First introduced in 1975 to replace the 02 Series, the 3 Series is approaching five decades on the road. Originally, it only came as a two-door saloon, but eventually, the range grew to include a saloon, estate, convertible and coupé. Now in its seventh generation, BMW continues to equip the 3 Series with the latest technologies and features to keep it at the top of its segment.
3,573 Used BMW 3 Series cars for sale
BMW, 3 Series
2012 3L SE 4dr Auto
9Low Mileage
£13,250
Finance available £1,089 pm
- 3L
- Miles
54.0K
- Hybrid
- Automatic
- Saloon
Leisure Car Shop Ltd
BMW, 3 Series
2020 (20) 2L M Sport 4dr Auto
50Reduced
£22,991
- 2L
- Miles
52.4K
- Hybrid
- Automatic
- Saloon
Your Next Car Ltd
BMW, 3 Series
2017 (67) 2L Sport 4dr Auto
36£9,200
Finance available £729 pm
- 2L
- Miles
92.0K
- Hybrid
- Automatic
- Saloon
BMW, 3 Series
2018 (68) 2L M Sport Shadow Edition 4dr Auto
30Low Mileage
£15,700
- 2L
- Miles
45.2K
- Petrol
- Automatic
- Saloon
Big Motoring World Leeds
BMW, 3 Series
2020 2L Sport Pro 4dr
£17,850
Finance available £1,470 pm
- 2L
- Miles
84.0K
- Hybrid
- Semi Auto
- Saloon
Drew Baxter Car Sales
BMW, 3 Series
2016 (66) 2L M Sport 4dr Auto
39£11,490
Finance available £932 pm
- 2L
- Miles
96.0K
- Diesel
- Automatic
- Saloon
BMW, 3 Series
2014 (14) 2L M Sport 4dr Auto
21£7,995
Finance available £622 pm
- 2L
- Miles
85.6K
- Diesel
- Automatic
- Saloon
BMW, 3 Series
2019 (19) 2L M Sport 4dr Auto
50Low Mileage
£28,749
Finance available £2,420 pm
- 2L
- Miles
10.0K
- Diesel
- Automatic
- Saloon
A1 Ortos
BMW, 3 Series
2024 2L M Sport 4dr Auto
34£29,699
Finance available £2,528 pm
- 2L
- Miles
12.9K
- Petrol
- Automatic
- Saloon
Motorpoint Oldbury
BMW, 3 Series
2013 (63) 2L Sport 4dr Auto
20Reduced
£6,395
Finance available £479 pm
- 2L
- Miles
104.0K
- Diesel
- Automatic
- Saloon
BMW, 3 Series
2016 (66) 3L Unlisted 4dr Auto
20Reduced
£29,995
Finance available £2,529 pm
- 3L
- Miles
30.0K
- Petrol
- Automatic
- Saloon
Southern Van Guys
BMW, 3 Series
2022 (71) 2L M Sport Pro Edition 5dr Auto
1£27,495
Finance available £2,311 pm
- 2L
- Miles
56.5K
- Hybrid
- Automatic
- Estate
BMW, 3 Series
2019 2L M Sport Shadow Edition 5dr Auto
15Low Mileage
£19,699
Finance available £1,663 pm
- 2L
- Miles
42.9K
- Diesel
- Automatic
- Estate
BMW, 3 Series
2011 (11) 2L M Sport 2dr Auto
15Reduced
£3,300
Finance available £204 pm
- 2L
- Miles
99.3K
- Petrol
- Automatic
- Convertible
Top Deal Salvage N&L Ltd
BMW, 3 Series
2015 (65) 2L EfficientDynamics Sport 4dr
36Low Mileage
£12,990
Finance available £1,066 pm
- 2L
- Miles
38.0K
- Diesel
- Manual
- Saloon
BMW, 3 Series
2013 2L SE 5dr
21£3,550
Finance available £226 pm
- 2L
- Miles
134.6K
- Diesel
- Manual
- Estate
Phoenix Car Centre
BMW, 3 Series
2017 (17) 2L M Sport 4dr Auto
38Reduced
£8,290
Finance available £648 pm
- 2L
- Miles
125.0K
- Hybrid
- Automatic
- Saloon
Find a specific BMW 3 Series
Trim
BMW 3 Series ESBMW 3 Series Edition M SportBMW 3 Series Edition SEBMW 3 Series EfficientDynamicsBMW 3 Series EfficientDynamics BusinessBMW 3 Series EfficientDynamics PlusBMW 3 Series EfficientDynamics SportBMW 3 Series Exclusive EditionBMW 3 Series LuxuryBMW 3 Series M SportBMW 3 Series M Sport Business EditionBMW 3 Series M Sport Highline
Body Style
BMW 3 Series ConvertibleBMW 3 Series CoupeBMW 3 Series EstateBMW 3 Series HatchbackBMW 3 Series Saloon
