BMW 3-Series Saloon (91-98) - Review

Review by Parkers on
Blueprint for the smaller executive car in the '90s, combining quality and driver appeal from the 316i right up to the exhilarating M3. Not as cheap to run as a Mondeo or Vectra - but choosing a 3-Series is more about style and status. It does not disappoint in any key areas, and its desirable image is holding up well despite being replaced. It's a real driving machine that's still in demand, so prices remain high for the best examples.
4 out of 5

Other BMW reviews

3 out of 5

Running costs

Main dealer service costs are steep - on a car of this age a good independent will be much cheaper. Prices are still pretty strong but depend upon condition so it's worth keeping up that servicing. Insurance is pricey.

* based on most recent data

Estimated fuel cost for 10,000 miles per year

Unleaded

£1,705 - £2,273 *

Diesel

£1,491 - £2,068 *

The estimated fuel cost figure is a guide to how much this model will cost to fuel each year, so you can compare between cars. It's calculated by using the model's average mpg (calculated from both town centre and motorway driving) and the average fuel price. It's based on the following cost-per-litre: petrol 135p and diesel 141p. Prices are updated daily.

Summary Running Costs

Servicing period

As indicated by on-board computer

Warranty

Mechanical 3 years, bodywork 6 years

Road tax (12 months)

£220.00 - £220.00

Vehicle excise duty (VED) varies according to the CO2 emissions and the fuel type of the vehicle. For cars registered after March 1st 2001 VED or road tax is based on the car's CO2 emissions. For cars registered before March 1st 2001 it is based on engine size.

Full running costs data