BMW 3 Series Review

2011 BMW 3 Series 328i Sedan

New Models

Used Models

  • 2011 BMW 3 Series 335i Convertible View photos
    2011 BMW 3 Series Convertible Used TMV from $42,949 Find Used Inventory
  • 2011 BMW 3 Series 335i Coupe View photos
    2011 BMW 3 Series Coupe Used TMV from $34,813 Find Used Inventory
  • 2011 BMW 3 Series 335d Sedan View photos
    2011 BMW 3 Series Diesel Used TMV from $41,160 Find Used Inventory
  • 2011 BMW 3 Series 328i Sedan View photos
    2011 BMW 3 Series Sedan Used TMV from $31,994 Find Used Inventory
  • 2011 BMW 3 Series 328i Station Wagon View photos
    2011 BMW 3 Series Wagon Used TMV from $34,351 Find Used Inventory
  • 2008 BMW 3 Series 335i Convertible View photos
    2010 BMW 3 Series Convertible Used TMV from $38,035 Find Used Inventory
  • 2008 BMW 3 Series 335i Coupe View photos
    2010 BMW 3 Series Coupe Used TMV from $31,041 Find Used Inventory
  • 2009 BMW 3 Series 335d Sedan View photos
    2010 BMW 3 Series Diesel Used TMV from $37,530 Find Used Inventory
  • 2009 BMW 3 Series 335i Sedan View photos
    2010 BMW 3 Series Sedan Used TMV from $28,486 Find Used Inventory
  • 2009 BMW 3 Series 335d Station Wagon Shown View photos
    2010 BMW 3 Series Wagon Used TMV from $30,624 Find Used Inventory
  • 2009 BMW 3 Series Exterior View photos
    2009 BMW 3 Series Convertible Used TMV from $33,292 Find Used Inventory
  • 2008 BMW 3 Series 335i Coupe View photos
    2009 BMW 3 Series Coupe Used TMV from $26,704 Find Used Inventory
  • 2009 BMW 3 Series 335d Sedan View photos
    2009 BMW 3 Series Diesel Used TMV from $33,132 Find Used Inventory
  • 2009 BMW 3 Series Exterior View photos
    2009 BMW 3 Series Sedan Used TMV from $24,631 Find Used Inventory
  • 2009 BMW 3 Series Exterior View photos
    2009 BMW 3 Series Wagon Used TMV from $26,720 Find Used Inventory
  • 2008 BMW 3 Series Exterior View photos
    2008 BMW 3 Series Convertible Used TMV from $30,268 Find Used Inventory
  • 2008 BMW 3 Series Exterior View photos
    2008 BMW 3 Series Coupe Used TMV from $24,781 Find Used Inventory
  • 2008 BMW 3 Series 335xi Sedan View photos
    2008 BMW 3 Series Sedan Used TMV from $22,874 Find Used Inventory
  • 2008 BMW 3 Series 328i Station Wagon View photos
    2008 BMW 3 Series Wagon Used TMV from $24,057 Find Used Inventory
  • 2007 BMW 3 Series 335i Convertible View photos
    2007 BMW 3 Series Convertible Used TMV from $26,464 Find Used Inventory
  • 2007 BMW 3 Series 335i Coupe View photos
    2007 BMW 3 Series Coupe Used TMV from $21,436 Find Used Inventory
  • 2006 BMW 3 Series 330i Sedan Shown View photos
    2007 BMW 3 Series Sedan Used TMV from $19,699 Find Used Inventory
  • 2006 BMW 3 Series 325i Wagon Shown View photos
    2007 BMW 3 Series Wagon Used TMV from $20,728 Find Used Inventory
  • 2004 BMW 3 Series 330Ci Rwd 2dr Convertible View photos
    2006 BMW 3 Series Convertible Used TMV from $18,538 Find Used Inventory
  • 2004 BMW 3 Series 330Ci Rwd 2dr Coupe View photos
    2006 BMW 3 Series Coupe Used TMV from $15,758 Find Used Inventory
  • 2006 BMW 3 Series 330i Sedan; European Model Shown View photos
    2006 BMW 3 Series Sedan Used TMV from $14,671 Find Used Inventory
  • 2006 BMW 3 Series Touring 4dr Wagon Shown View photos
    2006 BMW 3 Series Wagon Used TMV from $16,638 Find Used Inventory
  • 2004 BMW 3 Series 330Ci Rwd 2dr Convertible View photos
    2005 BMW 3 Series Convertible Used TMV from $16,401 Find Used Inventory
  • 2005 BMW 3 Series Exterior View photos
