BMW 3 SERIES F30
OUR PICK 2013 (13) 320d Efficientdynamics manual, 54,625 miles, £12,899
THE 3 Series has been a front-runner in the compact executive saloon class ever since the original was launched way back in 1975. The latest model, the F30, is the sixth generation and was introduced in 2012. With nearly 40 years of development history to fall back on, it’s arguably BMW’S best effort yet.
It’s just been facelifted in 2016, too, so the first examples of the F30 are looking even more affordable. Thanks to sales figures that regularly place the 3 Series in the monthly top 10 of the charts, there are plenty of cars around, so you can afford to be choosy with the example you’re looking for. Prices start from well under £10,000 for a 320d Efficientdynamics – probably the most popular 3 Series on the second-hand market – and with potential fuel economy of 68.9mpg and 109g/km CO2 emissions, it’s a thoroughly modern family saloon for the price of a brand new city car.
Whichever model you choose, be it a small petrol or a high-performance diesel, you’re guaranteed superb handling, which is confirmed by owners in our Driver Power survey. However, some have complained about comfort, so we’d certainly suggest you try before you buy. The optional adaptive dampers are well worth seeking out, as they offer a supple ride in Comfort mode and excellent body control in the Sport setting.
Many used BMWS were fleet cars in the past, and with four years having passed since the 3 Series was launched, there are plenty of second-hand examples. Cars at the cheaper end of the scale will have covered big miles, but with regular servicing this shouldn’t be much of a worry, as the tech in the 3 Series is shared across BMW’S line-up and has proven reliable. Just one word of advice: desirable auto models command a premium of around £1,200 over manual examples.
Whether you choose a small-capacity petrol or a high-performance diesel, the BMW 3 Series is guaranteed to deliver superb handling “SMALLER wheels and a little less power than the standard car made the 320d ED popular with business users new, and there’s now plenty of choice used. Many cars have the budget-spec manual box and cloth seats, while models with leather and an auto box feel more luxurious. Some owners in this year’s Driver Power survey reported squeaks and rattles in their cars, though.”