Used Car Review: BMW 3-Series

Along with the rise in status that comes from driving a BMW, the 3-Series offers a surprisingly powerful engine, a smooth ride and a starting price that won’t empty your bank account.

As a near-luxury car with a surprisingly affordable base price, there are few used cars that can compare to the 3-Series in terms of both value and high-end appeal. It’s this dedication to craftsmanship and engineering that has made it such a popular choice on both the new and used market.

Advantages of a Used BMW 3-Series

Technically the 3-Series is classified as a near luxury car, but we are guessing that once you take it for a ride you won’t be able to tell the difference:

• Luxury at an affordable price: The 3-Series offers world-class style and engineering that is unmatched by most vehicles at any price.
• Interior comfort: This may be a compact, but with its innovative interior, the 3-Series does not lack leg room.
• Engineering that is built to last:

BMW 3-Series Redesigns

As the best-selling BMW year after year, there are any number of used 3-Series available, coming complete in an array of styles and options. And to stay current with changing trends and remain ahead of the competition, this little luxury sedan has undergone some significant changes over the years. Some of the more notable redesigns include:

• 2012: During the 2012 redesign, the sedan’s interior was overhauled, receiving updated comfort features along with a host of high-tech gadgets.
• 2006: With bigger dimensions, new styling, updated electronics and improved driving dynamics, it seems like just about everything on the 2006 models underwent an upgrade. Along with the addition of a 332-horsepower engine, the 3-Series sedan and wagon were added as options.
• 1999: Aggressive exterior styling was a major focus of this upgrade. The 3-Series now offered more pronounced headlights, wider wheel arches, a rounder roof line and an enhanced front end. 1992: With the introduction of this third generation, the 3-Series was now available as a coupe, sedan or convertible.
• 1984: With its new aerodynamic redesign, the 3-Series now offered increased handling and improved drivability.
• 1977: When BMW introduced their 3-Series in 1977, the car buying world instantly recognized it as the new standard of excellence in the luxury sport sedan marketplace.

Technically the 3-Series is classified as a near luxury car, but we are guessing that once you take it for a ride you won’t be able to tell the difference. But don’t just take our word for it. Take a look at what some of the critics are saying and decide for yourself.

• JD Power and Associates 2011 Predicted Reliability Score: 3.5/5
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 2010 Average Overall Crash Rating: 4.6/5