With over 20 million models bought since its debut 5 many years in the past, the three Sequence is BMW’s most profitable mannequin, constantly setting the benchmark for sports activities sedans with its flawless mixture of efficiency, consolation, luxurious, and know-how. Nevertheless, not everybody can afford the $50,000 price ticket of a brand new 3er, and plenty of patrons are inclined to look to the secondary marketplace for a greater deal.
In any case, used 3 Sequence fashions can be found on Edmunds and CarGurus for as little as $2,000. To place that in perspective, essentially the most reasonably priced new automotive in the US, the Nissan Versa, has an MSRP of $18,330. However then, is a used 3 Sequence a very good buy? The reply is commonly sure, however with a number of vital exceptions. A
Primarily based on proprietor stories, BMW service bulletins and our personal experiences, on this article, we have now listed the variants to keep away from.
E90 335i (N54/N55)
At its launch, the E90 335i delivered sports activities car-level efficiency. Certainly, its N54 twin-turbo engine produced 302 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, enabling a 0-60 mph time of 5.8 seconds. Naturally, the N54 engine received loads of accolades, together with the Worldwide Engine of the 12 months title and the Ward’s 10 Finest Engines award (3 times).
Nevertheless, as BMW’s first fashionable mass-produced turbo-petrol engine, the N54 had a number of notable points, together with high-pressure gas pump (HPFP) failure. This situation was so widespread that it led to a class-action lawsuit towards the corporate. Furthermore, the N54’s successor, the N55, additionally had issues, albeit BMW did finally get them underneath management.
E36 3 Sequence
The E36 by no means achieved the identical form of recognition because the E30 or E46, and for good cause. BMW’s cost-cutting on the third-generation 3 Sequence was evident in its poor-quality interiors and cooling system issues. It was nonetheless a mechanical and design improve over the E30 and earned rave opinions from publications like Autocar, Automotive and Driver, and Highway & Observe.
It’s additionally truthful to say that almost all house owners love their E36 3 Sequence, particularly when you’ve got a particular one just like the E36 M3-R, which was a homologation particular for the Australian market and had a restricted run of simply 15 models (making it a profitable collector automotive).
F30 3 Sequence
We all know that the F30 was a vital business success, with 2.6 million deliveries and awards like What Automotive? Government Automotive of the 12 months, the Golden Steering Wheel from Auto Bild, and Car Journal’s All-Star. Nevertheless, the sixth-generation 3er was fairly controversial amongst lovers, as its elevated deal with luxurious, know-how, and luxury was seen as a dilution of BMW’s efficiency DNA. Plus, the 2012-2015 320i and 328i fashions with the N20 engines have been liable to sturdiness issues (timing chain points, oil leaks and turbo longevity).
Frankly, as an alternative of the F30, it’s probably a greater worth proposition to pay the premium for a used G20.
Conclusion
Usually talking, BMW is well-regarded for its high quality and dependability. Living proof: in J.D. Energy’s 2025 Car Dependability Examine (VDS), the Munich-based automaker acquired an above-average ranking (189 issues per 100 automobiles) and completed forward of Tesla (209 PP100 automobiles), Mercedes-Benz (243 PP100 automobiles) and Audi (273 PP100 automobiles).
Nonetheless, proudly owning a BMW exterior of its guarantee interval will be expensive and irritating. The aforementioned E36, E90, and F30 fashions are sometimes finest prevented. As but, it’s essential to keep in mind that even different 3 Sequence fashions/generations could cause vital complications and bills if their upkeep has been uncared for.