    2005 BMW 3 Series Coupe Used TMV from $13,837 Find Used Inventory
  • 2002 BMW 3-Series 330i Rwd 4dr Sedan Shown View photos
    2005 BMW 3 Series Sedan Used TMV from $12,664 Find Used Inventory
  • 2003 BMW 3 Series 325i Rwd 4dr Sport Wagon Shown View photos
    2005 BMW 3 Series Wagon Used TMV from $13,047 Find Used Inventory
  • 2004 BMW 3 Series Exterior View photos
    2004 BMW 3 Series Convertible Used TMV from $13,191 Find Used Inventory
  • 2004 BMW 3 Series Exterior View photos
    2004 BMW 3 Series Coupe Used TMV from $11,209 Find Used Inventory
  • 2004 BMW 3 Series Exterior View photos
    2004 BMW 3 Series Sedan Used TMV from $10,648 Find Used Inventory
  • 2004 BMW 3 Series Exterior View photos
    2004 BMW 3 Series Wagon Used TMV from $11,035 Find Used Inventory
  • 2002 BMW 3 Series 330Ci Rwd 2dr Convertible Shown View photos
    2003 BMW 3 Series Convertible Used TMV from $11,529 Find Used Inventory
  • 2002 BMW 3 Series 325Ci Rwd 2dr Coupe Shown View photos
    2003 BMW 3 Series Coupe Used TMV from $9,220 Find Used Inventory
  • 2002 BMW 3-Series 4dr Sedan Shown View photos
    2003 BMW 3 Series Sedan Used TMV from $8,666 Find Used Inventory
  • 2000 BMW 3 Series 4 Dr 323iT Wagon View photos
    2003 BMW 3 Series Wagon Used TMV from $9,139 Find Used Inventory
  • 2000 BMW 3 Series 2 Dr 323Ci Convertible View photos
    2002 BMW 3 Series Convertible Used TMV from $10,395 Find Used Inventory
  • 2000 BMW 3-Series 2 Dr 328Ci Coupe View photos
    2002 BMW 3 Series Coupe Used TMV from $8,158 Find Used Inventory
  • 2002 BMW 3 Series Exterior View photos
    2002 BMW 3 Series Sedan Used TMV from $7,479 Find Used Inventory
  • 2002 BMW 3-Series 325xi AWD 4dr Sport Wagon View photos
    2002 BMW 3 Series Wagon Used TMV from $7,823 Find Used Inventory
  • 2001 BMW 325Ci Convertible View photos
    2001 BMW 3 Series Convertible Used TMV from $9,466 Find Used Inventory
  • 2001 BMW 3-Series 325Ci Rwd 2dr Coupe View photos
    2001 BMW 3 Series Coupe Used TMV from $7,367 Find Used Inventory
  • 2001 BMW 3-Series 330i Rwd 4dr Sedan View photos
    2001 BMW 3 Series Sedan Used TMV from $6,981 Find Used Inventory
  • 2001 BMW 325Xi Sport Wagon View photos
    2001 BMW 3 Series Wagon Used TMV from $7,092 Find Used Inventory
  • 2000 BMW 3-Series 323Ci 2dr Convertible View photos
    2000 BMW 3 Series Convertible Used TMV from $8,556 Find Used Inventory
  • 2000 BMW 3-Series 323Ci Coupe View photos
    2000 BMW 3 Series Coupe Used TMV from $6,292 Find Used Inventory
  • 2001 BMW 3-Series 330i Rwd 4dr Sedan View photos
    2000 BMW 3 Series Sedan Used TMV from $5,801 Find Used Inventory
  • 2000 BMW 3-Series 323i Sport Wagon View photos
    2000 BMW 3 Series Wagon Used TMV from $6,479 Find Used Inventory
  • 1997 BMW 3 Series 2 Dr 328i Convertible View photos
    1999 BMW 3 Series Convertible Used TMV from $6,277 Find Used Inventory
  • 1999 BMW 3 Series 2 Dr 323is Coupe View photos
    1999 BMW 3 Series Coupe Used TMV from $5,391 Find Used Inventory
  • 1999 BMW 3-Series 2 Dr 318ti Hatchback View photos
    1999 BMW 3 Series Hatchback Used TMV from $3,918 Find Used Inventory
  • 2000 3-series 328i 4dr Sedan View photos
    1999 BMW 3 Series Sedan Used TMV from $5,002 Find Used Inventory
  • 1997 BMW 3 Series 2 Dr 328i Convertible View photos
    1998 BMW 3 Series Convertible Used TMV from $5,154 Find Used Inventory
  • 1998 BMW 3 Series 2 Dr 323is Coupe View photos
    1998 BMW 3 Series Coupe Used TMV from $3,845 Find Used Inventory
