Used BMW 3 Series Touring for sale: everything you need to know

The BMW 3 Series, and the BMW 3 Series Touring in particular, is a regular on lists of the best real-world cars you can buy. It’s certainly hard to think of too many cars that offer such a broad mix of capabilities, from strong performance, to economy, an involving driving experience, quality, and such a strong brand image.

The latest model has been around since 2019, and was lightly updated in 2022, which amounted to just a few small styling and equipment changes, such as BMW’s curved infotainment display being standardised across the range - worth bearing in mind if you want one with the latest tech.

Others in this class include the Audi A4 Avant and Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate, while for more left-field alternatives you can consider the Volvo V60, higher-spec versions of the Peugeot 508 SW (such as the high-performance PSE), and the Mazda 6 Estate.

Should you buy a BMW 3 Series Touring?

The real appeal of the BMW 3 Series Touring - and the reason you’d pick it over more luxurious or more spacious alternatives - is that BMW still offers one of the best driving experiences in this class of car, just as it does with the regular 3 Series saloon, and indeed many other cars across its range.

It is of course a larger, heavier car than previous generations of 3 Series Touring, but despite this BMW has engineered in its usual high standards of chassis tuning, so not only can it cope with road conditions that might flummox some other cars, but you’ll probably have more fun too, thanks to precise steering and the car’s great balance. Some models can ride firmly, but rarely uncomfortably.

The engine lineup is strong too. There’s a mix of petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrids that should suit most needs, and BMW hasn’t yet ditched its six-cylinder engines, which sound great, add to the premium feel, and offer blistering performance. Even the regular 320i and 320d perform well and don’t use much fuel.

One advantage of the 3 Series Touring growing in size is that it’s now genuinely spacious, even if the 500-litre boot still isn’t huge by estate standards. The cabin feels high quality (and also feels like it’ll last), while the large, curved touchscreen is relatively easy to use, and a natural progression from BMW’s previous generations of infotainment.

BMW’s two key rivals in this market are the Audi A4 Avant and Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate. Each has its strengths but the BMW is probably the best all-rounder of the trio, with quality to match the Audi and a driving experience that betters both. The Volvo V60 is another option, and the Peugeot 508 SW PSE is a great-looking alternative to the 330e variants.

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What’s the best used BMW 3 Series Touring model to buy

While the BMW 330e makes a lot of sense for new and company buyers, due to its low tax ratings, it’s the old favourites of the 320i and 320d that we’d opt for when buying used. Their turbocharged engines make good power and offer up strong performance (the diesel is actually the quicker of the pair), and both are economical too. That said, for a more special experience, it’s hard to beat the six-cylinder 340i and 340d variants.

Sport trim is the pragmatic choice, being most affordable and still well-equipped, but we’d forgive you for doing as so many others do and searching for an M Sport model - what you lose in ride quality, you gain in sharper handling and sportier looks.

Used BMW 3 Series Touring fuel economy and performance

• BMW 3 Series Touring 320i: The 320i uses a turbocharged 2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, producing 184PS through an eight-speed automatic transmission (like all 3 Series). It’s good for 0-62mph in 7.6 seconds, and up to 41.5mpg combined.
• BMW 3 Series Touring M340i xDrive: The 3-litre turbocharged inline six of the M340i makes 374PS, and all-wheel drive is standard. 0-62mph takes 4.6 seconds, while combined economy is up to 34mpg. 
• BMW 3 Series Touring 330e: The 330e uses BMW’s 2-litre four-cylinder plus an electric motor, for 292PS combined. 0-62mph is over in 5.9 seconds and with up to 34.8 miles of electric range, combined consumption is up to 188.3mpg.
• BMW 3 Series Touring 330e xDrive: xDrive models have the same drivetrain but also power the front wheels. BMW quotes the same power output of 292PS and the same 5.9-second 0-62mph time. EV range drops to 32.3 miles, and economy to 176.6mpg.
• BMW 3 Series Touring 320d: With a 2-litre turbodiesel, the 320d’s 190PS output results in a 7.2-second 0-62mph time, and up to 55.4mpg combined.
• BMW 3 Series Touring M340d xDrive: The more powerful diesel uses a 3-litre inline six and has standard all-wheel drive. 0-62mph takes 4.7 seconds, and claimed economy is up to 45.6mpg.

What used BMW 3 Series Touring trim levels are available?

The latest BMW 3 Series Touring is offered in three trim levels, with the bias towards sporty features that is typical of BMW’s modern lineup. All are well-equipped and are offered with a wide range of options, while the top spec is unique to the six-cylinder xDrive models.

• The BMW 3 Series Touring Sport gets you 17-inch alloy wheels, gloss black exterior trim, ambient lighting, air conditioning, heated sports seats in perforated Sensatec artificial leather, front and rear parking sensors, LED headlights, a reversing camera, a 12.3-inch driver display and 14.9-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and electric folding door mirrors.
• The BMW 3 Series Touring M Sport upgrades to 18-inch alloys, M Sport exterior styling, a patterned aluminium interior trim finish, an M Sport steering wheel, Sensatec and Alcantara upholstery, M Sport suspension (apart from the 330e), a sport-tuned automatic transmission with gearshift paddles, and variable sport steering (excluding 330e).
• The BMW 3 Series Touring M340i/d xDrive gets 19-inch alloy wheels, darker headlight trim, extra gloss black exterior details, a pair of square-tipped exhaust pipes, Sensatec dashboard trim, M Sport seatbelts, Vernasca leather upholstery, three-zone air conditioning, adaptive LED headlights, M adaptive suspension, and an M Sport differential.

Used BMW 3 Series Touring dimensions and boot size

The BMW 3 Series Touring’s dimensions are:

• Length: 4714mm
• Width: 1827mm (without mirrors), 2068mm (with mirrors)
• Height: 1440mm

The BMW 3 Series Touring’s boot size is:

• 500 litres
• 1510 litres with the rear seats folded

Used BMW 3 Series Touring road tax

One or two earlier models might sneak below the £40,000 threshold at which the government applies a VED surcharge, but most BMW 3 Series Tourings will cost either £570 a year in tax (if they’re petrol or diesel), or £560 per year for plug-in hybrids. From their seventh year of registration onwards, this figure drops to a lower rate.

How much is it to insure a BMW 3 Series Touring?

320i and 320d models begin in insurance group 28, while at the upper end of the range, you’ll find the M340i xDrive in group 40 and the M340d xDrive in group 42. That means insurance may cost a few bob, but not notably more than its rivals - the Mercedes C-Class Estate spans groups 33-44.

Read our full BMW 3 Series Touring review