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.
3,160 Used BMW 3 Series cars for sale
BMW 3 Series2012 - 320d SE 181 BHP SALOON 4-Door
23Low Mileage
£7,995
Finance available £156 pm
- 2L
- Miles
91.2K
- Diesel
- Manual
- Saloon
BMW 3 Series2008 (08) - 318i M Sport Touring 5-Door
9Low Mileage
£3,495
Finance available £56 pm
- 2L
- Miles
93.4K
- Petrol
- Manual
- Estate
WINMILL MOTORS LTD
BMW 3 Series2024 (24) - 320i M Sport 5dr Step Auto
20£35,900
Finance available £717 pm
- 2L
- Miles
8.7K
- Petrol
- Semi Auto
- Estate
Ocean Group BMW Paignton
BMW 3 Series2005 (05) - 2.0 320i SE Auto Euro 4 4dr
27Low Mileage
£2,695
- 2L
- Miles
60.0K
- Petrol
- Automatic
- Saloon
Oh My Car Limited
BMW 3 Series2021 (70) - 320d M Sport 5dr Step Auto
28£24,690
- 2L
- Miles
41.8K
- Diesel
- Automatic
- Estate
Listers Boston (BMW)
BMW 3 Series2002 (52) - 3.0 330Ci 330 Sport Coupe 2dr Petrol Automatic (230 g/km, 231 bhp)
50Low Mileage
£3,995
Finance available £67 pm
- 3L
- Miles
108.0K
- Petrol
- Automatic
- Coupe
BMW 3 Series2024 - 320d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Pro Pack]
![2024 - 320d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Pro Pack]](https://cdn.images.autoexposure.co.uk/AETA33337/AETV46229901_1e.jpg)
19Reduced
£36,398
- 2L
- Miles
7.0K
- Diesel
- Automatic
- Estate
BMW 3 Series2017 (17) - 1.5 318i Sport Touring Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
50£7,995
Finance available £156 pm
- 1.5L
- Miles
70.0K
- Petrol
- Automatic
- Estate
Heathrow Car Centre
BMW 3 Series2005 (05) - 318 Ci Sport 2dr
13Low Mileage
£3,495
Finance available £56 pm
- 2L
- Miles
70.0K
- Petrol
- Manual
- Convertible
BMW 3 Series2009 (59) - 2.0 318d M Sport Steptronic Euro 5 4dr
42Low Mileage
£3,795
Finance available £62 pm
- 2L
- Miles
110.0K
- Diesel
- Automatic
- Saloon
RM Traders
BMW 3 Series2020 - 330e SE Pro 5dr Step Auto
37£15,500
Finance available £331 pm
- 2L
- Miles
71.6K
- Hybrid
- Automatic
- Estate
BMW 3 Series2014 (64) - 318d Sport 4dr 2014-64 (£35 Road Tax)
14£5,995
Finance available £112 pm
- 2L
- Miles
104.9K
- Diesel
- Manual
- Saloon
BMW 3 Series2012 (12) - 320d Sport 4dr Step Auto
20Low Mileage
£5,990
Finance available £111 pm
- 2L
- Miles
94.0K
- Diesel
- Semi Auto
- Saloon
MC Cars Waterlooville Ltd
BMW 3 Series2018 (68) - 2.0 320d M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr
40£11,690
Finance available £239 pm
- 2L
- Miles
100.0K
- Diesel
- Automatic
- Saloon
MMG SPORTS PRESTIGE & 4X4
BMW 3 Series(65) - 3.0 335d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr
74£9,995
Finance available £201 pm
- Miles
122.0K
- Diesel
- Automatic
- Not Supplied
BMW 3 Series2021 - 320i M Sport 4dr Step Auto
Low Mileage
£27,128
- 2L
- Miles
6.3K
- Petrol
- Semi Auto
- Saloon
Marshall SKODA Harlow
BMW 3 Series2020 (69) - 2.0 318d SE Saloon 4dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)
35Low Mileage
£17,495
- 2L
- Miles
23.2K
- Diesel
- Manual
- Saloon
Motor Trust UK Bury
BMW 3 Series2020 - 330e M Sport Step Auto 4-Door
6£16,697
Finance available £337 pm
- 2L
- Miles
76.0K
- Hybrid
- Automatic
- Saloon
BMW 3 Series2019 - 3.0 M Sport Shadow Edition Touring 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (313
32Low Mileage
£25,990
Finance available £513 pm
- 3L
- Miles
42.0K
- Diesel
- Automatic
- Estate
James Paul Car Sales Ltd
Find a specific BMW 3 Series
Trim
BMW 3 Series ESBMW 3 Series Edition M SportBMW 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 HighlineBMW 3 Series M Sport Plus Edition
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 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
BMW 3 Series 2005BMW 3 Series 2006BMW 3 Series 2007BMW 3 Series 2008BMW 3 Series 2009BMW 3 Series 2010BMW 3 Series 2011BMW 3 Series 2012BMW 3 Series 2013BMW 3 Series 2014BMW 3 Series 2015BMW 3 Series 2016
Drivetrain
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.
Used 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
Search used BMW 3 Series by type
Used BMW 3 Series buying guide
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 video review
Different generations of used BMW 3 Series
Seventh Generation (2019 to 2020)
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
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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