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    BMW 3 Series Review, For Sale, Colours, Models, Interior & News

    BMW 3 Series Review, For Sale, Colours, Models, Interior & News

    FROM
    $82,045

    There are few more iconic model lines in the prestige car market than the BMW 3 Series line-up.

    Launched in 1975, it was the second-generation E30, released in 1983, that better reflected BMW's rear-wheel drive compact sedan aspirations.

    Those aspirations were even more apparent with the M3, which debuted in 1986, and reset the bar by which rear-drive sporting sedans would be forever judged.

    Now into its sixth generation, the line consists of the four-door 3 Series sedan and convertible ranging from the $82,045 3 Series 330i Sport Collection to the $116,900 3 Series M340I Xdrive. Also - somewhat unusually - a two-door derivative known as the 4 Series. There is an increased focused on its M3 and M4 sports car lines, as well, with the largest array of fast 3 Series ever derived now on sale.

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    6.5L/100km (combined)
    Sedan
    8 Speed Automatic
    Premium Unleaded Petrol
    2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987 1986 1985 1984 1983 1982 1981 1980 1979 1978 1977 1976
    316i 318ti 318i 320i 323i 325e 325i 328i 318is 323ci 328ci 320ci 330i 330ci 325ci 325is 320d 335i 330d 325ti 316ti 318d ActiveHybrid 3 340i 330e M340I
    Reviews For Sale News Pricing & Specs VS The Competition Q&As Colours Interior Dimensions Wheel Size Fuel Consumption Towing Capacity Seats
    Overview
    Likes
    Driving performance
    Well-specified base model
    Sexy styling
    Dislikes
    Harder ride might bother some people
    Cosy back seat for child seats
    Lacklustre lane keeping tech

    BMW 3 Series Pricing & Specs

    The price range for the BMW 3 Series varies based on the trim level you choose. Starting at $82,045 and going to $116,900 for the latest year the model was manufactured. The model range is available in the following body types starting from the engine/transmission specs shown below.
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    See all BMW 3 Series Pricing & Specs

    BMW 3 Series FAQs

    How long does a BMW 330e PHEV's battery pack last?

    The 330e is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), so it has a petrol engine and a smaller battery pack than a full EV (which runs exclusively on battery power). That means the BMW’s battery should be less expensive to replace if it ever needed to be.

    At the moment, the world is waiting to find out how long EV batteries last, but it’s looking like between 10 and 20 years is going to be the magic number. A lithium-ion battery like this one will last longer if it’s never over-charged and is cycled regularly rather than left sitting for long periods.

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    Why is there oil in my BMW 318's radiator?

    There are two likely suspects here. The first is a blown head gasket which is allowing the oil and coolant to mix. Sometimes this shows up as oil in the coolant, sometimes as coolant in the oil. Sometimes both.

    But before tearing the engine to pieces to change the gasket, it’s worth checking if the car is fitted with either an engine or transmission oil cooler. These often use the engine’s coolant to keep the oil or transmission fluid cool, and a failed one can allow the two fluids to mix, showing up as oil in the radiator or header tank.

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    Are there any problems associated with the 2002 BMW 318ti?

    The engine in the car you’re looking at has the codename N42. It has a timing chain rather than a rubber timing belt, so that should not need to be changed for the life of the car. However, life is not always that simple and the N42 has a bit of a reputation for developing wear in the tensioners that keep the timing chain taut. If that happens, you could have a chain loose enough to jump a few teeth on the timing gears and destroy the engine in the process. So a service record and close inspection of the engine is called for before any purchase.

    This model BMW was also caught up in the Takata airbag recall debacle. As a result, many BMWs of this era were actually bought back by BMW and scrapped as the cost of fixing the airbag woes was greater than the value of the cars themselves. Make sure any car like this has had the airbags replaced and is not a candidate to be crushed rather than fixed. Quoting the car’s VIN to a BMW dealership should reveal all.

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    See all BMW 3 Series Q&As
    Disclaimer: You acknowledge and agree that all answers are provided as a general guide only and should not be relied upon as bespoke advice. CarsGuide is not liable for the accuracy of any information provided in the answers.

    BMW 3 Series Colours

    Alpine White
    Black Sapphire
    Dravit Grey
    Glacier Silver
    Jet Black
    Mediterranean Blue
    Melbourne Red
    Mineral Grey
    Mineral White
    Sunset Orange
    Vermont Bronze
    To confirm current colour availability, please check the manufacturer's website. Shown above are the colours for the BMW 3 Series.

    BMW 3 Series Interior

    The BMW 3 Series is on the cutting edge when it comes to interior design and execution. As these images show, its cabin is covered in luxurious Vernasca leather upholstery, while aluminium trim adds some much-needed shine. The flashy dashboard is punctuated by a large touchscreen multimedia system, which sits alongside a digital instrument cluster.

