BMW 3-Series Saloon (05-11) - Review Review by David Ross on 23 April 2010 Last Updated: 16 February 2011 The fifth-generation BMW 3-Series combines a high-quality cabin and decent equipment levels with the best drive among 'executive' saloon alternatives. The striking four-door gets a power boost over the old model but, thanks to the Efficient Dynamics program, both fuel economy and emissions have actually been improved. It's not as good an all-rounder as the Audi A4, with less passenger space and a firmer ride, but it sets the class benchmark for driving pleasure. An Autumn 2008 facelift gave the 3-Series sharper styling and a refreshed interior and also brought a new diesel engine to the line-up in the shape of the 330d. However, the pick of the line-up - for performance and economy - is the excellent 320d EfficientDynamics which is great to drive and is claimed to return an amazing 69mpg. 4.5 out of 5 Other BMW reviews Summary Facts & Figures Equipment Driving & Performance Comfort Costs Safety & Reliability Buying & Selling Also Consider Company Car Info Owners' Reviews Gallery 4.5 out of 5 Summary Tweet New price range: £19,995 - £38,950 Used price range: £4,607 - £32,450 View all used prices Get a BMW 3-Series Saloon (05-11) information pack Next steps BMW 3-Series Saloon cars for sale Use our cars for sale search facility to find great deals on second hand cars. We have 776 models like this for sale, starting at £4,990. Find used BMW 3-Series Saloons for sale Great to drive, decent level of standard kit, premium image, superbly built, refined interior Expensive options, firm ride The fifth-generation BMW 3-Series combines a high-quality cabin and decent equipment levels with the best drive among 'executive' saloon alternatives. The striking four-door gets a power boost over the old model but, thanks to the Efficient Dynamics program, both fuel economy and emissions have actually been improved. It's not as good an all-rounder as the Audi A4, with less passenger space and a firmer ride, but it sets the class benchmark for driving pleasure. An Autumn 2008 facelift gave the 3-Series sharper styling and a refreshed interior and also brought a new diesel engine to the line-up in the shape of the 330d. However, the pick of the line-up - for performance and economy - is the excellent 320d EfficientDynamics which is great to drive and is claimed to return an amazing 69mpg. For the review of the latest BMW 3-Series Saloon click here Driving & Performance Performance 5 out of 5"The 3-Series is available with a wide choice of excellent diesel and petrol engines, offering..." Handling 5 out of 5"The previous 3-Series was a class benchmark for handling and the fifth-generation car raises the bar..." Comfort Comfort 4 out of 5"Accommodating yet supportive seats contribute to excellent comfort for all occupants and work on..." Practicality 3.5 out of 5"The 3-Series has a slightly larger boot than its predecessor and it is also available with a luggage..." Equipment 4 out of 5"Entry level cars have four electric windows, 16-inch alloy wheels, a six-speed manual gearbox, air..." Behind the wheel 4.5 out of 5"You always feel in full control of the 3-Series, with an excellent driving position, rake and reach..." Costs Running costs 3.5 out of 5"The purchase price of the 3-Series isn't as low as its big rival the Audi A4, but the BMW does have..." Green credentials 3 out of 5"Thanks to the Efficient Dynamics programme, the 3-Series is one of the greenest executive saloons on..." Safety & Reliability Safety 4.5 out of 5"Run-flat tyres help the driver stay in control of the car if there's a punctures and the 3-Series..." Reliability 4 out of 5"The previous 3-Series models score well in reliability surveys and we expect the latest model to..." Buying & Selling Buying new 3 out of 5"Decent levels of standard kit mean the entry-level 3-Series is better value than before, but..." Buying used 3.5 out of 5"There are plenty of good used 3-Series around, although the introduction of Efficient Dynamics in..." Selling 4.5 out of 5"Any BMW 3-Series in good condition will sell but you'll get a better price for a diesel model..." Gallery View full gallery Owners' reviews Used BMW 3-Series Saloon (05-11) 320d M Sport 4d 5 out of 5 “ Its a 4 door saloon with good boot space. Loads of room for 5 people even if they're on the XXL... ” Living with it BMW 3-Series Saloon The 318d has certainly proved an economical choice, but it's proved almost impossible to achieve... Car Valuations Find used car prices with Parkers accurate car valuations. Find out more BMW 3-Series cars for sale We have 776 models like this for sale. Find BMW 3-Series cars for sale Next: Facts & Figures
Used BMW 3-Series Saloon (05-11) 320d M Sport 4d 5 out of 5 “ Its a 4 door saloon with good boot space. Loads of room for 5 people even if they're on the XXL... ”
BMW 3-Series Saloon The 318d has certainly proved an economical choice, but it's proved almost impossible to achieve...