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BMW 3-Series Coupe (1999-2006) running costs and reliability

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Running costs rating: 3.5 out of 53.5

Written by Parkers Published: 6 June 2019

Miles per pound (mpp)

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

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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 28 - 49 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

Specify a small engine or a diesel and drive carefully and you’ll get plenty of MPG. Residuals are good and servicing is variable with use. Belt about in a big petrol unit and you’ll guzzle juice and scoff tyres.

3-Series is quite a polluting model. With an average of 206 g/km CO2 across the line-up, its emissions are a touch high for a medium-sized coupe. The range is not very frugal, averaging 34 mpg.

Overall, 3-Series is well built, dependable and has excellent reliability – continuing the notion of great German build-quality. Serious problems are rare and although we have heard reports of the occasional niggle, these are unlikely to be anything that won’t be quickly sorted by the dealer. As ever, regular self maintenance and keeping to the service intervals will be of long-term benefit.