The 1998-2008 BMW 3 Series saloon is one of the UK’s best selling cars. It is a mid-sized four-door saloon car that rivals the Mercedes C Class, Audi A4 and Ford Mondeo.

While the model is known as the 3 Series, BMW refers to individual cars by a number, including 316, 318, 320, 325, 328, 330. Each of these numbers are followed by either an ‘i’ which designates petrol-engined models, or ‘d’ which indicates a diesel engine.

It is available in a variety of bodystyles including:
• Four-door saloon
• Estate
• Two-door coupe
• Convertible

Price range: £4,000 – £12,000

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• Economical and smooth diesel engines
• Powerful petrol engines
• Sportscar-like handling
• Well built and affordable to run
• Large choice of used examples

Pros:

• Superb build quality means reliability is excellent
• Massive demand makes it a good investment
• Large range of engines, with the diesels among the best available
• Cachet of the famous BMW badge
• Diesels can return nearly 50 miles per gallon
• Costs of parts and repair are less than you’d think

Cons:

• Used prices are higher than many of its rivals
• Legroom for rear passengers is limited
• ‘Standard’ models featured limited equipment; ES and SE models are better equipped

Who’s it good for?

• Families
• Couples
• Driving enthusiasts

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BMW 3 Series

Model highlights

Best for fuel costs – The diesel BMW 318d can cover an impressive 50 miles per gallon if driven carefully

Best value – The petrol-engined 318i has reasonable running costs, and is cheaper to buy than the more frugal 320d

Most reliable – The 3 Series has proved very reliable and capable of high mileages, so as long as you get a car that’s been cared for, with a full service history there should be few worries

Fastest – The 330i offers performance not far short of the 3 Series-based M3 sportscar but with substantially reduced running costs

Best for short distances – The 316i and 318i are cheap to buy, but offer reasonable fuel economy around town

Best for long distances – The 320d is perfect for long motorway trips with its relaxed nature and plenty of power in reserve for smooth overtaking

Engine overview

Petrol engines:

• 1.9 (105bhp/35.8mpg) – fitted in the 316i – good in town, not great for motorway driving
• 1.9 (118bhp/35.3mpg – fitted in the 318i – better at motorway speed
• 2.2 (170bhp/30.1mpg) – fitted in the 320i – good all-rounder
• 2.5 (192bhp/31.4mpg – fitted in the 325i – great balance of power and economy
• 2.8 (193bhp/31mpg) – fitted in the 328i – short-lived engine replaced by the 325i
• 3.0 (231bhp/31mpg) – fitted in the 330i – performance engine but poor fuel economy

Diesel engines:

• 2.0 (115bhp/50.4mpg) – fitted in the 318d – economical but not as capable as the 320d
• 2.0 (150/49.6mpg) – fitted in the 320d – quiet at speed and economical
• 3.0 (184bhp/42.2mph) – fitted in the 330d – good economy and  performance

Buyer’s checks

These are common problems with the 1998-2005 BMW 3 Series you should be aware of before you inspect a car.

• A problem with the heater fan can mean it will run at full speed. A replacement component is a quick fix by BMW
• An air-conditioning computer fault can drain the battery if the car is left standing for a few weeks, but BMW dealers can upload new software to fix the problem
• Check wheels for signs of damage – larger wheels with low profile tyres are particularly prone to scuffing on kerbs
• The high performance and heavier engines in the 330i and 330d cause the front brake discs to wear quickly
• Suspension joints can fail, so check for knocks and bangs by rocking the car’s suspension, and listen for noises while on the move
• Check the electric roof opens and closes smoothly and with no unusual bangs or knocks

Safety

The 1998-2005 BMW 3 Series scored well for adult occupant protection in the most important safety tests, the EuroNCAP crash tests:

• Adult occupant protection: 4/5
• Child occupant protection: N/A
• Pedestrian protection: 1/4

Safety equipment highlights

• Driver airbag
• Passenger airbag
• Front side airbags
• Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
• Stability control

Running costs

Model: BMW 318i SE

• Fuel economy: 35.8mpg
• CO2 emissions: 188g/km
• Insurance group ratings: 23E

Model: BMW 320d SE

• Fuel economy: 49.6mpg
• CO2 emissions: 152g/km
• Insurance group ratings: 25E

Recalls

Occasionally car makers may recall certain models if manufacturing faults or defects could give rise to a serious problem.

Owners will be contacted to have the work completed free-of-charge, but used car buyers should always check the work has been carried out by contacting your local main dealer.

25/05/1999    Possible unscheduled deployment of side airbags and activation of battery isolator switch
25/05/1999    Brake pedal to servo link securing clip may not have been fitted properly
15/12/1999    Brake lights may fail to operate, remain on or flicker
03/11/2000    Possible damage to road wheel
01/08/2001    Engine cooling fan may fail
09/11/2001    Tyres may have cuts in side walls
22/02/2002    Possible detachment of ball bearing from front suspension strut top mounting
08/02/2005    The bearings of the fuel injection pump may fail

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Rivals

Audi A4
Ford Mondeo
Mercedes C Class
Volkswagen Passat
Volvo S60