Used BMW 3 Series for sale in Europe

About the BMW 3 Series

The BMW 3 Series is a compact executive car that has been built since 1975. It is mostly rear-wheel drive, with xDrive all-wheel drive offered on later generations. Our listings run from the earliest cars to current models, so the choice is very wide.

Body styles over the years include saloon, Touring estate, coupe, convertible and, on some generations, a compact hatchback or Gran Turismo. It suits drivers who want a car that is comfortable on long trips and still pleasant on a country road.

Engines cover petrol and diesel four- and six-cylinder units. Newer cars add mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions. Because the range is so broad, the generation and engine matter more than the badge when comparing cars.

Generations

• E30 (1982-1994) — Compact rear-wheel-drive car that was sold as a saloon, coupe, convertible and, later, Touring estate, and included the first M3.
• E36 (1990-2000) — Offered saloon, coupe, convertible, Touring and compact bodies, with four- and six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines.
• E46 (1998-2006) — Sold as a saloon, Touring, coupe, convertible and compact, with a wide range of petrol and diesel engines.
• E90/E91/E92/E93 (2005-2013) — Saloon, Touring, coupe and convertible; the coupe and convertible carry their own model codes, E92 and E93.
• F30/F31/F34 (2012-2019) — Saloon (F30), Touring (F31) and Gran Turismo (F34), with turbocharged engines throughout and a plug-in hybrid 330e added during its run.
• G20/G21 (2018-present) — Current generation, sold as a saloon (G20) and Touring (G21), with petrol, diesel, mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions.

Typical prices

Asking prices in our listings rise fairly steadily with newer model years. The median for 2010 cars is €5,800 and for 2020 cars it is €23,900. Cars from 2026 have a median of €49,900. Across all listings the median is €14,000. Cars from the early 2000s sit at a much lower level than that. Very old cars from the 1970s and 1980s have few listings and a wide spread, because condition, originality and rarity matter more than age. Mileage, engine, trim and country also move prices within each year. These are asking prices in our listings on 2026-11-10, not a valuation.

Based on our listings as of 2026-11-10. These are asking prices, not a valuation.

What to check when buying a used BMW 3 Series

Ask for the full service history and check that the mileage is consistent across invoices, MOT or inspection records and the dashboard. Inspect the car cold, test every electrical function and take a drive that includes motorway speed.

• Service history and mileage

  Look for regular oil changes and records of work from a known workshop. Compare dates and mileages on invoices with the current reading. Gaps in history matter more on engines with timing chains or on cars with complex electronics.

• Rust on older cars · E30 and E36

  Check sills, wheel arches, jacking points, floor edges and the areas around the rear suspension. Look under carpets and inside boot corners. Repairs that were done poorly can hide corrosion, so look for uneven paint and filler.

• Rear subframe and cooling · E46

  Inspect the rear subframe mounting areas for cracks or past repairs. Check the cooling system, including the expansion tank, hoses and water pump, for leaks. Ask whether these parts have been replaced.

• Timing chain on four-cylinder diesels · N47 diesel (E9x and early F30)

  The N47 four-cylinder diesel has a timing chain at the rear of the engine, and wear is widely discussed by owners. Listen for rattles at start-up and check that servicing was on time. Ask what work has been done on the chain.

• Timing chain on turbo petrols · N20 petrol (F30)

  Some turbocharged four-cylinder petrols from the early F30 era are known for timing chain wear. Listen for rattling on a cold start and check for warning lights. Look for records showing oil changes on schedule.

• Emissions equipment · Diesel models

  On diesels, ask about the particulate filter and EGR valve. Short, low-speed use can clog them. Check for warning lights, a rough idle and the way the engine pulls under load. Ask for service records covering this system.

• Charging port and hybrid system · Plug-in hybrid versions

  Check the charging port, the supplied cable and that the car accepts a charge. Look for hybrid system warnings. Ask for the service history and whether any software updates or battery checks were carried out.

Frequently asked questions