Engine Size
BMW 3 Series 1.5BMW 3 Series 1.6BMW 3 Series 1.8BMW 3 Series 1.9BMW 3 Series 2.0BMW 3 Series 2.2BMW 3 Series 2.5BMW 3 Series 2.8BMW 3 Series 3.0
Fuel Type
BMW 3 Series DieselBMW 3 Series Full ElectricBMW 3 Series Hybrid - Diesel/ElectricBMW 3 Series Hybrid - Petrol/ElectricBMW 3 Series Petrol
Transmission
Colour
BMW 3 Series BlackBMW 3 Series BlueBMW 3 Series BrownBMW 3 Series GreenBMW 3 Series GreyBMW 3 Series OrangeBMW 3 Series RedBMW 3 Series SilverBMW 3 Series White
Registration Year
Why buy a used BMW 3 Series?
If you're in the market for a car that provides a thrilling drive and plenty of luxury and style, then a used BMW 3 Series is a great choice. The powertrains are refined, and the cabin continues to receive the latest tech features. This versatile luxury car is just as at home on the motorway doing long journeys as it is on the school run.
BMW 3 Series snapshot review
Pros
- Good range of frugal and punchy powerplants
- Intuitive technology
- Brilliant driving dynamics
Cons
- In older models, cabin not as polished as rivals
- Firm ride on M Sport
- Expensive to buy
BMW 3 Series by type
Used BMW 3 Series information
Engines and transmissions
BMW manufactures petrol, diesel and hybrid powertrains for the newest 3 Series lineup, with the option of rear- or all-wheel drive and a sport automatic transmission.
Petrol- 320i produces 181bhp for a 0-62 mph time of 7.4 seconds and fuel economy of 43.5mpg.
- 330e is a plug-in hybrid providing 252bhp and an all-electric range of up to 32 miles.
- 340i is the range-topping 326bhp variant, producing a 0-62mph time of 4.4 seconds.
- 320d outputs 190bhp for a 0-62 mph time of 6.9 seconds and efficiency of 57.6mpg.
- 340d produces 335bhp and can hit 62mph in 4.6 seconds.
Practicality
The 3 Series is extremely practical with its exceptional power, spacious cabin and functionality.
Interior space- Adjustable driver's seat provides great support and comfort.
- Wide-opening rear doors give access to the spacious back seat.
- Multiple ISOFIX points in the back for child seats.
- 480-litre boot compares well with the Audi A4 and is larger than the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
- 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats create a customisable storage area.
- Tie-down hooks, storage nets and a 12-volt socket are included in the boot.
- Four-door saloon is a versatile option for executive travel or family driving.
- Five-door estate, known as the Touring, is available with newer models.
- Previously available coupé, convertible and hatchback models are part of the 3 Series.
Safety
- Perfect five-star rating from Euro NCAP.
- 97% adult occupancy rating tops the charts.
- Standard safety kit includes Active Guard Plus, which provides emergency automated braking for cyclists and pedestrians.
Technology
- All-new graphics installed with the digital instrument panel.
- Voice-controlled infotainment system allows for hands-free use.
- Available wireless phone charger keeps devices ready.
BMW 3 Series generations
Seventh Generation (2019 to Present)
With the release of the seventh generation, BMW strove to update its style to match models from Mercedes-Benz and Audi, including a larger kidney grille and narrower headlights. Much of the older design was replaced with updated materials and accents.