  • 1997 BMW 3 Series 2 Dr 318ti Hatchback View photos
    1998 BMW 3 Series Hatchback Used TMV from $2,991 Find Used Inventory
  • 1998 BMW 3 Series 4 Dr 318i Sedan View photos
    1998 BMW 3 Series Sedan Used TMV from $3,426 Find Used Inventory
  • 1997 BMW 3 Series 2 Dr 328i Convertible View photos
    1997 BMW 3 Series Convertible Used TMV from $3,614 Find Used Inventory
  • 1997 BMW 3 Series 2 Dr 318is Coupe View photos
    1997 BMW 3 Series Coupe Used TMV from $3,062 Find Used Inventory
  • 1997 BMW 3 Series 2 Dr 318ti Hatchback View photos
    1997 BMW 3 Series Hatchback Used TMV from $2,372 Find Used Inventory
  • 1997 BMW 3 Series 4 Dr 318i Sedan View photos
    1997 BMW 3 Series Sedan Used TMV from $2,794 Find Used Inventory
  • 1996 BMW 3 Series 2 Dr 318i Convertible View photos
    1996 BMW 3 Series Convertible Used TMV from $3,091 Find Used Inventory
  • 1996 BMW 3 Series 4 Dr 318i Sedan View photos
    1996 BMW 3 Series Coupe Used TMV from $2,750 Find Used Inventory
  • 1996 BMW 3 Series 2 Dr 318ti Hatchback View photos
    1996 BMW 3 Series Hatchback Used TMV from $2,237 Find Used Inventory
  • 1996 BMW 3 Series 4 Dr 318i Sedan View photos
    1996 BMW 3 Series Sedan Used TMV from $2,534 Find Used Inventory
  • 1995 BMW 3 Series 2 Dr 318i Convertible View photos
    1995 BMW 3 Series Convertible Used TMV from $2,523 Find Used Inventory
  • 1995 BMW 3 Series 2 Dr 325is Coupe View photos
    1995 BMW 3 Series Coupe Used TMV from $2,284 Find Used Inventory
  • 1995 BMW 3 Series 2 Dr 318ti Hatchback View photos
    1995 BMW 3 Series Hatchback Used TMV from $1,791 Find Used Inventory
  • 1995 BMW 3 Series 4 Dr 318i Sedan View photos
    1995 BMW 3 Series Sedan Used TMV from $2,041 Find Used Inventory
  • 1994 BMW 3 Series 2 Dr 325i Convertible View photos
    1994 BMW 3 Series Convertible Used TMV from $2,076 Find Used Inventory
  • 1994 BMW 3 Series 2 Dr 325is Coupe View photos
    1994 BMW 3 Series Coupe Used TMV from $1,971 Find Used Inventory
  • 1994 BMW 3 Series 4 Dr 318i Sedan View photos
    1994 BMW 3 Series Sedan Used TMV from $1,776 Find Used Inventory
  • 1991 BMW 3 Series 2 Dr 325i Convertible View photos
    1993 BMW 3 Series Convertible Used TMV from $2,784 Find Used Inventory
  • 1994 BMW 3 Series 2 Dr 325is Coupe View photos
    1993 BMW 3 Series Coupe Used TMV from $1,727 Find Used Inventory
  • 1992 BMW 3 Series 4 Dr 325i Sedan View photos
    1993 BMW 3 Series Sedan Used TMV from $1,554 Find Used Inventory
  • 1991 BMW 3 Series 2 Dr 325i Convertible View photos
    1992 BMW 3 Series Convertible Used TMV from $1,905 Find Used Inventory
  • 1994 BMW 3 Series 2 Dr 325is Coupe View photos
    1992 BMW 3 Series Coupe Used TMV from $1,440 Find Used Inventory
  • 1994 BMW 3 Series 4 Dr 318i Sedan View photos
    1992 BMW 3 Series Sedan Used TMV from $1,395 Find Used Inventory
  • 1991 BMW 3 Series 2 Dr 325i Convertible View photos
    1991 BMW 3 Series Convertible Used TMV from $1,784 Find Used Inventory
  • 1991 BMW 3 Series 2 Dr 318is Sedan View photos
    1991 BMW 3 Series Coupe Used TMV from $1,365 Find Used Inventory
  • 1991 BMW 3 Series Sedan Used TMV from $1,333 Find Used Inventory
  • 1991 BMW 3 Series 2 Dr 325i Convertible View photos
    1990 BMW 3 Series Convertible Used TMV from $2,214 Find Used Inventory
  • 1991 BMW 3 Series 2 Dr 318is Sedan View photos
    1990 BMW 3 Series Coupe Used TMV from $1,608 Find Used Inventory
  • 1990 BMW 3 Series Sedan Used TMV from $1,651 Find Used Inventory

