Used BMW 3 Series Deals
Why Buy a Used BMW 3 Series?
Few cars have defined an era quite like the BMW 3 Series.
Since its introduction in 1975, it has set the benchmark for the bmw sports car class - and for good reason. Sharp, driver-focused dynamics sit alongside genuine refinement and everyday practicality in a way few rivals have managed to replicate.
Buying your used BMW 3 Series means getting one of the world's most respected driver's cars at a price that makes the decision an easy one.
Whether you're drawn to the efficiency of the 320i, the plug-in hybrid versatility of the 330e, the long-distance capability of the 320d diesel, or the outright performance of the M340i xDrive, a used 3 Series gives you the real thing - without paying for it twice.
Available as a BMW 3 Series saloon and estate (Touring), with petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and mild-hybrid powertrains across a range of trim grades, at Vertu there's always a stocked used BMW fit for your needs.
Who is the Used BMW 3 Series Best For?
The BMW 3 Series earns its place in more driveways than almost any other executive car - because it genuinely suits any kind of driver.
If you commute daily or cover high motorway mileage, the BMW 320i petrol's smooth eight-speed automatic and more than 40 mpg economy make it a compelling long-distance companion.
High-mileage drivers and those wanting strong fuel economy will find the BMW 320d diesel a natural fit. Real-world efficiency well into the 50s mpg and 400Nm of low-end torque make long motorway miles feel effortless - and affordable.
If you need to keep an eye on benefit-in-kind tax or simply want to do more miles on less fuel, the BMW 330e plug-in hybrid makes a compelling case. With up to 62 miles of electric range (WLTP), most daily commutes never touch the petrol engine - meaning zero tailpipe emissions whilst driving.
For those who want to feel something on every drive, BMW M340i xDrive is the ultimate answer.
Its 3.0-litre straight-six produces 392hp, reaches 62mph in 4.3 seconds, and sends it all through BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive - a car that rewards every mile.
And if you need the space to match the drive, look no further than the BMW 3 Series estate - the Touring. With up to 1,510 litres of boot space with the rear seats folded, it handles everything life throws at it without giving up a single inch of driving pleasure.
Used BMW 3 Series Trims and Specifications
The current BMW 3 Series (G20/G21 generation) gives you a clear ladder to climb: Sport, M Sport, and M Sport Pro, each adding more equipment, more style, and more of everything that makes the 3 Series worth having.
The M Sport Shadow is a special edition that takes M Sport further still, swapping chrome for gloss black detailing and adding shadow-finish alloys for a look that turns heads without trying.
The table below outlines the key features you can expect when buying a used BMW 3 Series at each grade - so you know exactly what you're getting.
| Feature |
Sport |
M Sport / M Sport Pro / M Sport Shadow |
| Comfort & Convenience |
| Satellite Navigation |
Standard |
Standard |
| Apple CarPlay / Android Auto |
Standard |
Standard |
| Bluetooth |
Standard |
Standard |
| USB Charging (Type-C) |
Standard |
Standard |
| Climate Control |
Standard |
Standard |
| Cruise Control |
Standard |
Standard |
| Adaptive Cruise Control |
Optional |
Standard |
| Rain Sensors |
Standard |
Standard |
| Auto Lights |
Standard |
Standard |
| Parking Sensors (Rear) |
Standard |
Standard |
| Rear Camera |
Optional |
Standard |
| Park Assist |
Optional |
Standard |
| Stop/Start |
Standard |
Standard |
| Keyless Entry / Push Button Start |
Optional |
Standard |
| Electric Folding Mirrors |
Standard |
Standard |
| Heated Front Seats |
Optional |
Standard (Pro / Shadow) |
| Electric Seats |
Optional |
Standard (Pro / Shadow) |
| Memory Seats |
Optional |
Standard (Pro / Shadow) |
| Heated Front Windscreen |
Optional |
Optional |
| Panoramic Roof |
Optional |
Optional |
| Electric Opening Tailgate |
N/A (Saloon) |
N/A (Saloon) |
| Style & Exterior |
| Alloy Wheels |
18" double-spoke |
18" M double-spoke |
| Diamond Cut Alloy Wheels |
✗ |
Optional |
| LED Headlights |
Standard |
Standard |
| Xenon Headlights |
✗ |
✗ |
| Headlamp Wash |
Optional |
Optional |
| M Sport Body Kit |
✗ |
Standard |
| Gloss Black Trim (Shadow) |
✗ |
Standard (Shadow) |
| Leather Seats |
Optional |
Standard (Pro / Shadow) |
| Sunroof |
Optional |
Optional |
| Safety & Driver Assistance |
| Lane Keeping Assist |
Standard |
Standard |
| Pre-Crash Prevention |
Standard |
Standard |
| Speed Limit Info |
Standard |
Standard |
| BMW Emergency Call |
Standard |
Standard |
| Rear Cross-Traffic Alert |
Optional |
Optional |
* Feature availability may vary by model year. Always confirm specification with your Vertu colleague before purchase.
