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<p dir="ltr">Munich-based BMW is most famous for its sports saloons, in particular the 3 Series and 5 Series. However, it actually builds almost every type of car imaginable: everything from two-seat convertibles to seven-seat MPVs.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The cheapest model in the BMW range is the 1 Series hatchback, which is a rival to the Audi A3, Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Volkswagen Golf. Meanwhile, at the other extreme is the M8&nbsp;grand tourer, which costs more than £120,000.</p>

<p dir="ltr">BMW was also quick to capitalise on the rise of the SUV and now has ten in its range: the X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7 and XM, plus the electric iX3 and iX.</p>

<p dir="ltr">All of this makes it one of the big three German prestige brands, along with Audi and Mercedes-Benz.</p>


3 SERIES

<p>The BMW 3 Series Touring is reasonably practical, has a fine drive and holds its value very well.</p>


Used BMW 3 Series Touring 1999 - 2005

<p>The only trouble with the Touring is that, like any 3 Series, it's so desirable – which means it's an expensive used buy.</p>

<p>However, once you have one, running costs aren't too bad. Four-cylinder petrol cars (especially the later models) return well over 30mpg, and even the six-cylinder models aren't too far behind, as long as you drive gently.</p>

<p>In the 320d, you'll see mpg as high as the upper 40s, and even the 330d returns over 40mpg, which is remarkable in a car that hits 60mph in just over 7 seconds.</p>

<p>Insurance won't be cheap, with no models below group 10, but that's no worse than rivals from Audi and Mercedes. Perhaps most surprisingly, maintenance costs aren't steep, either. Figures from Warranty Direct show that average bills on <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/bmw">BMWs</a> are on a par with those for <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/volkswagen">VWs</a>.</p>

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The BMW 3 Series Touring is reasonably practical, has a fine drive and holds its value very well.

<p>There isn't a bad BMW 3 Series Touring – or even a disappointing one. The best two are the petrol 318i and the diesel 320d, with the 318i's lower prices making it our preferred option. However, if you cover high mileages or regulary carry big loads, the better economy and greater pull of the diesel car may be more attractive.</p>

<p>Each engine has its own strengths, but the 1.9-litre unit in the 316i is weak for a car of this size, and the 320d is worth the extra over the 318d. Gearboxes aren't a worry: manuals are slick, autos smooth.</p>

<p>On most early models, trim comes in (unbadged) standard or SE forms, but Sport and ES gradually joined the range over the years. On early cars, the SE's extra equipment makes it the one to go for, but on later cars, ES is the top choice - it has much of the SE's attractions at a lower price.</p>

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<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Huge boot and excellent practicality</li> <li>Plenty of interior space so you can carry passengers as well as luggage </li> <li>Strong engines to pull a heavily laden car</li> <li>Comfortable ride, especially on the motorway</li> <li>Low running costs for company car drivers</li></ul>

<p>If you’re after bags of space but you don’t want to commit to the van-like dimensions and styling of an MPV, there are some great estate cars on offer that should do the job.</p>

<p>Tricks to look out for include an electric tailgate&nbsp;that opens automatically when you wave your foot under the rear bumper; this is&nbsp;particularly handy if you’re trying to load in a heavy or&nbsp;bulky item. You should also look for handles in the side of the boot itself that can drop down the rear seats; these are much more convenient than having to walk around the side of the car to do it.</p>

<p>You'd expect the BMW 3 Series to be a tough, well built car and that's very much the case, with the Touring as good as the saloon. Although there have been a few recalls, relating to (among other things) the side airbags, brakes, wheels and suspension, the 3 Series is a sound piece of engineering.</p>

<p>Figures from Warranty Direct show it to have better-than-average reliability, with the cars requiring little time off the road when problems do occur.</p>

<p>Whatcar.com reader reviews bear this out, with few reporting problems and, in most cases, when things did go wrong, the dealers were prompt and efficient in sorting things out.</p>

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<p>As long as you don't think you're buying a workhorse estate, the BMW 3 Series Touring is fine. It may be bigger than previous models, and compare well with rivals from <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/audi">Audi</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/mercedes-benz">Mercedes</a>, but this is no <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/volvo">Volvo</a>. It only brings a slight increase in practicality over the saloon.</p>

<p>Fortunately, you don't sacrifice sharp handling. Compared with the previous model, this car's sporting edge was softened slightly so it could compete with the comfort and refinement of the likes of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/c-class/estate/review/n17346">Mercedes C-Class Estate</a>. However, it remained the best car in its class to drive, with a fantastic blend of ride, handling and well weighted controls that none of its rivals could touch.</p>

<p>Build quality is as good as you could expect of a German prestige car, and equipment levels are good across the range.</p>

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Used BMW 3 Series Touring 1999 - 2005 reliability

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Used BMW 3 Series Touring 1999 - 2005 review

You'd expect the BMW 3 Series to be a tough, well built car and that's very much the case, with the Touring as good as the saloon. Although there have been a few recalls, relating to (among other things) the side airbags, brakes, wheels and suspension, the 3 Series is a sound piece of engineering.,Figures from Warranty Direct show it to have better-than-average reliability, with the cars requiring little time off the road when problems do occur.,Whatcar.com reader reviews bear this out, with few reporting problems and, in most cases, when things did go wrong, the dealers were prompt and efficient in sorting things out. 

What to look for when buying a BMW 3 Series 1999 - 2005, covering common problems to check for and overall vehicle reliability.

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Used BMW 3 Series Touring 1999 - 2005 reliability

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