That sharply-cut nose is already a familiar sight on the UK’s roads, despite the latest BMW 3 Series only actually being launched a few years ago. The F30 range is broad, with umpteen engines, trims and even a four-wheel drive version, dubbed 3 Series xDrive (which now outsells the Audi A4 quattro).
BMW rolled out a new facelifted 3 last year to help it tackle the surprisingly fierce challenge from the Jaguar XE and Audi A4.
At one time, the 3-series was the benchmark for all sports sedans, but its once uncompromised tactility has been slightly softened in this latest generation.
Visual changes are minor but there’s an almost entirely new engine range and a lift for the interior.
What are the pros of a used BMW 3-series?
- It is far one of the most fun cars to drive. If you don’t get red, the police don’t necessarily notice you.
- I bought mine with a manual 5 speed. It is absolutely much more fun than the automatic with the clutchless manual shift gear.
- I like the 330i much better than the 328 or 325,
- The maintenance on the 330i is intensive and much more the 325 or 328
What is it like on the road?
Speak to BMW and this is where it believes it holds the biggest class advantage – which is saying something given that the previous 3 Series was regularly hailed as the best car in its class to point down a piece of tricky tarmac.
This one isn’t necessarily more tactile than the older ones, but it’s certainly smoother and more supple, particularly with the must-have optional Adamptive M Sport suspension. The steering is nicely weighted and the front end is so accurate and responsive that you know exactly where you are with it at all times. It’s smooth, enjoyable and exhibits deftness in all it does. What’s more BMW seems to have nailed the relationship between supple suspension and run-flat tyres. This BMW 3 Series is more cohesive than ever, something that’s only enhanced by this tweaked and even more near-perfect facelift.
Layout, finish and space
Let’s start by looking at the outside, which is longer than before. It’s a big gain, but it only translates into an extra 15mm of extra knee clearance for those in the back. Disappointing though that sounds, it’s enough to make a difference, the rear cabin now airier and more able to contain six-footers (it’s certainly class-competitive, something older 3 Series could never claim). The boot volume’s a pretty decent 480 litres.
But it’s the driving environment that most impresses. The materials have been carved into interesting shapes on the dash and console and there’s ample optional equipment for you to shake your wallet at – pleasingly though, sat-nav is standard on all. It’s even more tactile and better quality with the facelift, and the fiddly cubby by the gearlever is now a proper sliding tray.
Running costs and reliability
The BMW 3 Series will be a fine car to own, especially if you go for the £32,220 ED Plus Auto which combines 161bhp and 280lb ft with 99g/km and 74.3mpg – figures only recently matched by the Jaguar XE. Not that the other models are fuel hungry, the 320d still promising over 65mpg on the combined cycle. Just bear in mind that in practice 50mpg is what you should expect.
Considering the advances made in terms of drivability, design and overall feelgood factor, prices starting at £25k surely make it a bargain. The 3 Series has it all — and as the range continues to expand further, the competition will have to work its socks off to get anywhere near. Especially as the facelift has made it better still.
Final thoughts and pick of the range
BMW 3 Series review: The old one was the best car in the class… And so’s the new one. As you were.
In general, ask a lot of people and locate one or two non-dealer BMW shops, The non-dealer BMW shops could be as much as half as expensive as a dealer BMW repair and most are as good or even better than the dealer mechanics.
