Skip advert
Advertisement

BMW 3 Series Saloon review

The M3 Convertible is arguably a more pleasant everyday choice than the harder-edged Coupe.

Overall Auto Express rating

5.0

How we review cars
RRP
£41,040 £61,565
Avg. savings
£5,448 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

Driving
The M3 Convertible boasts a folding hard-top roof. With it in place, the chassis is 30 per cent stiffer than the old M3 drop-top, making it nearly as agile as the Coupe. It turns into corners keenly, suffers from minimal body roll and even has a supple ride. Only larger bumps will cause the body to shake and flex, although we were disappointed to find the drop-top’s steering is slightly lifeless compared to its stablemate. The 4.0-litre V8 engine is vocal and revs to an incredible 8,300rpm, providing searing pace. Also available alongside the six-speed manual is BMW’s M DCT twin-clutch semi-auto. The seven-speed self-shifter is quick and engaging – and actually provides more performance than for the manual. The changes can, however, be jerky at times.

Marketplace
The fourth-generation 3-Series cabrio is, in M3 guise, the fastest ever. Its folding hard-top makes it the most practical model yet, too, with all-weather usability and coupe levels of refinement and chassis stiffness. Saying that, there’s no mistaking this for a standard 3-Series Convertible. The deep front bumper, vented bonnet with power bulge, chunky wheelarches and chrome grilles in the front wings all show off the sporting M3’s credentials. It is up against rivals such as the Audi RS4, Mercedes CLK AMG – and even the Porsche 911 Cabriolet, such is the motor’s searing 420bhp pace.

Owning
Inside, the cabin is lifted straight out of the Coupe, and if it wasn’t for the thick-rimmed steering wheel and M-badged instruments, you could be in any 3-Series. We also still find the seats are positioned too high. It is a full four-seater, though, with two comfortable pews in the rear. With the hood up, refinement is impressive – even at motorway speeds, the cockpit is well insulated from road and wind noise. The roof is fully-electric too, and lowers in 22 seconds. Once stowed, you can enjoy the full aural delights of the amazing engine. A flexible boot does reduce in size with the roof down, but it’s still a decent capacity, and prices for the BMW, despite being the most expensive 3-Series you can buy, look competitive alongside prestigious rivals. Good retained values are another plus, although fuel economy is an issue, despite the M DCT actually being more economical than the manual.

Engines, performance and drive

MPG, CO2 and Running Costs

Interior, design and technology

Practicality, comfort and boot space

Reliability and Safety

Skip advert
Advertisement

Which Is Best

Cheapest

  • Name
    320i Sport 4dr Step Auto
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • RRP
    £41,040
Select car

Most Economical

  • Name
    330e 22.3 kWh Sport 4dr Step Auto
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • RRP
    £47,075
Select car

Fastest

  • Name
    M340i xDrive MHT 4dr Step Auto
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • RRP
    £61,565
Select car

New & used car deals

BMW 3 Series

BMW 3 Series

RRP £33,315Avg. savings £5,448 off RRP*Used from £11,895
Mercedes C Class
Audi A4

Audi A4

RRP £32,725Avg. savings £2,195 off RRP*Used from £11,495
BMW 4 Series

BMW 4 Series

RRP £45,285Avg. savings £4,830 off RRP*Used from £16,501
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production
Range Rover Sport SV Black - front

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production

There’s also a new SV Black trim, and a Range Rover Sport Stealth Package for non SVs
News
1 Jul 2025
Car Deal of the Day: MG ZS gives a big SUV feel for a miniscule £194 a month
MG ZS - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: MG ZS gives a big SUV feel for a miniscule £194 a month

The MG ZS is an easy car to like and live with. It’s our Deal of the Day for 3 July
News
3 Jul 2025
Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model
Ferrari Amalfi - front static

Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model

A slick new look and more power are the headlines for Ferrari’s new baby, but it’s probably some simple new buttons that will get customers’ attention
News
1 Jul 2025