Skip advert
Advertisement

BMW 3-Series

Munich’s master engine builder is set to blow away the opposition yet again!

Overall Auto Express rating

5.0

How we review cars
Avg. savings
£5,683 off RRP*
Find your BMW 3 Series
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

BMW has finally fitted its twin-turbo diesel in the 3-Series. It provides effortless power at any speed, returns 37.7mpg, plus is rapid, responsive and refined. Possibly the most desirable oil-burner we have ever driven.

There is no doubt that BMW has rediscovered the art of turbocharging petrol units with its magnificent twin-turbo 306bhp motor, now available across the 3-Series range.

But it is not the only new forced-induction 3.0-litre engine to be fitted to the compact executive model. The hi-tech petrol motor may have been attracting all the headlines, yet behind the scenes engineers have taken the range-topping diesel out of the 535d and put that into the 3-Series, too. And as if that wasn’t enough, they’ve tweaked it to liberate more power and torque.

As a result, the 335d Coupé has an extra 14bhp and 20Nm – the latter produced 250rpm further down the rev range. In fact, BMW fans may remember that, with 286bhp, this diesel coupé has the same power output as the M3 from 1993. But as with all oil-burners, it’s best to let the torque do the talking – and boasting 580Nm at 1,750rpm, the new coupé has plenty to say. Straight-line pace is amazing, as the oil-burner provides boost pressure virtually from tickover.

Acceleration builds quickly, but that’s not to say power comes in suddenly and tails off – consistent, responsive perfor-mance is delivered across the rev band. Linked to the superb Steptronic six-speed auto (there’s no manual), it makes the 335i petrol version feel flat at low revs. Smooth, hushed and well mannered, it may not sound as enticing as its stablemate, but in everyday situations, the 335d is faster.

It’s just a pity the Coupé looks relatively mundane next to rivals such as the Audi TT. However, providing good space, a comfortable driving environment plus sublime road manners, this is one polished performer. Want more practicality? It’s also available in £32,995 saloon and £34,165 Touring guises.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

BMW 3 Series

BMW 3 Series

RRP £33,315Avg. savings £5,683 off RRP*Used from £11,495
Mercedes C Class
Audi A4

Audi A4

RRP £32,725Used from £9,290
BMW 4 Series

BMW 4 Series

RRP £45,285Avg. savings £5,322 off RRP*Used from £23,600
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Electric car battery repairs and health checks: how to keep thousands of EVs on the road
Battery health checks - Arnhem site 4 REVIVE MOBILE

Electric car battery repairs and health checks: how to keep thousands of EVs on the road

The truth about EV battery repair and why understanding state of health could revolutionise the electric-car market
Features
5 Sep 2025
Sexy new Renault Clio cranks up the old va va voom
Renault Clio Munich 2025 - front

Sexy new Renault Clio cranks up the old va va voom

The sixth generation of the huge selling Renault Clio has finally been revealed, and it will arrive in UK next year
News
9 Sep 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Open wide and say R, it’s a sporty Volkswagen Golf for £210 a month
Volkswagen Golf - front action

Car Deal of the Day: Open wide and say R, it’s a sporty Volkswagen Golf for £210 a month

The Volkswagen Golf has always been a quality choice, but now it won’t break the bank, even in R-Line trim. It’s our Deal of the Day for September 5
News
5 Sep 2025