The BMW 3 series first was launched 45 years ago and had the executive market all to itself. Over the years rivals have slowly come into the market with vehicles such as the Audi A4, Mercedes C-Class, Jaguar XE and Alfa Romeo Giulia. Despite all the new and upcoming competition, the BMW 3 series is a very successful model selling over 15 million vehicles in 6 generations and then an arrival of a seventh-generation model back in 2019.
The BMW 3 series is made up of a wide range of engines having both petrol and diesel models with a plug-in hybrid also offered. The 318i kicks off the range with its 154bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine, followed by the 320i with 182bhp and optional xDrive four-wheel drive; a tuned version of the same unit produces 254bhp in the 330i, while a 369bhp straight-six powers the M340i xDrive. Among the diesels are the 318d, 320d, 330d xDrive and M340d x Drive, which produce 148bhp and 187bhp. While the 330d and M340d both use a 3.0-litre straight-six, delivering 261bhp and 335bhp respectively. A 67bhp electric motor is added to the plug-in hybrid 330e’s 182bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine. It offers a good combination of performance and economy along with a claimed all-electric range of up to 37.3 miles.
There is sat nav, adaptive LED headlights, three-zone air conditioning, cruise control, Apple CarPlay, and heated seats in the vehicles. You have options such as technology packs which adds a Wi-Fi hotspot and premium sound systems. The BMW 3 Series offers more leg room up front than the Audi A4 and Mercedes C-Class. There’s plenty of headroom for anyone tall, and the 3 Series’ interior is generously wide, so you can stretch out sideways as well. Storage space is pretty good, with a big glovebox and a useful cubby under the centre armrest. You also get partitioned door bins that help prevent loose items from rolling around. In comparison with its premium-badged peers, the 3 Series has similar rear headroom to the Audi A4, but more legroom, and more space overall than the Mercedes C-Class.
The 3 series is better for three adults sitting side by side in the back as you will have far much more shoulder room that its two rivals. The 3 Series does have a very good boot size for a saloon, it is slightly bigger than the A4 and the C-Class with the load bay is a usefully square shape, making it relatively easy to slide in bulky objects.
BMW 3 Series finance options
Here at Prestige Car Finance 13% of our business is financing BMW 3 series. They can be both Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) and Hire Purchase (HP). We can finance vehicles on a Hire Purchase with a max age of 15 years at the start and 150000 miles. Below is a Hire Purchase quote on a 3 Series 320i M Sport with a mileage of 82629.
Term of Agreement 60 months
First payment of £482.60
Then 58 payments of £482.60
Then a final payment of £482.60
On The Road Price £24,991.00
Total Deposit £2,000.00
Balance to Finance £22,991.00
Total Charge for Credit £5,965.00
Total Amount Payable £30,956.00
Representative APR 9.9% A.P.R.
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PC Finance Limited T/A Prestige Car Finance is a credit broker and not a lender, which means we have access to a wide range of financial institutions. Our customer approvals will be based upon your credit rating, and we will receive commission for such introductions. All finance is subject to status and income, and written quotations are available on request.