• 320d top choice for performance and efficiency
• Petrol mpg seems to be closing the gap on diesel
• Not the cheapest choice to service or insure

What are the running costs?

While BMW is well known as a performance brand, this now goes hand-in-hand with a high level of efficiency – and the Touring is no exception. Frugal engines are only part of the story, with the 3 Series also benefiting from some clever aerodynamics, reduced weight and eco-focused driving modes, should you choose to use them.

The best blend of performance and economy is the ever-popular 320d model, which returns around 60mpg when driven gently. The other engine choices is the M340d. Given it’s much more powerful and performance orientated, fuel economy claims are lower – at around 40-45mpg in real-world driving.

On the petrol side the 320i is economical thanks to the efficiency of its 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine. The six-cylinder turbo petrol M340i xDrive is the definite heavy drinker here, dropping to around 25-30mpg when driven enthusiastically.

There’s also the 330e plug-in hybrid to choose from. It’s powered by the engine from the 320i as well as a battery pack and electric motor. BMW claims between 148-201mpg under, which is only remotely achievable with regular charging of the battery pack and used on short journeys only. There’s a separate review covering this version.

View detailed MPG and CO2 figures on the BMW 3 Series Touring specs pages

Servicing and warranty

The 3 Series comes with BMW’s standard three-year unlimited mileage warranty that includes breakdown cover. The unlimited mileage warranty is a rarity among manufacturers, even if the three-year limit is below that of Hyundai and Kia. BMW offers several service plans.

One of the more popular ones involves paying up-front for four years’ worth of services.

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Reliability

• BMW has a good reputation for building reliable cars
• The 3 Series tops the FN50 reliability survey
• The unlimited mileage warranty should ease your worries

Although BMW’s current reputation for reliability varies from model to model, this model is proving reliable, with the model coming top in Fleet News’ FN50 reliability survey for company cars. It has been subject to two recalls however.

If you’re buying a used 3 Series, ensure that all potential recalls have been addressed by a certified garage.  

Read owner’s reviews on the BMW 3 Series