BMW 3 SERIES Saloon 1998‑2005

I have had the car for 6 years now, it is 10 years old. It has been a very reliable car with only minor, usual maintenance issues, eg brake pads, which have needed replacing during this time.

It is very reliable in all weathers, never failed to start first time and it is kept on the drive overnight.

I have 5 grandchildren who I often pick up and take places and I find it very roomy for this (although obviously dont take all 5 at once as would be difficult to fit car seats in!).

It is a very smooth, comfortable drive. Fairly economical on petrol, but of course car tax is in the higher bracket. I have managed to get reasonable insurance via comparison websites.

Doesnt perform too well in snowy conditions.

I bought this car off eBay last year. It had 34000 miles on it and although old was a real bargain.

It is the first 3 series I have had and I am very pleased with it, it really is a drivers car and very comfortable. I am getting 32 mpg on mainly motorway driving. The auto box is excellent.

I'd buy another.

I wish it had the option of folding rear seats forward to increase the boot space, but that is my only gripe.

I've just bought a BMW for the first time and i'm so glad i did.

The car is so nice to drive and the comfort inside is 2nd to none.BMW are so well built compared to any other car i've owned and its the little extras it has as well that makes you feel that BMW have put everything into it, to give you the very best they can.

The car is 11 years now but it still feels like a new car and runs like one.If thats not good build quality I don't know what is.

The running cost of the car is good even with a1.9L engine and the cost of petrol I use the car on a daily bases for work and its not hitting me hard in the wallet which is very pleasing.

I hope this helps anyone thinking of buying one and would highly recommed the car. 5 star all the way for me.

I have had my BMW for 3 years now and it has always been there when I need safe and reliable transport. I have never had technical issues and unpleasant surprises. It is safe and reliable. The running costs are expected and reasonable. The servicing comes at regular intervals as advised by the board computer and it is just the fun of driving in between. I would recommend the brand and the model to everyone

i bought a 2003 330d sport with 119k on clock and it drove like brand new, everything about the car was solid no noise rattles anything brilliant performance and economy and the auto box was brilliant people used to comment how smooth the gear changes were

Lovely car but not spacious .interior nice still very good excellent runner even after 10 years of age . No serious complain I would recommend to every one have this car once in life or if you can afford always have it.

Amazing economy with good performance and reliability - a real driver's car. Often achieving over 50 mpg on a run and averaging mid forties overall, the 320d is one of the best mid size saloons you can buy. Build quality is excellent, as are equipment levels on the SE version. Servicing costs on this diesel are very affordable, with service intervals around 17000 miles and I found tyre life to be around 30000 miles and quality replacements available for around £80 a tyre. Highly recommended saloon and estate version just as good with more adaptability if you need it.

nice to drive,...............................................................................................

This is the last of the great BMWs. From the next model onwards build quality and general fit and finish went drastically downhill.

The E46 is genuinely amazing to drive, I have a 10 year old model and friends have driven it after driving their new cars and are amazed at the refinement, that gorgeous smooth straight six engine and the handling.

Even ten years old it knocks the socks off the competitors, look at ten year old audis and mercs now and they drive like dogs.

For the other reviewers who have gone over 100,000 miles and complain about reliability, that is rubbish, I bet they have stopped servicing their cars at dealers / specialists and only do oil changes, not conducive to owning a premium brand, look after the car and it will look after you.

The Warranty I still have from the manufacturer on my 10 year old model is amazing, they fix everything for free ! there have been times they have done other chargeable type activities (general service items) for free while the car has been in for a warranty fix. That is unbelievable service !

I will always hold a special place in my heart for this car.

Enjoy if you buy one !

Fantastic drivers car. quick, reasonable mpg. Good fun, however i've had the car since 30,000 miles and its been well looked after. after 100,00 miles it has been a nightmare with electrical and engine problems, most of which seem common to other e46 owners.

Boot is small and without folding seats the cars practicality, ot lack of it has been an issue.

Overall it was a great car and has given me much pleasure but let down with high mileage reliability issues