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BMW 3-Series Saloon road test reports and car reviews

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BMW 3-Series Saloon

3.5 stars - average customer rating
Average driver rating ( based on 11 driver reviews )
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Get quoteThe BMW 3 Series Saloon cannot be measured by how many miles or kilometres it can cover per hour. The BMW 3 Series Saloon responds instantly to the throttle and seeing the countryside flash rapidly cannot be measured by miles per gallon. When it comes to measuring the driving pleasure of the BMW 3 Series Saloon, the only true guide is the beat of your heart.

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BMW 3-Series Saloon reviews by year of make:   2002  2005  2006  2007  2008 
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BMW 3-Series Saloon

320d - Recently facelifted, the 3-series is one of the best all-round cars on sale. Not only does it offer refinement and comfort by the bucketload, but it’s also blessed with the ability to morph into a pin... read more

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BMW 3-Series Saloon car reviews

There are 11 consumer reviews on the BMW 3-Series Saloon, the 10 latest are displayed below.
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The views expressed in these consumer reviews do not reflect the thoughts and opinions of ReallyGoodDomains.com

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Dan Davies, Surrey

BMW 3-Series Saloon 318i SE Edition 2007

2 star review

To sum up the car: OK, not offensive, the ultimate driving machine? Er, NO. My 1st BMW and I honestly can’t see what the fuss is all about. It does everything quite well but think i’ll try an Audi A4 when I change. This report is based on my opinion after a software problem was sorted out after 18 months from new. The car did not run properly from day 1: Hesitant / Poor running / Poor fuel economy, finally sorted out. BMW head office couldn’t care less, they must assume customers will return based on their cars, sorry mine’s not quite good enough to rush back to BMW. Not bitter just not very impressed. If you’re thinking of buying a 3 Series take it for a very long test drive to know what you are getting.

Submitted: 07/12/2009 21:26:32 | ID: 4031

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Vincent Dolphin, Derbyshire

BMW 3-Series Saloon 320se 2008

1 star review

The most disappointing and expensive heap of trash I have ever had the missfortune of throwing money away on. Unlike the BMW advertising slogan ’the ultimate driving experience it definitely is not! At less than one year old and only covered 11,000 miles I found this ultimate driving machine to be a total disaster, from large water leaks into front passenger footwell and air conditioning that stank the cabin out (smells from aircon are not covered under BMW warranty) to mega engine problems including blown turbo charger, new diesel injectors and a new fuel injection computer. The clutch is very heavy and makes life misserable in heavy trafic, limited boot space with no split rear seat in the SE model unless you pay extra, the run flat tyres make for a hard ride and gear change is poor, in particular the reverse being hard to engage. I did not experience any pleasure driving this car as this was destroyed by so many faults and a dealership both locally and nationally that doesn’t give a damn!

Submitted: 07/10/2009 11:01:10 | ID: 3668

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John Rowlands, Lancashire

BMW 3-Series Saloon 320d 2005

3 star review

My first BMW and probably the last. The car is a good drive, economical and very good on long journeys. The interior has plenty of space but is fairly basic. During the last four years I have had problems with the run flat tyres as they cannot be repaired. I have had eleven in that time. Yes, eleven! That is with normal road driving and no off road activities. I may have just been unlucky but it has proved expensive. Additionally the turbo had to be replaced even though the car had been fully maintained by the dealer and was only four years old. The car feels like a Friday car in terms of reliability. Despite all of this I do enjoy driving it.

Submitted: 26/06/2009 11:04:54 | ID: 3157

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James Thompson, Yorkshire

BMW 3-Series Saloon 320SE 2008

1 star review

This car has an amazing lack of class. Build quality is worse than anything I have driven previously by some margin and the infamous dealer network seem unwilling to cure any faults. I think I would actually choose a Vectra over this in hindsight.

Submitted: 08/05/2009 14:54:46 | ID: 2914

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Alan Bennett, Yorkshire

BMW 3-Series Saloon 330d M Sport 2008

5 star review

This is my first BMW after two Mercedes Benz cars. The first a SLK 230 and the second a C Class Coupe with a 2.5 litre V6 and 7 speed auto box. I absolutely adore the 330d M Sport. The ride, driving experience and performance are the best I have experienced to date and all this coupled with a good fuel economy as well. I particularly enjoy the driving experience which is spirited but controlled and above all else I feel involved and in control. This is my first diesel for over 10 years and it certainly does not sound or perform like one. If I have any reservations about the car it’s the run flat tyres and the difficulty I am having in getting hold of a set of replacement alloys and winter tyres. Suggestions anyone? Fortunately, the bad weather only lasts a short time. Roll on the better weather.

Submitted: 08/12/2008 09:32:45 | ID: 2222

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Rob Blacker, Buckinghamshire

BMW 3-Series Saloon 318 iSE 2006

5 star review

Bought the car new after a big discount, and free metallic paint. After owning 2 previous 3 series (E46), I initially didn’t like the car, but after a couple of months I have changed my mind. Its fantastic to drive, gripping the road extremely well, and very quiet. Around top 30 - early 40 to the gallon as well. Buy one!!

Submitted: 10/11/2008 12:45:24 | ID: 2124

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Dave, Lancashire

BMW 3-Series Saloon 318i 2002

3 star review

Always wanted a BMW for last 15 years; got one eventually and was most disappointed. I would take my wife’s 1999 Focus TD if ever I had the choice as it was a much more pleasant drive. Nothing wrong with it; just unimpressive and far below what I thought it would be; half decent SE spec but had a 1980’s feel to it. I kept it 10 months and moved on to a VW Passat. If you are thinking of buying one look beyond the badge and compare it to more value for money brands.....

Submitted: 24/10/2008 09:39:17 | ID: 2062

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Diane, Sussex

BMW 3-Series Saloon 325i M Sport 2006

3 star review

This is my fourth BMW and the most disappointing. The handling is fantastic with plenty of power when you need it but the build quality has let the car down. The leather seats are very thin compared with previous models and it has worn badly on the drivers seat - not good for such an expensive option. The paint work has chipped easily and I have had to have the rear window replaced due to a faulty seal along with other minor problems. I feel that I have bought ’the runt of the litter’... Now it is time to sell and though I love the actual drive of the car (especially the positive feedback through the steering) I will be looking at the new Jaguar XF instead.

Submitted: 14/08/2008 12:58:08 | ID: 1778

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Abigail Roberts, Wrexham

BMW 3-Series Saloon 2.0 diesel 2008

5 star review

When I found the 3 Series I found my dream. The enjoyment that I get from driving it is incredible. I look forward to driving in a way that I have never done before. Reliable and sexy, two reasons why it is better than my husband (only joking...). I get about 50mpg and reliability is as good as you would expect from BMW.

Submitted: 01/05/2008 14:09:52 | ID: 1396

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Howard Kaye, Essex

BMW 3-Series Saloon 320d SE 2007

5 star review

Wow! Better than anything else I have ever driven. BMW quality means I have had no trouble with this one or the previous company car I had which was a 3-Series as well. Build quality, drive and performance are second to none and the residuals are great too.

Submitted: 02/11/2007 17:09:47 | ID: 498

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Damian Wynne, Somerset

BMW 3-Series Saloon BMW 3 Series 318d ES

5 star review

Good solid car, handles beautifully. I’m hitting the 52mpg mark and am very pleased with the car’s performance. This is my third BMW and I don’t think it will be my last.

Submitted: 07/08/2007 14:10:06 | ID: 35

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There are 11 consumer reviews on the BMW 3-Series Saloon, the 10 latest are displayed above.
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