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Used BMW 3 Series for Sale

Since 1975 the BMW 3 Series has been offering South Africans unmatched driving pleasure! Which is why Used BMW 3 Series for Sale at Group1 are snapped up almost as soon as they become available. From collectors looking for models from the late 70’s to upmarket families looking for a 2020 Luxury Sedan, we at Group1 Pre-owned will always try to oblige your passion for a car that has helped to define the modern BMW brand.

Currently there are seven 3 Series model variants available in South Africa. These are:

  • The BMW 318i
  • The BMW 320i
  • The BMW 320d
  • The BMW 330i
  • The BMW 330e
  • The BMW 330d
  • And The BMW 340i

7 Generations of Driving Excellence

7th Generation BMW 3 Series
2019 – Present

The 7th generation of the BMW 3 Series range consists of the BMW G20 (sedan version) and BMW G21 wagon version which is marketed as ‘Touring’ compact executive cars. Like the previous generations, these cars have among the best safety ratings, high-end styling and loads of standard convenience and safety features.

BMW G20/G21

For the G20, BMW started production in Mexico for various markets, replacing the Rosslyn plant in South Africa where the previous F30 generation of BMW vehicles were assembled. The G20 is available in Advantage, Sport Line, Luxury Line, or the M Sport package.

The BMW G20/G21 has been in production since mid-October 2018 with a facelift in July 2022. It is collectively referred to as the G20 with new driver assist systems allowing the latest 3 Series BMW cars to drive semi-autonomously. The models include the following:

  • BMW 318i
  • BMW 320i
  • BMW 330i Sedan
  • BMW 330i xDrive Sedan
  • BMW M340i Sedan
  • BMW M340i xDrive Sedan

Since mid-2019, the BMW 3 Series Touring, known as the G21, became available as a BMW hybrid, known as the BMW 330e. It has an electric range of around 66 km with claimed fuel economy of 1,6 L/100 km.

A facelift for the 7th generation BMW 3 Series was announced in May 2022. The updated model gets new front and rear bumpers, new headlights and a slightly tweaked grille.

7th Generation BMW 3 Series at a Glance

Power Train

Engine

  • 2.0 L Turbo Petrol
  • 2.0 L Turbo Petrol + Electric
  • 3.0 L Turbo Petrol
  • 2.0 L Turbo Diesel
  • 3.0 L Turbo Diesel

Transmission

  • 8-speed automatic

Body Style

  • 4-door sedan
  • 5-door estate (wagon)

Length

  • 4,709 mm – 4,829 mm

Width

  • 1,827 mm

Wheelsbase

  • 2,851 mm – 2,936 mm

6th Generation BMW 3 Series
2011 – 2019

Thanks to a 5-star Euro NCAP Safety Rating this BMW 3 Series Range is one of the safest ever built! It is available in the following 3 body styles:

  • Sedan (Model Code F30)
  • Wagon (Model Code F31)
  • Gran Turismo (Model Code F34)

In 2015 this 6th Generation BMW 3 Series was given a facelift which included revised headlights and tail-lights, as well a a number of comfort features and engine upgrades and tweaks.

 

BMW M Series Model

This generation’s version of the BMW M3 was released in 2014 and is powered by the S55 twin-turbo straight-six engine. This version of the M3 will remain the production version of this iconic car until 2020, when the next generation M3 is expected to launch.

Did You Know? It was at the launch of this sixth generation 3 Series BMW that the coupé and convertible models were removed and became the new BMW 4 Series nameplate. An additional hatchback model variant was however added to the 3 Series and is known as the BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo.

6th Generation BMW 3 Series at a Glance

Power Train

Engine

  • 1.5 L Turbo Petrol
  • 1.6 L Turbo Petrol
  • 2.0 L Turbo Petrol
  • 3.0 L Turbo Petrol
  • 2.0 L Turbo Diesel
  • 3.0 L Turbo Diesel

Transmission

  • 6-speed manual
  • 8-speed automatic

Body Style

  • 4-door sedan
  • 5-door estate
  • 5-door fastback

Length

  • 4,620 mm – 4,734 mm

Width

  • 1,811 mm

Wheelsbase

  • 2,810 mm – 2,920 mm

5th Generation BMW 3 Series
2004 – 2013

This is one of our best selling BMW 3 Series generations due to their availability and the fact that they are exceptionally reliable. This means that there are more of them about, which means you can own one of the Best BMW 3 Series EVER built thanks to Group1 Pre-owned!

 

BMW 5th Generation 3 Series Model Variants Include:

  • 4-door Sedan which had the E90 Model Code
  • Estate which had the E91 Model Code and was marketed as “Touring”
  • Coupé which used the E92 Model Code
  • Cabriolet which was designated the E93 Model Code

 

BMW M3 Model

The BMW M3 has always been a bit of a beast, and in this generation there was no exception. It was powered by a V8 BMW engine and was available in three body styles, namely sedan, coupe and cabriolet body.

