BMW 3 Series (2005 – 2012) Review

BMW 3 Series (2005 – 2012) At A Glance

4/5

+Superb to drive. Great handling and steering. Upmarket image. Economical diesel engines culminating in amazingly efficient 320d Efficient Dynamics at 109g/km of CO2.

-Firm ride especially noticeable on larger alloys. No spare wheel. Limited rear legroom. Too many coil, injector and high pressure fuel pump problems on petrol engines.

Insurance Groups are between 21–38
On average it achieves 79% of the official MPG figure

It's well known that the BMW 3 Series sets the standard for premium saloons when it comes to handling. But there's more to this 3 Series than just driver enjoyment. It comes with decent levels of standard equipment and some of the most efficient engines available.

This is thanks to a range of systems called Efficient Dynamics (introduced in 2007) which are designed to lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The culmination of this is the remarkable 320d EfficientDynamics model that was launched in 2010. This 163bhp model drives as well as a standard 320d and yet has CO2 emissions of just 109g/km and can average 68.9mpg.

Of course if you're after performance, there's plenty of choice too from the muscular 335d to the sublime 335i - an engine that's good enough to rival the high-performance M3. On the road, the 3 Series is a great drive, whatever engine you opt for, with nicely weighted steering and plenty of grip, helped by the fact it's rear-wheel drive.

However, it loses out slighty to other premium saloons - such as the Audi A4 - when it comes to rear passenger room and boot space. The ride is on the firm side too, something which is more noticeable on M Sport models with their larger alloy wheels and sports suspension. But this doesn't prevent the fifth generation BMW 3 Series from being one of the best cars currently on the market.

Road test BMW E91 320d and 325i Touring

Real MPG average for a BMW 3 Series (2005 – 2012)

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

79%

Real MPG

19–59 mpg

MPGs submitted

2229

Diesel or petrol? If you're unsure whether to go for a petrol or diesel (or even an electric model if it's available), then you need our Petrol or Diesel? calculator. It does the maths on petrols, diesels and electric cars to show which is best suited to you.

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Ask Honest John

Are run flat tyres best for dealing with pot holes?

"I read with interest your reply to the reader who enquired about best tyres for potholes. My BMW 320i has 225/45R18 which are runflats. I have always assumed that runflats would be more resilient to pothole damage. Would you agree?"
A run flat tyre is potentially more resilient to pot holes than an all-season or winter tyre due to the stiffer sidewalls, but this would also depend on the dimensions of the tyre as a low profile example with a thin sidewall would be less capable than one with a taller sidewall. In addition, run flat tyres require specific wheels to be fitted to ensure the tyre is correctly seated, so unless the vehicle already has the correct wheels this would be an expensive option.
Answered by David Ross

How much is my 2010 BMW 318i worth?

"Any idea of the value of a 2010 318i BMW petrol with only 13,500 genuine miles on the clock?. The car also has a full BMW service history"
This is an interesting one as prices for BMW 3-Series models of this age vary wildly. The 318i is a lower end model and less desirable than the six-cylinder cars, but being petrol it is ULEZ exempt and the tiny mileage is a very clear selling point. We would estimate the value to be between £5000 and £6000, approximately 50% higher than a model with average mileage. You may have to wait for the right buyer, though.
Answered by Craig Cheetham

Does the 2010 BMW 320d use a timing chain or cam belt?

"I have a BMW 320d diesel coupe. It is a 2010 model, can you tell me if it has a chain or belt?"
Timing chain. But lots of reported problems with the N47 engine and its chain. If the car has made it to this age then it's probably fine (most issues occurred in the first few years of ownership). That said, I'd recommend getting the chain checked at the next service. Most timing chain issues with this engine can be avoided with an annual oil change every 10,000 miles or 12 months (whichever comes first).
Answered by Dan Powell

BMW 3 Series on a £4,000 budget - what do you recommend?

"I have £4,000 put aside for a BMW 3 Series. I need an automatic, four door. What do you think I should be looking for? Performance is not essential. I fancy a petrol model"
You'll get an 06-09 320i or 318i with less than 100,000 miles on the clock on budget. I'd avoid an M Sport model – they're popular, so tend to carry a premium – and go for an SE which will be in better condition for the money.
Answered by Russell Campbell
More Questions

What does a BMW 3 Series (2005 – 2012) cost?