BMW 3-Series Coupe (2006 - 2013) review

At a glance |
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New price | £26,740 - £42,145 |
Used price | £1,320 - £13,640 |
Fuel economy |
Not tested to latest standards
View pre-2017 economy specs
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Road tax cost | £135 - £615 |
Insurance group | 24 - 42 How much is it to insure? |
PROS
Great choice of efficient engines, supreme handling, beautifully styled, sophisticated and refined cabin
CONS
Firm ride, some expensive options, tight legroom in rear
BMW 3-Series Coupe rivals
As four-seat coupes go, few cars are as good looking or as enjoyable to drive as the BMW 3 Series Coupe – it’s a classic design with a sleek yet understated air while inside it’s beautifully finished with top grade materials.
Only minor elements such as the door handles are carried over from the 3 Series Saloon – the rest is bespoke to the two-door models. It’s as good to drive as it looks – the low slung driving position is perfect, the steering precise and responsive and body control excellent.
It’s also surprisingly practical with a good sized boot, although taller passengers may find the rear cramped. But when it comes to performance the 3 Series Coupe doesn’t disappoint with some cracking engines – the 335i and 335d being the pick of the bunch.
It was given a mild facelift in early 2010 along with more powerful and efficient engines.
BMW 3 Series Coupe stalling issues: wide-ranging recall announced in 2018
In the aftermath of an investigation by BBC’s Watchdog TV show, a recall affecting over 300,000 BMWs was announced in May 2018.
Specifically relating to models built between March 2007 and August 2011, a number of petrol- and diesel-engined 3 Series Coupes could be at risk of developing an electrical fault that causes the engine to cut out.
If you are thinking of buying a used example of one of these sleek two-door 3 Series, then ensure any remedial work has already been undertaken by checking with a BMW retailer.