BMW 3-Series Compact (01-04) - Review

Review by Parkers on 01 January 2001

Compact is the entry-level baby-Beemer. All the badge-kudos and fancy engineering, in a smaller and funkier package. At least that's the theory. Thing is, it looks like its been in a rear-end shunt and isn't really that cheap.

5 out of 5

Other BMW reviews

5 out of 5

Summary

New price range:

£15,990 - £25,870

Used price range:

£1,379 - £5,106

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Refined, packed with gizmos, image

Expensive, ugly, cramped in the back

Driving & Performance

Performance

4.5 out of 5
"BMW vies with Honda for title of manufacturer of the best engines in the world. Base model 1.6 is..."
Handling

4.5 out of 5
"Rear wheel driven but nowhere near as tail happy as in days of old - you'd be hard pushed to tell..."

Comfort

Comfort

3 out of 5
"That rear drive layout eats into space leaving rear passengers with acceptable rather than generous..."
Practicality

2.5 out of 5
"More roomy than it used to be, but rear drive compromises boot capacity somewhat - Rivals generally..."
Equipment

2 out of 5
"Base spec doesn't offer very much, SE and Sport are much better served but there’s still plenty of..."
Behind the wheel

4 out of 5
"Dials are perfectly sited and all major controls have been positioned to deliver a sporty ambience -..."

Costs

Running costs

3.5 out of 5
"Specify a small engine or a diesel and drive carefully and you'll get plenty of MPG. Residuals are..."
Green credentials

3 out of 5
"3-Series scores quite well on the eco front. With an average of 187 g/km CO2 across the model..."

Safety & Reliability

Safety

4 out of 5
"Boasts six airbags as standard and a full compliment of electronic safety measures. Puts up a very..."
Reliability

4.5 out of 5
"Excellent reliability in the main - occasional niggles (and very occasional serious engine problems)..."

Buying & Selling

Buying new

4 out of 5
"A good private or business purchase, diesels are particularly tempting. However the 3-Series is due..."
Buying used

4.5 out of 5
"You won't get a cheap one but it's a very sensible purchase that should provide enjoyable and..."
Selling

4.5 out of 5
"Should be very easy to sell - especially with a diesel unit or a generous spec level."