Are BMW 3 Series expensive to own?
It’s one of the most coveted cars on UK roads, but what BMW 3 Series costs are there to consider?
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The cost of owning a BMW 3 Series
BMW 3 Series costs of ownership are probably high on your list of things to look into when weighing up these cars.
If you’re looking at one of these iconic models, you’ll likely want to know how much they cost to run and maintain – especially as these are premium cars that can be a bit pricier to buy.
Insurance, fuel and maintenance can be higher on luxury cars, but you’re paying for something that’s built to last, so it’s often worth the investment.
Learn more about BMW 3 Series costs in our guide.
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BMW 3 Series maintenance costs
It’s easy to get swept up by the allure of a 3 Series, but you still need to keep an eye on maintenance costs.
While the 3 Series is reliable and will have your back, all cars need upkeep and maintenance.
Common repairs
Like we already mentioned, if you’re buying a luxury car, you should be prepared to pay for the premium parts to keep it running smoothly. This means maintenance is often more costly than on budget cars.
The good news is these parts typically last longer than cheaper alternatives, so you might find repairs are needed less often.
Tyres and brakes are two of the most common maintenance items on any car.
For a 3 Series, you’re looking at around £90 for a set of four brake pads and around £90-£180 for a new tyre.
Regular service
Servicing isn’t a legal requirement for cars in the UK, unlike MOTs but regular services will help keep things in the best possible condition.
A full service is recommended every 12 months or 12,000 miles, and they usually cost around £170 to £300 for a 3 Series.
A full service usually includes:
Oil filter and air filter change
Oil changes
A safety check
Full inspection of all vital car parts
If 12 months feels like too long, you can get an interim service at the six-month mark. This will include an oil change, and checks of all the fluid, tyres, brakes and suspension.
Fuel efficiency and BMW 3 Series running costs
All 3 Series tend to have great handling, but before you decide how much power you want, it's worth thinking about how much you're prepared to spend on fuel.
Average fuel economy by model
The beauty of a BMW 3 Series is that you get to choose your own adventure.
You can choose your engine based on pure power or fuel economy, and you'll always have a great-driving luxe-feeling saloon.
3 Series combined MPG figures:
318i Saloon/Touring: up to 54.3mpg
320i Saloon/Touring: up to 51.4mpg
320i xDrive Saloon/Touring: up to 47.9mpg
330i Saloon/Touring: up to 48.7mpg
330e Saloon: up to 148mpg
340i Saloon/Touring: up to 41.5mpg
316d Saloon/Touring: up to 68.9mpg
318d Saloon/Touring: up to 67.3mpg
320d Saloon/Touring: up to 67.3mpg
320d ED Plus and ED Sport Saloon/Touring: 74.3mpg
320d xDrive Saloon/Touring: 62.8mpg
330d xDrive Saloon/Touring: up to 53.3mpg
335d xDrive Saloon/Touring: up to 51.4mpg
M3 Saloon: up to 31mpg
Tips for improving fuel efficiency
Even if you choose an efficient 3 Series engine, there are a few things you can do to maximise your mpg.
Brake gently
Avoid speeding – stick to the limit
Use cruise control
Turn of the air conditioning
Lighten your load – how much stuff do you actually need in your car?
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Insurance costs for BMW 3 Series
BMW 3 Series insurance costs are typically based on two different sets of factors – the car itself, and the driver.
Like all cars, 3 Series are sorted into insurance groups from one to 50 to give an idea of the typical insurance price. The lower the group, the cheaper it should be to insure.
Individual factors also influence the cost of 3 Series insurance, such as your driving history and experience, previous insurance claims, and your annual mileage.
BMW 3 Series models from 2019 onwards are placed in insurance groups 24 to 42, with the 318i SE models sitting in the lowest insurance group.
The most expensive to insure will typically be the M340d xDrive models in group 42, and the M3 in groups 42 to 49.
Comparing BMW 3 Series ownership costs
Many will argue that the 3 Series is hard to beat as a car, but it does have stiff competition from some other premium models.
So, how do they compare for running costs?
BMW 3 Series vs. Audi A4
The Audi A4 is a hefty rival to the 3 Series and it’s often a case of picking which German saloon you prefer.
The A4 35 TDI can achieve up to 58.9mpg. This rivals the 3 Series, but isn’t quite as economical as the most fuel-efficient model.
A4 models from 2015 onwards sit in insurance groups 19 to 42, so they’re pretty similar to 3 Series but the can insure the Audi for less.
BMW 3 Series vs. Mercedes C-Class
Another German saloon, another 3 Series competitor, and another model that doesn’t do too bad on the running costs is the Mercedes C-Class.
These sit across a wide range of insurance groups, from 23 to 49, so you may find it pricier to insure depending on the model you choose.
A C-Class Saloon can get you up to 176.6mpg from the C 300 e model if official statistics are to be believed, a rival to the 3 Series’ own hybrid.
Find a BMW 3 Series
Take a look at our full range of used BMW 3 Series models to find one that suits your budget.