Used BMW 3 Series - Older Generation Trim Grades
Earlier 3 Series BMW generations - particularly the F30 saloon and F31 Touring (2012-2019) - brought trim grades that no longer appear in BMW's current lineup but remain genuinely popular on the used BMW market.
The table below summarises what to expect from each grade, whether you're looking at a BMW old 3 series or something from the current generation.
| Trim |
What to Expect |
| BMW SE |
Entry-level grade from earlier generations. Includes BMW iDrive infotainment, cruise control, LED headlights, Bluetooth, and DAB radio. A capable, clean-spec used buy. |
| BMW Sport |
Adds sportier exterior styling, larger alloy wheels, and enhanced interior detailing over the SE. Still widely available on the used market across the F30 and G20 generations. |
| BMW Luxury |
Comfort-focused alternative to M Sport. Emphasises premium upholstery, wood or aluminium interior trim, and additional refinement features. Less common but sought-after for long-distance comfort. |
| BMW M Sport |
Performance-inspired design with M aerodynamic body kit, sport seats, upgraded suspension, and M-specific alloy wheels. Available across all generations and the most widely stocked grade in Vertu's used inventory. |
| BMW M Sport Shadow |
A special edition variant of M Sport featuring gloss black exterior detailing, shadow-finish alloys, and enhanced interior trims. Popular on the used market for its distinctive look. |
| BMW M Sport Pro |
Top-tier trim on the current G20/G21 generation. Builds on M Sport with heated and memory seats, electric seats, and keyless entry as standard. |
| BMW M340i / M340d |
Performance flagship variants using a 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine. The M340i uses a petrol mild-hybrid; the M340d uses a diesel mild-hybrid. Both feature xDrive all-wheel drive, the most powerful non-full-M option in the range. |
* Specification varies by model year and options fitted. Always verify trim features with your Vertu colleague or check the full vehicle listing before purchase.
Used BMW 3 Series Engines and Performance
The BMW 3 Series has an engine for every kind of driver - and across its current and recent generations, that means four distinct powertrain families to choose from.
All four families use BMW's TwinPower Turbo technology, and each one can pair with an eight-speed automatic gearbox, making even traffic-riddled roads a smooth and gentle ride.
BMW 320i (Petrol): The entry point to the range, and far from a compromise. The 2.0-litre four-cylinder produces 184hp, returns up to 43.5mpg (WLTP), and makes a strong case for being the engine most drivers will ever need.
0-62 mph in 7.4 seconds - quick enough to feel alive, refined enough for every commute.
BMW 330e (Plug-in Hybrid): The 330e combines a 2.0-litre petrol engine with an 80kW electric motor for a combined output of 292hp. A 19.5kWh battery and up to 62 miles of electric range (WLTP) means many owners, during standard commutes, will rarely visit a petrol station - and when they do, 292hp will be waiting.
Charging via AC at up to 11kW, a full charge takes around 2 hours 15 minutes - overnight, or while you're parked during the day at the office.
BMW 320d / 330d (Diesel): There's a reason the diesel variants consistently rank among the most popular used BMW 3 Series choices, particularly for high-mileage drivers. The 2.0-litre 320d delivers 190hp and up to approximately 58mpg (WLTP). On top of it there's the 400Nm of torque that makes overtaking feel like a formality.
Step up to the 330d and you get 286hp - the closest thing to performance-car pace with motorway-car running costs.
BMW M340i xDrive / M340d xDrive (Mild-Hybrid Performance): The performance flagship of the non-M range. The M340i pairs a 3.0-litre petrol straight-six with 48V mild-hybrid assistance for 392hp combined - a number that few cars at this price point can match.
