Read the full 4Car Road Test
2002 Top Ten position
All UK car sales: 10
Fleet car sales: n/a
Compact Executive
Introduced: 1998, substantial makeover 2001, mild tweaks for 2003
Bodystyles: Saloon, Touring estate, Compact three-door hatchback, Coupé, Convertible; X3 4x4 launched next year
Price band: £16,295-£42,370
NCAP crash test rating: 4
The 3-Series is...
often disparaged as the default choice in this market sector, but like the Focus, it's popular for a reason. Its rear-wheel drive set-up and sharp, responsive handling endears it to keen drivers, and even the entry-level 316i has plenty of go (it's now got BMW's advanced, torquey 1.8-litre Valvetronic engine, despite the 316i badge). The 320d and 330d diesels are superb, and the latter engine is now offered in the Coupé as well as the saloon and Touring. The Compact (badged 'Ti' or 'Td')has recently been facelifted, receiving a welcome upgrade in quality to the usual BMW standards, the Touring estate is usefully roomy, if not a real load-lugger, and the M3 coupé and convertible have supercar-like performance. There are also non-M coupé and convertible models (badged 'Ci' or 'Cd'), which have very high pose appeal. 2003's coupé, convertible and Compact have received a new front spoiler, new headlights and grille, LED taillights and a new rear apron spoiler, plus park distance control sensors. The whole range is beautifully engineered, well put together and very easy - and enjoyable - to live with.
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For
Refinement, excellent quality, great attention to detail, the keen driver's choice.
Against
Expensive, not very roomy, getting a bit common.
Sum-up
Still one of the best driver's cars around, and sensible as well as satisfying.
Engines, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions
Petrol:316i (1796cc, 115bhp): 35.3mpg, 172g/km
318i (1995cc, 142bhp): 34.9mpg, 175g/km
320i (2171cc, 170bhp): 30.1mpg, 213g/km
325i (2494cc, 192bhp): 29.7mpg, 217g/km
330i (2979cc, 231bhp): 29.4mpg, 218g/km
M3 (3246cc, 343bhp): 23.7mpg, 287g/km
Diesels:320d (1995cc, 150bhp): 40.9mpg, 153g/km
320Cd (1995cc, 170bhp): n/a
330d (2926cc, 184bhp): 35.3mpg, 178g/km
(all figures for saloon, except M3 - coupé)
Spec rundown
Entry level 'i' or Compact 'ti' models with four cylinders have ABS anti-lock brakes, DSC (dynamic stability control), driver, passenger and side airbags, air conditioning, central locking and an alarm, electric windows and - stingily - a radio/cassette. SE specification adds alloy wheels, electric mirrors and cruise control, and ES versions have sports suspension, 16-inch cross-spoke alloy wheels, an M leather steering wheel, colour-coded door handles, a CD player and extra storage compartments. Sport versions have the lowered, stiffer suspension, M body kit, 18-inch M V-spoke alloys, a rear lip spoiler (saloon and Coupé versions), high-gloss 'shadow line' exterior trim, colour-coded door handles, sports seats, aluminium trim, cloth/alcantara upholstery and M-badged door sills. The 320Cd coupé has a reworked version of the 2.0-litre diesel engine, which will be fitted in saloon and Touring models next year, and a six-speed manual gearbox, which will also be offered on other models. Automatic transmission is optional on most models, and sporty versions are offered with BMW's SMG (Sequential Manual Gearbox) or the six-speed manual.
Market info
BMW stands firm against special editions and buyer incentives, but there is the occasional deal; it has just started to offer three years' free servicing, for example. Haggle over the finance deals instead. The largest savings are to be made by importing - the 3-Series is one of the most popular cars ordered by Virgin Cars - but in the long term, a 3-Series is one of the safest investments as it holds its value very well indeed.
