
    • Firm ride
    • Not as reliable as you'd think
    Read full review

1998 - 2006

1991 - 2001

Estate (4 reviews)

2012 - 2020

2005 - 2013

  • Sporty small estate is an appealing alternative to a used Golf or Focus

    Parkers rating: 4.5 out of 5 4.5
    Used price: £857 - £7,613
    PROS
    • Great to drive
    • Well equipped trim levels
    • Relatively easy to maintain
    CONS
    • Small, for an estate
    • Smaller engines can be unreliable
    • Most on the market are diesel
    Read full review

1998 - 2006

1991 - 2001

Hatchback (3 reviews)

2012 - 2020

  • Parkers rating: 4 out of 5 4.0
    Used price: £3,681 - £25,107
    PROS
    • More boot space than a 3 Series Touring
    • Distinctive looks
    • Fantastic interior space
    CONS
    • Those distinctive looks will not be to everyone’s taste
    • Not as fun to drive as a 3 Series saloon or Touring
    Read full review

1998 - 2006

1991 - 2001

Coupe (5 reviews)

2005 - 2013

  • Parkers rating: 4.5 out of 5 4.5
    Used price: £853 - £9,894
    PROS

    Great choice of efficient engines, supreme handling, beautifully styled, sophisticated and refined cabin

    CONS

    Firm ride, some expensive options, tight legroom in rear

    Read full review
  • The M3 gains a V8 - and loses weight

    Parkers rating: 5 out of 5 5.0
    Used price: £7,140 - £23,034
    PROS
    • Ultimate driver's car
    • Purposeful styling
    • Sublime V8 engine
    • Standard leather and sat nav
    CONS
    • High running costs
    • Hard ride
    • Fairly plain cabin
    • Many abused examples for sale
    Read full review

1998 - 2006

1991 - 2001

Convertible (4 reviews)

2005 - 2013

1998 - 2006

1991 - 2001

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