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BMW 3-Series Saloon (2005-2011) running costs and reliability

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Running costs rating: 3.5 out of 53.5

2005-2013 BMW 3-Series Saloon used review and buying guide

Written by Mike Humble Updated: 18 October 2022

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 30 - 68 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

BMW 3 Series Saloon running costs aren’t as bad as you might expect. The purchase price of the 3 Series isn’t as low as its big rival the Audi A4, but the BMW does have excellent residuals and good economy too – especially on cars with EfficientDynamics.

BMW also offers Service Inclusive which allows owners to cover servicing costs with a single one-off advance payment.

A five year/60,000 mile deal was also available.

BMW 3 Series Saloon emissions are low thanks to a high-tech approach to the firm’s engines. Thanks to the EfficientDynamics program, the 3 Series is one of the greenest executive saloons on the market.

The average CO2 output of cars before the program was introduced to all models in 2007 was 187g/km but this dropped to 164g/km. The 320d EfficientDynamics, introduced in 2010, is the best model for the eco-conscious and those with one eye on costs – it emits just 109g/km of CO2 and will average a hugely impressive 69mpg.

BMW 3 Series reliability wasn’t generally a problem, but an engine malady caused a recall in 2018.

BMW 3 Series Saloon recalls

Almost six years after sales of this generation of 3 Series Saloon ended, it was subjected to a recall due to an electrical fault.

The problem could cause affected petrol and diesel models to cut out while they were being driven.

Saloons built between March 2007 and August 2011 are potentially affected, so check with a BMW retailer to determine whether the necessary work has been carried out on a used example you are considering.