BMW Newbie considering a 3 series - Advice Please

[annie90]

Hi All,

I’m considering getting a used BMW 3 series between 2015-2017 in age.

I would be looking for a sport model and possibly an M Sport if finances allow. The budget is around £14,000

The sport model is appealing due to sport seats and suspension as I have back issues from a previous car accident (I got rear ended). So the additional support the sport allows sounds as they could help.

I’ve never owned a BMW before so could anyone give me some advice on the things I should be looking out for, questions I should ask when enquiring about a car, and an overview of the potential maintenance costs that I would be looking at?

I want to invest in a good sturdy car that could realistically last me a good 10+ years.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated and thank you in advance.

[g3org3y]

annie90 said:

Hi All,

I’m considering getting a used BMW 3 series between 2015-2017 in age.

I would be looking for a sport model and possibly an M Sport if finances allow. The budget is around £14,000

The sport model is appealing due to sport seats and suspension as I have back issues from a previous car accident (I got rear ended). So the additional support the sport allows sounds as they could help.

I’ve never owned a BMW before so could anyone give me some advice on the things I should be looking out for, questions I should ask when enquiring about a car, and an overview of the potential maintenance costs that I would be looking at?

I want to invest in a good sturdy car that could realistically last me a good 10+ years.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated and thank you in advance.

If your back is an issue, I'd be a bit cautious re the Sport as you could find the ride harsh and exacerbate the problem.

I find the sport seats in my E91 (the previous gen 3 series to the one you're looking for v comfortable). Mine has adjustable side bolsters but not the lumbar support. Oddly I find the sport seats in my 6 series less comfortable despite having the lumbar support.

It might be worth looking out for an example with the fancy Comfort seats.

[SteBrown91]

g3org3y said:

If your back is an issue, I'd be a bit cautious re the Sport as you could find the ride harsh and exacerbate the problem.

I find the sport seats in my E91 (the previous gen 3 series to the one you're looking for v comfortable). Mine has adjustable side bolsters but not the lumbar support. Oddly I find the sport seats in my 6 series less comfortable despite having the lumbar support.

It might be worth looking out for an example with the fancy Comfort seats.

You didn’t get comfort seats in the 3 series - you could have flat benches (in the se/luxury) or sports seats.

If you have a bad back it might not be the car for you. My old 2016 3 series m sport I would always feel a long journey when I got out at the other side.

[g3org3y]

SteBrown91 said:

You didn’t get comfort seats in the 3 series - you could have flat benches (in the se/luxury) or sports seats.

Ah, wasn't sure if they were a further upgrade option.

Wife has them in the X5. They are quite nice.

[_Hoppers]

annie90 said:

I want to invest in a good sturdy car that could realistically last me a good 10+ years.

Do you really mean sturdy, or reliable?

[ashenfie]

I think better suspension would be good option (air suspension best option), Base seat are ok. A 2016 320ED would be 0 Tax and therefore cheap to run, not as fun as other options, but surprising nearly as quick as a 320D.

[BFleming]

ashenfie said:

I think better suspension would be good option (air suspension best option), Base seat are ok. A 2016 320ED would be 0 Tax and therefore cheap to run, not as fun as other options, but surprising nearly as quick as a 320D.

SE seats are meant to be more forgiving than the M Sport ones if you have back issues.
Lumbar support wasn't standard on any 3 series; it was option 488, and cost £265, so maybe finding a car with that is a good aspiration.
Comfort seats are a 5-series/X5 and above option as stated above. I have them in my 5, and they are superb.

Edited by BFleming on Friday 12th February 14:43

[Touring442]

The ride of the Sport as opposed to M Sport is quite fair. But the 320d Efficient Dynamics has standard suspension, 16 inch wheels with nice tall tyres and it rides well. Buy one with under 50k, change the oil every 7000 and it should last you. I'd have an auto over a manual as well. Nicer to drive and no ££££ flywheel and clutch replacements.

I'd look at the BMW Approved Used website; the prep and warranty are a cut above the average car dealer, and prices seem competitive. This one seems a lot of car for £8000 even if it is a bit billy basic.

https://usedcars.bmw.co.uk/vehicle/202010144986518...

[Simes205]

Had an Msport 320d e91 now have an msport 320d2016 F31.
LCI has the newer engine, LED lights etc.
Seats are comfortable, ride is less crash than E91.
Both cars I’ve done 600miles in one day and very comfortable.
F31 switch gear feels cheap.
F31 has plenty of torque!!
Both were bought at 80k miles....took the e91 up to 172k...

Edited by Simes205 on Friday 12th February 17:25

[BFleming]

Touring442 said:

I'd look at the BMW Approved Used website; the prep and warranty are a cut above the average car dealer, and prices seem competitive. This one seems a lot of car for £8000 even if it is a bit billy basic.

https://usedcars.bmw.co.uk/vehicle/202010144986518...

The asking price is there or there abouts. There were a lot of BMW 3 series used for the London olympics in 2012 - this one as an April 2012 registration is a prime candidate. No bad thing, but there was a glut of 2012 F30s for that reason.