Looking to buy a used BMW 3-Series car? Used Car Expert has thousands of used BMW cars for sale from used BMW car dealers and private sellers across the UK.
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2009 (59 Reg)
2010 (10 Reg)
1997 (R Reg)
1995 (M Reg)
1998 (R Reg)
2000 (X Reg)
1995 (N Reg)
1997 (P Reg)
The definitive 'junior executive' car just got better. So good, in fact, that the 3-Series is now more common than a Ford Mondeo. Yet, excellent image and premium badge have kept prices firm.
Superb engines, perfectly balanced handling and BMW reliability mean the 3-Series still cuts it. But its styling is bland compared to Audi and its space limited compared to Mercedes.
You are likely to pay a premium of around £1000 for diesel power in a current shape 3 series. Whilst the diesel engines are excellent, the 2.0 petrol can still make 45MPG and that extra money can go into spec.
It is worth noting that the 3 series uses 'run flat' tyres and on the bigger wheels this can result in a very firm ride. For this reason the SE spec is preferable and, when coupled with 2.0 petrol power gives the ultimate combination.
The optimum 2.0 SE spec 320i petrol will cost £12,400 at three years old with around 40,000 miles o the clock. A 320d in sport spec could cost £2000.00 more.
The 3-Series has the gentlest of depreciation curves so buy and sell any spec, any time.
Used Car Expert recommends that you try to buy after a big drop in depreciation and before the next one, so with the current BMW 3-Series you would aim to buy a 3 year old and you can keep it for some time before needing to worry about a big drop in value.
Diesel BMW 3-Series cars lose most over the first year (from new to 1 year old), so that is the best ‘nearly new’ buy in terms of car for money.
Petrol BMW 3-Series cars lose least between years 1 and 3, so this is the best buy if you want to keep the car for a while.
Diesel BMW 3-Series cars lose least between years 2 and 4, so that is the best buy on older cars.
For advice on what to pay, see below and for more detailed depreciation and mileage & spec adjusted prices & graphs visit our price guide.