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BMW 3-Series Compact (1994-2001) running costs and reliability

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Running costs rating: 3 out of 53.0

Written by Parkers Published: 6 June 2019

Miles per pound (mpp)

Reliable fuel consumption data for comparison purposes is not available for this model.

What is miles per pound?

Fuel economy

A more stringent standard for fuel economy (WLTP) was introduced from September 2017, and this model was not required to undergo that test. Its fuel economy measured under the previous test system was 31 - 44 mpg. However these figures are less likely to be achievable in real world driving and so should never be compared to another car's mpg which was measured under the newer, more realistic WLTP system.

View mpg & specs for any version

Main dealer service costs are steep – on a car of this age a good independent will be much cheaper. Prices are still pretty strong but depend upon condition so it’s worth keeping up that servicing. Insurance is pricey.

Even the 316 should run to a high mileage if the cambelt is regularly changed. How good it is will depend on how well it has been looked after. Most owners get well over 100k without any significant problems at all.