In a 2022 refresh, BMW added a 12.3-inch digital instrument display flush against the iDrive widescreen console. Metal buttons were included to give the cabin more class, and ambient lighting was added.
- Fuel type:
- Diesel / Hybrid - Petrol/Electric / Petrol
- Engine Size:
- 2 - 3
- MPG:
- 26 - 2824
- Acceleration:
- 3.4 - 8.8 seconds
- Boot space:
- 375 - 500 L capacity
- NCAP Safety rating:
- 5 / 5 stars
Greenest
330e 22.3 kWh M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Pro Pack]
Cheapest
318i SE Pro 4dr Step Auto
Fastest
B3 GT 3.0 Bi Turbo 4dr Switch-Tronic AWD
Sixth Generation (2012 to 2020)
With the release of the sixth generation, BMW focused heavily on offering new powertrains. The most important may have been the 3.0-litre straight-six putting, out 326bhp, which was different from what other competitors were offering at the time.
The facelift included LED running lights and some updates to the nose. Inside the cabin, there were new decorative touches, soft-touch materials and chrome detailing.
- Fuel type:
- Diesel / Hybrid - Petrol/Electric / Petrol
- Engine Size:
- 1.5 - 3
- MPG:
- 34 - 148
- Acceleration:
- 4.8 - 11.4 seconds
- Boot space:
- 370 - 520 L capacity
- NCAP Safety rating:
- 5 / 5 stars
Greenest
330e SE 4dr Step Auto
Cheapest
316i ES 4dr
Fastest
335d xDrive Luxury 4dr Step Auto
Fifth Generation (2005 to 2013)
The E90 came with some significant updates at the time. Models were slightly bigger and heavier than before, which changed some of the driving dynamics.
BMW also offered several powertrains, including punchy four-cylinder diesel engines. Both manual and automatic transmissions were popular, though it's the auto that is the most readily available on the used market.
- Fuel type:
- Diesel / Petrol
- Engine Size:
- 2 - 3
- MPG:
- 28 - 68
- Acceleration:
- 5.4 - 11.4 seconds
- Boot space:
- 350 - 460 L capacity
- NCAP Safety rating:
- stars
Greenest
318i SE 4dr
Cheapest
318i 4dr
Fastest
335i SE 2dr DCT
Used BMW 3 Series FAQ's
Where does the 3 Series fit in the BMW lineup?
BMW uses the numbers to designate how large the vehicle is in comparison with others in the lineup. Therefore, the 3 Series is larger than the 1 Series and 2 Series models but smaller than the 4 Series and 5 Series.
Which is the most popular engine in the BMW 3 Series?
With the newest lineup, the plug-in hybrid is proving popular with drivers because it provides up to 35 miles of driving on electric power only. However, the petrol engine is still the most attractive to buyers with it's decent 181bhp and lower cost.
What are the most popular 3 Series trim levels?
BMW currently offers three 3 Series models: Sport, M Sport and M. The Sport is the lowest-priced option with fewer features than the others, with the M offering the most potent powertrain configurations. However, the mid-range but still sporty M Sport is proving to be the most popular among 3 Series owners, and has been for many years.
What optional extras should I look out for?
With so many customisations available through the years, it's easy to find a number of different optional extras in the used market. Look for larger wheels and high-tech equipment, such as premium sound systems. You could also opt for models equipped with more sophisticated safety systems, such as adaptive cruise control.
Is the BMW 3 Series a good family car?
Yes, the 3 Series is considered one of the best family cars because of its versatile and spacious cabin. There's plenty of back seat room and a decent size boot in addition to the quiet and comfortable driving experience.
Is the BMW 3 Series available as an automatic?
Newer 3 Series models come with a standard automatic transmission. Older models can be found with the option of a manual or automatic transmission.
Is there a four-wheel drive version available?
BMW does offer the option of all-wheel drive with some 3 Series models. Look out for models badged with "xDrive" - this is the name of BMW's all-wheel drive system.
Buying a used car checklist: what to look for
Buying a used car can be a daunting task, but with our checklist, you can make sure you’re getting the best deal possible.
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