Prefer diesel dynamics with six-cylinder power? The BMW M340d pairs the same architecture with a diesel unit, delivering pace and long-distance economy in one package.
xDrive all-wheel drive and an electronically controlled differential keep everything composed - no matter how quickly you're going.
|
320i (Petrol) |
330e (PHEV) |
320d / 330d (Diesel) |
M340i / M340d (Performance) |
| Powertrain |
| Engine |
2.0L 4-cyl TwinPower Turbo |
2.0L 4-cyl TwinPower Turbo + Electric Motor |
2.0L 4-cyl TwinPower Turbo Diesel |
3.0L 6-cyl TwinPower Turbo (petrol / diesel) + 48V mild-hybrid |
| Powertrain Type |
Petrol |
Petrol Plug-in Hybrid |
Diesel |
Petrol / Diesel 48V Mild-Hybrid |
| Displacement |
1,998 cc |
1,998 cc |
1,995 cc |
2,998 cc |
| Max Power |
135 kW / 184 hp |
215 kW / 292 hp (combined) |
140 kW / 190 hp (320d) |
288 kW / 392 hp (M340i) |
| Max Torque |
300 Nm |
420 Nm (combined) |
400 Nm (320d) |
540 Nm |
| Transmission |
8-speed automatic |
8-speed automatic |
8-speed automatic |
8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain |
Rear-wheel drive |
Rear-wheel drive |
Rear-wheel drive / xDrive |
All-wheel drive (xDrive) |
| Performance |
| 0-62 mph (Saloon) |
7.4 s |
5.9 s |
7.5 s (320d) |
4.3 s (M340i) |
| 0-62 mph (Touring) |
7.6 s |
6.0 s |
7.5 s (320d) |
4.5 s (M340i) |
| Top Speed |
146 mph |
143 mph (87 mph electric) |
146 mph |
155 mph |
| Economy & Emissions (WLTP) |
| Fuel Economy - Saloon |
42.2-43.5 mpg |
313.9-353.1 mpg* |
55-58 mpg (320d, approx.) |
37.7-40.4 mpg |
| Fuel Economy - Touring |
40.4-41.5 mpg |
282.5-313.9 mpg* |
53-56 mpg (320d, approx.) |
36.7-38.7 mpg |
| CO₂ - Saloon |
152-147 g/km |
21-19 g/km |
130-135 g/km (320d, approx.) |
172-159 g/km |
| Electric Range |
N/A |
57-62 miles |
N/A |
N/A |
| Battery Capacity |
N/A |
19.5 kWh |
N/A |
0.4 kWh (48V) |
| Max Charging Power |
N/A |
11 kW AC |
N/A |
N/A |
| Charge Time (0-100%) |
N/A |
2h 15min |
N/A |
N/A |
| Dimensions (Saloon / Touring) |
| Length |
4,713 mm |
4,713 mm |
4,713 mm |
4,713 / 4,714 mm |
| Width |
1,827 mm |
1,827 mm |
1,827 mm |
1,827 mm |
| Height |
1,440 mm |
1,446 / 1,448 mm |
1,440 mm |
1,440 mm |
| Wheelbase |
2,851 mm |
2,851 mm |
2,851 mm |
2,851 mm |
| Kerb Weight |
1,590 kg |
1,910 / 1,970 kg |
1,650 kg (approx.) |
1,835 / 1,905 kg |
| Boot Space |
480 L / 500-1,510 L |
375 L / 410-1,420 L |
480 L / 500-1,510 L |
480 L / 500-1,510 L |
| Tow Capacity |
1,600 kg |
1,500 kg |
1,600 kg |
1,800 kg |
* 330e economy figures are WLTP EC AC Charge Weighted combined. Real-world results will vary based on charging frequency, driving style, and conditions.
** Diesel figures marked 'approx.' are indicative for the G20/G21 generation 320d. Exact figures vary by model year and specification. Verify with your Vertu colleague or the vehicle listing.
Used BMW 3 Series Saloon or Touring - Which is Right for You?
The good news is that whichever body style you choose, you're getting the same great car. The choice between the BMW 3 Series saloon and Touring comes down to one question: how much space do you need?
Both share the same engines, trim grades, and driving character - the 3 Series experience doesn't change.
The BMW 3 Series saloon is the purer choice - lower, sleeker, and more coupe-like in profile. Its 480-litre boot handles everyday life without a second thought.
The Touring stretches that to 500-1,510 litres in petrol form - genuinely SUV-rivalling space, in a car that actually drives.
40/20/40 split-folding rear seats on both body styles mean longer items are never a problem - the saloon is more practical than it looks.
The BMW 3 Series estate M Sport Touring carries the same M Sport body styling as its saloon counterpart, so there's all the presence, with a tailgate.
Meanwhile, the 330e PHEV Touring gives up a little boot space to its battery pack - 410-1,420 litres instead - but it remains one of the most practical plug-in estates you can buy.
