BMW 3-Series Saloon (05-11) - Review

Review by David Ross on
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

3.5 out of 5

Running costs

The purchase price of the 3-Series isn't as low as its big rival the Audi A4, but the BMW does have excellent residuals and good economy too - especially on cars with Efficient Dynamics. BMW also offers Service Inclusive which allows owners to cover servicing costs with a single one-off advance payment. A five year/60,000 mile deal is available with prices starting at around £630.

* based on most recent data

Estimated fuel cost for 10,000 miles per year

Unleaded

£1,306 - £2,046 *

Diesel

£943 - £1,526 *

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

Service as indicated by on-board computer. Fixed cost servicing packages available when purchased new.

Warranty

Three years/unlimited mileage warranty, 12 years anti corrosion warranty and six years paint warranty.

Road tax (12 months)

£20.00 - £270.00

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

3 out of 5

Green credentials

  • A
  • B
    109
  • C
  • D
  • E
  • F
  • G
  • H
  • I
  • J
  • K
    221
  • L
  • M

CO2 emission figure (g/km)

Fuel economy rating

The arrows indicate the best and worst CO2 bands for this model.

Emissions summary

Thanks to the Efficient Dynamics programme, the 3-Series is one of the greenest executive saloons on the market. The average CO2 output of cars before the program was introduced to all models in 2007 was 187g/km but this dropped to 164g/km. The 320d EfficientDynamics, introduced in 2010, is the best model for the eco-conscious and those with one eye on costs - it emits just 109g/km of CO2 and will average a hugely impressive 69mpg.

Find the exact engine and CO2