Used BMW 3 Series for sale nearColchester

CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.4 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 34.1%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.4 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 2,700
Average Price: Around £16,000

BMW 3 Series E46 (1997-2005) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Understated but handsome styling	The Touring's boot is small by estate car standards
An absolute pleasure to drive	Some reliability problems, especially with the 320d
Diesels are fuel efficient	Look out for rusting front wings

Quick Summary

The BMW 3 Series E46 (1997-2005) is the fourth generation of BMW's compact executive car, representing a compelling combination of sharp looks, enjoyable driving dynamics, robust build quality and upmarket cabin architecture. Launched in the British market in March 1998, the rear-wheel-drive saloon was followed by the Coupe, Touring estate, Convertible, and potent M3 sports coupe in 2001. With a spacious 435-litre boot and excellent interior room, it outperformed rivals like the Audi A4 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class in terms of practicality and overall refinement.

The E46 is an absolute pleasure to drive, with crisp steering, beautifully judged weighting, plenty of feedback, and well-controlled body lean. Standout engines include the 150bhp 2.0-litre diesel in the 320d, the 204bhp 3.0-litre straight-six in the 330d, and the 330i's 228bhp 3.0-litre straight-six. Diesel versions provide excellent fuel economy, with the 320d achieving up to 49mpg, whilst the 330d manages a commendable 42mpg. However, the 3 Series E46 is plagued by mechanical issues, particularly with the 320d engine, so thorough research and inspection are essential before purchase. Despite these concerns, a well-chosen example offers serious quality at bargain prices.

Best for: Enthusiast drivers seeking a pleasure to drive, those valuing understated styling and upmarket cabin quality, and buyers looking for a spacious compact executive car with excellent handling characteristics.

Not ideal for: Those seeking a completely trouble-free purchase, particularly with the 320d variant, or buyers requiring a large estate boot comparable to the Volkswagen Passat.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the 3 Series E46 if: You're an enthusiast driver seeking a pleasure to drive, value understated styling and upmarket cabin quality, or want a spacious compact executive car with excellent handling characteristics.

Consider alternatives if: You require a completely trouble-free purchase, particularly wish to avoid the 320d variant, or need a large estate boot comparable to the Volkswagen Passat.

Competitive Position: The BMW 3 Series E46 (1997-2005) is an extraordinarily well-rounded compact executive car that outperforms rivals like the Audi A4 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class in driving dynamics and cabin quality. Its understated styling, smooth engines, and fuel-efficient diesels make it an attractive proposition. However, mechanical issues, particularly with the 320d engine, require careful consideration. A well-chosen example offers serious quality at bargain prices, though thorough research and inspection are essential before purchase. For those willing to invest time in finding the right car, the E46 remains a highly rewarding choice.

Read our full BMW 3 Series Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.