BMW 3-Series Saloon (1998 - 2005) review
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PROS
Roomy, quick, pleasure to drive
CONS
Popular equals common, pricey
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At a glance
- New price: £17,415 - £31,990
- Used price: £265 - £3,030 Explore used prices
- Fuel economy: 28 - 50 mpg
- Road tax cost: £160 - £325
- Insurance group: 23 - 35 How much is it to insure?
BMW 3-Series Saloon rivals
In the closely fought compact executive market, one model stands out from the rest: the BMW 3-Series. It has history stretching back to the 1980s and has built a solid reputation, and is the car of choice for every young middle manager. It's not that 3-Series lacks any serious rivals: the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is as prestigious; the Lexus IS will push it on reliability, while a fully loaded Ford Mondeo is better value.
But it’s only the 3-Series, with its purposeful yet conservative styling, which has struck a chord with the British. Its popularity has not weakened residuals; even with plenty of used ones about, prices are remarkably stable.