The BMW 3 Series is the company's top seller in the United States and a favorite in the marketplace for good reason: It's a well-built, premium compact vehicle endowed with world-class fit and finish, ample power, and a comfortable ride and handling trade-off that is unmatched by most cars at any price. No matter what model you choose, our editors generally agree that you'll be able to go about your weekday routine without feeling that you've sacrificed ride comfort for the sake of weekend thrills.

The current model, which represents the fifth-generation 3 Series, is slightly larger, heavier and faster than the previous 3 Series generations. An even better car overall, the latest BMW 3 Series has a bolder look, revised suspension and braking, more power and more interior space. It tends to cost more than the competition, but if you go easy on the optional equipment, we think you'll find that the price of admission is well worth it.

No matter what year you're looking at, however, the BMW 3 Series remains the unequivocal "ultimate driving machine" and popular favorite in the entry-luxury category.

Current BMW 3 Series
The BMW 3 Series is offered in a variety of body styles (sedan, wagon, coupe and convertible) and engine choices. The 328i is available in all body styles and features a naturally aspirated 3.0-liter inline-6 (230 horsepower, 200 pound-feet of torque). The 335i is available in all but the wagon body and features a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 engine that's rated at 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque.

The new 335is is available only as a coupe or convertible, and features a twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-6 good for 320 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque. The 335d comes only as a sedan and features a 3.0-liter turbodiesel (265 hp and a substantial 425 lb-ft of torque). A six-speed manual is standard on all but the 335d, which comes with the six-speed automatic optional on all but the 335is. That model gets a seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual (DCT) All-wheel drive (dubbed xDrive) is available on 328i and 335i sedans, coupes and wagons.

Inside, drivers will find a restrained show of luxury, with an emphasis on driver comfort and involvement -- supportive seats underneath and a clean, clear analog gauge cluster dead ahead. Materials and build quality are exceptional in keeping with its price point; even the standard leatherette upholstery looks and feels better than one might expect. In the convertible, the optional leather upholstery features sun-reflective pigments that lower the temperature of dark-colored leather surfaces. For those who avoid convertibles because of the dreaded SBS (sweaty butt syndrome), your open-top chariot has arrived.

If you can ante up the considerable bottom line, the BMW 3 Series is still the standard-bearer of the compact luxury-sport class. It is a mixture of perfectly sorted and balanced vehicle dynamics, abundant and smooth power, a wide range of configurations to suit any buyer and available all-wheel drive for those who can't afford to let a little inclement weather stand between them and their well-appointed journeys.

Used BMW 3 Series Models
The present fifth-generation ("E90" in BMW speak) sedan and wagon debuted for 2006 with a complete makeover. Originally, the model designations were 325i and 330i. The former was powered by a 215-hp 3.0-liter inline-6 engine, while the 330i featured a 255-hp version of the same engine.

The current crop of model designations appeared with the redesigned coupe and convertible for 2007. That year also saw the coupe get all-wheel drive for the first time. While the 328i's engine has remained the same, the 335i was different prior to 2011. Though its output is identical, the original twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter was replaced by a single twin-scroll turbocharger design that offers better fuel economy. For 2009, the 335d and its diesel engine became available, while xDrive debuted as the name for all-wheel-drive models (replacing 328xi and 335xi).

Other notable changes occurred for 2009, when the sedan and wagon's exterior were freshened to more closely resemble the more handsome coupe, while the iDrive electronics interface included with the optional navigation system was greatly improved for better usability. The 335is arrived for '11.

The highly regarded fourth-generation ("E46") 3 Series debuted as a sedan for the 1999 model year. The coupe, convertible and wagon models fell in line a year later in 2000. Like those that came before and after, this BMW 3 Series never failed to impress as a top choice in the segment. Our editors consistently reported that the 3 Series' world-class suspension, engines, steering and brakes made it a delight to drive, while its interior design and overall quality satisfied those desiring luxury and prestige.

Originally, the available engines included a 170-hp 2.5-liter inline-6 (curiously dubbed the 323i) and a 193-hp 2.8-liter inline-6 in the 328i. You might want to look at the newer models, though -- for 2001, feature content and engine displacement/technology was boosted, and all-wheel drive became available. The 2.5-liter was now matched to the 325i and produced 184 hp. The bigger six now displaced 3.0 liters (suitably named 330i) and it pumped out 225 hp. An exterior face-lift for sedans and wagons occurred for 2002, with the coupes and convertibles following for 2004. Detail improvements like navigation, bi-xenon headlights and rain-sensing wipers helped carry the 325i and 330i BMWs through the remaining few years.

From 1992-'98, BMW's 3 Series was in its third generation ("E36"). Even though these 3 Series models are getting on in years today, they were considered one of the best cars in their time at combining luxury and sport. Body styles included a sedan, a coupe, a convertible and a short-lived hatchback. Engine choices ranged from a 1.8-liter four-cylinder to a 190-hp six-cylinder. In general, any BMW 3 Series from this generation that's been well maintained and has low mileage should be an excellent choice.

For more on Past BMW 3 Series models, view our BMW 3 Series History page

Read the most recent review for 2011 BMW 3 Series

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