BMW 3-Series Touring (99-05) - Review

Review by Parkers on
This is an estate car to tell the world you're a sporty, active type rather than a typical family man - the sort that needs to lug lots of stuff around. Perhaps they are not the all-out driver's machines that smaller BMWs once were, but the 3-Series Touring is sophisticated, superbly engineered and stylishly subtle. Although it has a strong rival in the shape of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Lexus IS SportCross, it still leaves the competition behind.
4 out of 5

Other BMW reviews

4 out of 5

Safety

Won a four-star Euro NCAP rating when it was crash-tested, which was top of its class at the time. Has six airbags as standard and a full compliment of electronic safety measures. Puts up a very good fight in the face of thieves who might otherwise find it a very tempting target.

NCAP Test

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  • Adult Occupant Rating

    4 out of 5
  • Pedestrian Test Rating

    1 out of 5
4.5 out of 5

Reliability

Excellent reliability in the main - occasional niggles but unlikely to be anything that won't be quickly sorted by the dealer.

Car check problem points

Body

Check for stone chips on the nose, check roof seals carefully.

Engine/Gearbox

No major faults, but suspension issues have been reported. Needs full BMW service history.

Other

Scratched or kerbed alloy wheels; accident damage; wiper motor; central locking mechanism.

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