Buying a Used BMW 3 Series from Vertu
When you buy through Vertu, you're not just getting a car - you're getting the confidence that comes with it. Every BMW approved used vehicle in Vertu's stock comes prepared to BMW's exacting standards.
Before any car reaches our dealerships, BMW-qualified technicians inspect and verify it to BMW's own standards.
Every used BMW 3 Series purchase also comes with Vertu's 14-day money-back guarantee - because we want you to be certain, not just satisfied.
Flexible finance options and part-exchange valuations are available too.
Talk to any of our colleagues and they'll tailor a quote around you.
Our BMW-trained technicians use genuine BMW parts, so whether it's a routine service or something more complex, your 3 Series stays exactly as it should be.
Find Your Used BMW 3 Series at Vertu
Your next chapter starts here. Browse our full range of used BMW 3 Series for sale - every one prepared, inspected, and ready to drive across our dealerships nationwide.
Whether you want an efficient petrol or diesel, a plug-in hybrid for the commute, or an M340i xDrive for the long stretches, your next 3 Series is waiting. If you're considering a new model instead, explore our new BMW 3 Series deals.
For pricing, finance, and part-exchange enquiries, or to book a test drive, contact your nearest Vertu BMW dealership directly. Our colleagues know the range inside out and are ready to help you find the right car at the right price.
Find out more about BMW servicing and MOT with Vertu - our BMW-trained technicians use genuine parts to keep your 3 Series exactly as it should be.
BMW 3 Series - Frequently Asked Questions
What Engine Options Are Available in the BMW 3 Series?
The BMW 3 Series is available with four powertrain options across its current and recent generations.
The 320i uses a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol producing 184 hp.
The 320d and 330d are the diesel workhorses of the range - strong torque, real-world efficiency, and the 320d regularly returning more than 50 mpg for drivers who do serious mileage.
The 330e is the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) that lets you do most of your commuting on electricity and still have 292hp available when the road opens up. Up to 62 miles of electric range (WLTP) means many drivers barely use the petrol engine day to day.
The M340i xDrive and M340d xDrive sit at the top of the range, using a 3.0-litre six-cylinder with mild-hybrid technology. Up to 392hp and 62mph in 4.3 seconds - this is what the 3 Series looks like when it means business.
Every engine in the range uses BMW's TwinPower Turbo technology paired with an eight-speed automatic - a combination that makes every powertrain feel more polished than its numbers suggest.
What Safety Features Does the BMW 3 Series Have?
All BMW 3 Series models come with a comprehensive suite of active and passive safety technology as standard.
Lane keeping assist, pre-crash protection, speed limit information, and BMW Emergency Call all come as standard across the range.
Move up the trim ladder and you add adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffic alert, parking sensors, a rear camera, and park assist - the kind of technology that makes every journey less stressful.
It's earned a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating too - reassurance that matters when you're buying a used BMW car.
Is the Used BMW 3 Series Reliable?
Owners and automotive press consistently rate the BMW 3 Series as one of the most reliable executive cars in its class.
Petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid engines are all built to last, and parts availability across the UK is excellent.
The key, as with any premium car, is keeping up with BMW's service schedule - do that, and a well-maintained 3 Series will repay you for years.
At Vertu we ensure that all BMW models that land our way are thoroughly inspected and pass all checks, making your next used BMW car purchase reliable and risk-free.
Is the BMW 3 Series a Good Car to Buy?
The BMW 3 Series is consistently rated as one of the best cars in the executive saloon class.
Engaging dynamics, a genuinely refined interior, and an engine range broad enough to suit everyone from the daily commuter to the weekend enthusiast - it covers all the bases.
The used BMW market is even more compelling. A well-chosen used BMW 3 Series delivers nearly everything a new model offers at a considerably lower outlay.
The used cars BMW listings on our website are all in excellent condition, both when it comes to the interior and exterior. However, if you're considering a new BMW 3 Series, you can explore deals on our new BMW 3 Series page.
What Colours Does BMW 3 Series Come in?
BMW 3 Series' colour palette is consistently strong - availability varies by model year and trim, but the options rarely disappoint.
Common options that often land on our BMW used cars page range from Alpine White, Black Sapphire metallic, Mineral Grey metallic, Portimao Blue metallic, Brooklyn Grey metallic, Dravit Grey metallic to Skyscraper Grey metallic.
Metallic and special finishes are typically optional.
The best way to find exactly what's available right now is to browse current Vertu used BMW 3 Series stock or speak to one of our colleagues - they'll know the precise details.
As for the best colour for your BMW? That's entirely down to you - it's always a personal preference, and we wouldn't have it any other way.