    Rear legroom behind my driving position isn’t too generous for me at 191cm tall.
    Rear legroom behind my driving position isn’t too generous for me at 191cm tall.
    Being larger than the previous model, cabin space has increased.
    Being larger than the previous model, cabin space has increased.
    The 330i Touring shows off BMW’s new-generation cockpit, complete with a virtual (digital) instrument cluster, and large integrated media display.
    The 330i Touring shows off BMW’s new-generation cockpit, complete with a virtual (digital) instrument cluster, and large integrated media display.
    fullscreen
    Shown above are interior details for the BMW 3 Series 2020.

    BMW 3 Series Dimensions

    The dimensions of the BMW 3 Series Sedan and Wagon vary according to year of manufacture and spec level.
    The dimensions shown above are for the base model.
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    BMW 3 Series Wheel Size

    The BMW 3 Series has a number of different wheel and tyre options. When it comes to tyres, these range from 225x40 R19 for Sedan in 2025 with a wheel size that spans from 8x19 inches.
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    BMW 3 Series Fuel consumption

    The BMW 3 Series is available in a number of variants and body types that are powered by PULP and Hybrid fuel type(s). It has an estimated fuel consumption starting from 6.5L/100km for Sedan
    Year Body Type Fuel Consumption* Engine Fuel Type Transmission
    2025 Body Type: Sedan Fuel Consumption: 6.5L/100km Engine: 2.0L Fuel Type: PULP Transmission: 8 SP AUTO
    2025 Body Type: Wagon Fuel Consumption: 6.8L/100km Engine: 2.0L Fuel Type: PULP Transmission: 8 SP AUTO
    2024 Body Type: Sedan Fuel Consumption: 6.5L/100km Engine: 2.0L Fuel Type: PULP Transmission: 8 SP AUTO
    2024 Body Type: Sedan Fuel Consumption: 2.5L/100km Engine: 2.0L Fuel Type: Hyb/PULP Transmission: 8 SP AUTO
    2024 Body Type: Wagon Fuel Consumption: 6.8L/100km Engine: 2.0L Fuel Type: PULP Transmission: 8 SP AUTO
    2023 Body Type: Sedan Fuel Consumption: 6.5L/100km Engine: 2.0L Fuel Type: PULP Transmission: 8 SP AUTO
    2023 Body Type: Sedan Fuel Consumption: 2.5L/100km Engine: 2.0L Fuel Type: Hyb/PULP Transmission: 8 SP AUTO
    2023 Body Type: Wagon Fuel Consumption: 6.8L/100km Engine: 2.0L Fuel Type: PULP Transmission: 8 SP AUTO
    2022 Body Type: Sedan Fuel Consumption: 6.3L/100km Engine: 2.0L Fuel Type: PULP Transmission: 8 SP AUTO
    2022 Body Type: Sedan Fuel Consumption: 2.1L/100km Engine: 2.0L Fuel Type: Hyb/PULP Transmission: 8 SP AUTO
    2022 Body Type: Wagon Fuel Consumption: 6.8L/100km Engine: 2.0L Fuel Type: PULP Transmission: 8 SP AUTO
    2021 Body Type: Sedan Fuel Consumption: 6.4L/100km Engine: 2.0L Fuel Type: PULP Transmission: 8 SP AUTO
    2021 Body Type: Sedan Fuel Consumption: 2.1L/100km Engine: 2.0L Fuel Type: Hyb/PULP Transmission: 8 SP AUTO
    2021 Body Type: Wagon Fuel Consumption: 7.0L/100km Engine: 2.0L Fuel Type: PULP Transmission: 8 SP AUTO
    *Combined fuel consumption
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    See all BMW 3 Series Pricing & Specs

    BMW 3 Series Towing Capacity

    The BMW 3 Series has maximum towing capacity of 1800kg for the latest model available.
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    BMW 3 Series Seats

    The following BMW 3 series comes with five seats. The 320i and 320d variants both come with Alcantara and Sensatec combination seat upholstery in Black with Blue contrast stitching as standard. Leather ‘Vernasca’ upholstery is available as an optional extra, with the choice of Canberra Beige, Black, Mocha, Oyster or Cognac. The 330i, 330e and M340i xDrive variants all come with the choice between Alcantara/Sensatec or Leather ‘Vernasca’ upholstery as standard. In combination with either the optional M Sport or Luxury Line Packages, all variants are available with BMW Individual Extended Leather Trim ‘Merino,’ with the choice of Fjord Blue/Black bicolour, Black, Ivory White, Fiona Red/Black bicolour or Tartufo.

    Shown above are seat details for the BMW 3 Series 2019.