In-depth reviews

BMW 3 Series saloon (2011-2018): owner reviews

"The BMW 3 Series is the small executive saloon we judge others against. It has set the class benchmark for many years"

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by Richard Ingram

26 Mar 2018

.polaris__post-meta--date { display: none; } .polaris__post-meta--date.no-script { display: block; padding-left: 45px } 26 Mar 2018

Carbuyer Rating

4.3 out of 5

Owners Rating

4.4 out of 5

Reviews

Owner Reviews

5 out of 5
4 out of 5
3 out of 5
2 out of 5
1 out of 5

70%of people would recommend this car to a friend

Common Problems

Electrics, Other (1 case)
Electrics (7 cases)
Brakes (2 cases)
Engine (6 cases)
Other (5 cases)
Brakes, Gearbox / clutch (1 case)
Suspension, Other (1 case)
Suspension (1 case)
Electrics, Engine, Suspension (1 case)
Electrics, Gearbox / clutch (1 case)
Electrics, Engine (1 case)

Review 1 of 100

Tell us what you think about your car?

An excellent blend of performance, handling, engineering and build quality/finish and I love the way it drives. This is my 7th BMW purchased new and each one is a subtle improvement over the last one. I always look at and try the competition when it comes to changing but I've yet to find something else that would tempt me away from BMW. It helps to have great service from my local and other BMW dealers.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Superb car with plenty of power and excellent handling. Had the car a while now. Purchased the car as a replacement for my 2007 x type 2.0d se which was sublime on comfort. My expectations on the test drive were that the car would be uncomfortable due to BMW's renowned suspension. However, this was not the case. It's also plenty powerful albeit with the new 2 litre twin power turbo and 8 speed auto. I drove an 2.2 xf with the 8at and it was no where near as good. The gearbox and engine complement each other perfectly. Economy is also good. Do a lot of travelling to the Lake District and usually average 50mpg over the 105 mile run at 62mph. Achieved 56.3 on a run to London. Road tax is also good at £145.00 for a car which can keep up with the likes of focus STs and VXRs. Having owned a VXR, I will also say the power delivery is very smooth and progressive. Mine was a pre release car and was specced up with adaptive lighting, electronic leather sports seats, full park assist with auto park, 3 way split rear seat, Internet, nav pro, enhanced bluetooth to name some. Not many people like the lighter interior of the modern line, but for me it's perfect. Only thing I would change is the top dash colour to black so a black steering wheel could be fitted and not look out of place. The light oyster colour does get dirty quickly. Also looks stunning in sapphire black. Not had any major problems but will list what has been done. 1. You get the halo lights with adaptive lighting. One failed so had a new headlamp unit. 2. Early f30s suffered with some teething problems on the steering. So steering rack was replaced. Both there were done under warranty and very swiftly by the dealership. Even got a free software update when the rack was replaced!

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

A simply stunning vehicle that is a pleasure to drive. The M Sport finish adds a touch or sportiness and masculinity to the car. The running costs are negligible, £35 a year road tax (first year free), three year warranty (everything but tyres included, even bulbs) and 5 year servicing! Once you own one of these machines you ain't going for any other manufactures!

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Best 3 series to date, feels more like a 5 series. Strong diesel engine with amazing economy in eco pro mode. Good handling and great place to be inside. Just a bit too much road noise at speed but tyres could be to blame.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

no problems yet

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

One ignition coil failure

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Never had any problems. The easiest car to live with I've ever owned

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

had a problem with balanced clutch

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Excellent other than tyre pressure sensors, access to tyres (had a nail in a tyre) and brake wear sensor that was reset

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

ignition coil pack and fuel injector problem.Known BMW weakness even if BMW UK will not admit this weakness,other than this car has been faultless

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Only a couple of known faults which have been fixed

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

no issues so far, just tyres and servicing

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Never ever any issues at all

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

HAD NO FAULTS SINCE PURCHASED

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

No problems so far but it is less than 6 months old

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

This is now my second BMW and I have to say the build quality is by far the best, I have only had the car for 6-7 months but it drives brilliantly

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

nothing has gone wrong as should be the case

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

Never had an issue

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Excellent

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

New turbo due to swirl flap issue

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

All around great

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

No serious problems however sometimes it won't recognise my key. I then re-insert it and its then ok

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

Excellent, practical, ecconomical, pleasurable to drive.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Very reliable, comfortable, build qualityb great bigger boot would be nice

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Expensive to repair

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Great car, awesome performance in the shape of a family car, looks the part

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Excellent car a joy to own

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

A great car

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Great car

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Very good - reliable, practical and fun to drive.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Prefer the petrol version as its a much smoother ride

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

Great piece of german engineering

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Great compromise on pwerformance and economy. Shame the rear seats don't fold as standard.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

The car is overall a very decent one, running costs are higher than expected.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

Good alrounder

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

Very pleased with just about everything.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

Great!

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Fantastic

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Enjoyable but niggle fauts take dealer too long to fix often due to lack of locak parts stock

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Its great!

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

All the adverts say..........Great.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

One the best cars that I have owned in all respects. Amazing power and handling but economical for such a powerful engine and drivetrain. Tax and insurance are both very reasonable for what is for me an awesome sports saloon. For a drivers car in this sector I believe this is one of the best on the market, I may struggle to part with this which will be a first for me.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Had this car for 2 years and been to bmw under warranty 3 times now. 2 sensors, flywheel failure( from start/stop they saed), and now is with them because the diff is leaking . Kinda too many issues in 2years. but apart from that is a nice car

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Love this car. Autobox is faultless, very comfortable and economical. On long runs it's easy to achieve 60 - 65 mpg. Plenty of performance when you need it. Cheap to tax only £30 pa. Only fault so far were rusty seat bases (common on all early F30's) However these were replaced under warranty.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

I live in the US and I love this car! It is very fast ,I have raced pimped out 2 seaters and won. It may not be as comfortable as other cars but it gets good gas mileage and is fast. I have got it up to 140mph and it just cruses along.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Amazingly frugal if you take it easy. 1500 rpm at 70mph. When necessary it is a real performance machine, extremely quick when you need it to be. An understated car compared to mercs and audis. Comfortable in drive mode, fun in sport mode, but at any point power is available when you want it. 3rd bmw I have had and this is the best yet. The 3 litre straight 6 is the best diesel engine available in my opinion.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

Rear Light Bulb Required and oil top up. Had to return to dealer as bulb not replaced correctly and warning light came on again

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Touch wood - it starts and runs well every time

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Nothing wrong so far.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

good car not the best in snow/ice

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

No problems to date

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Not really had any problems

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Not one single problem since I've had it

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Has been perfect

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

No problems

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

Never had any problems

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

It's ok, not bad

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Never let me down. 1 minor fault in auto gearbox rectified under warranty.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Not had any problems since taking ownership.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

No Problems whatsoever

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

We get good warning when there's a problem

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

No issues noted

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Never failed in 50,000 miles

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Ok

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Good quality all round

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Reliability worse than expected but lovely to drive and own

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

Good car, but can be improved in many areas

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

Too small, boring, impractical, style over substance, head turner,

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Continue reading

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