Overwhelmed by buying a 3 Series Estate

[TimLA]

Hi All,

I am trying to buy a used 3 Series Estate and have very little idea as to what the different merits are of the ages - I'm thinking petrol and my budget is around 20k. Want something with a bit of kick that would still be OK for the girlfriend to drive (she's less confident). So was thinking of getting a 320i and a stage one remap, end up around 220BHP. But I don't know where to check for timing/mileage, what are good years/bad years etc. Can someone direct me to some resources, so I can be a bit more educated please?

Cheers!

[Greydog]

Hi Tim

Welcome to the Forum

A short time ago the BMW 3 series with the straight 6 engines came out as the most reliable by far. The F30/F31/F34 2011 to 2019 right up to 330i are 4 cylinder with turbo the 335i is 6 cylinder and is the one voted most reliable.

My personal choice would be the six cylinder in either flavour (Diesel or Petrol) both are silky smooth the diesel obviously returning better MPG.

Good Luck with the search

Dave

[TimLA]

Hey Dave,

Thanks for the insight, that's useful to know! I'll look for those. 

Tim