Did You Know? This generation of 3 Series won numerous international awards during its production run. The most impressive being the 2006 World Car of the Year, “Best New Sports Sedan” in the 2006 Canadian Car of the Year awards and the EfficientDynamics Auto the Overall Winner Green Car of the Year 2012 (the BMW 320d).

5th Generation BMW 3 Series at a Glance

Power Train

Engine

  • 1.6 L Petrol
  • 2.0 L Petrol
  • 2.5 L Petrol
  • 3.0 L Petrol
  • 3.0 L Turbocharged Petrol
  • 4.0 L V8 Petrol
  • 2.0 L Turbo-diesel
  • 3.0 L Turbo-diesel

Transmission

  • TBD

Body Style

  • 4-door saloon
  • 5-door wagon
  • 2-door coupé
  • 2-door cabriolet

Length

  • 4,520–4,610 mm

Width

  • 1,780–1,820 mm

Wheelsbase

  • 2,760 mm

4th Generation BMW 3 Series
1998 – 2006

The 4th generation BMW 3 Series and was a vast improvement of an already impressive list of 3 Series predecessors. Standard accessories in many model variants included satellite navigation, electronic brake-force distribution, rain-sensing wipers and LED tail-lights.

Model variants available during its 8 year production run included:

  • A 4-door sedan which was sold between 1998 and 2005
  • A 2-door coupé, sold between 1999 and 2006
  • A 2-door convertible sold from early 2000 until 2006
  • A 5-door estate sold from late in 1999 until 2005
  • A 3-door hatchback sold from 2001 until 2004

 

The BMW M3 Model

The M3 was first introduced late in 2000 with a 3.2 L M-tuned engine. It was manufactured in two body styles only, namely coupe and convertible. Transmission options included a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed “SMG-II” automated manual transmission.

Did You Know? All-wheel drive was reintroduced into the 3 Series BMW Range during this vehicle generation. It was available in the 325xi, 330xi and the 330xd model variants.

4th Generation BMW 3 Series at a Glance

Power Train

Engine

  • 1.8 L Petrol
  • 2.0 L Petrol
  • 3.2 L Petrol
  • 4.0 L V8 Petrol
  • 2.0 L Diesel
  • 2.9 L Diesel
  • 3.0 L Diese

Transmission

  • TBD

Body Style

  • 2-door coupé
  • 2-door convertible
  • 4-door sedan
  • 5-door station wagon
  • 3-door hatchback

Length

  • 4,470–4,490 mm

Width

  • 1,740–1,810 mm

Wheelsbase

  • 2,720 mm

3rd Generation BMW 3 Series
1990 – 2000

Launched in 1990 globally, the 3rd Generation BMW 3 Series included 4-door saloon, coupe, convertible, station wagon and hatchback model variants. This version of the 3 Series BMW became one of the biggest selling vehicles in South Africa during its 10 year production run, and during this time the 3 Series underwent numerous upgrades and design tweaks. Model variants included:

  • A 4-door sedan which was available from 1990 to 1998
  • A 2-door coupé which was sold between 1992 and 1999
  • A 2-door convertible, which was not freely available in SA, but was sold globally between 1993 and 1999
  • A 5-door estate which was sold from 1994 and available until 1999
  • A 3-door hatchback sold from 1993 to 2000

Did You Know? South Africa had its own unique version of the 316i which was available between 1994 and 1998. It had a 1796cc, which was different from the larger engines found in 3 Series BMW’s of this type in countries outside of South Africa.

3rd Generation BMW 1 Series at a Glance

Power Train

Engine

  • 1.6 L Petrol
  • 1.8 L Petrol
  • 1.9 L Petrol
  • 2.0 L Petrol
  • 2.5 L Petrol
  • 2.8 L Petrol
  • 3.0 L Petrol
  • 3.2 L Petrol
  • 3.2 L Petrol
  • 1.7 L Turbocharged Diesel
  • 2.5 L Turbocharged Diesel

Transmission

  • TBC

Body Style

  • 2-door coupé
  • 2-door convertible
  • 4-door saloon
  • 5-door touring

Length

  • 4,430 mm

Width

  • 1,700 mm

Wheelsbase

  • 2,700 mm

2nd Generation BMW 3 Series
1982 – 1994

Introduced as a 2-door sedan in 1982, the 2nd generation BMW 3 Series was the first 3 Series to be built in South Africa. In 1983 a 4-door sedan was introduced into the local market and later a convertible was launched internationally but not here in S.A. This generation was the first to offer a diesel engine option, although this engine derivative was not freely available in Southern Africa. It was however imported by a number of BMW enthusiasts at the time, so is a very rare version of the 3 Series which is very seldom seen. Model variants included the 316, 316i, 318i, 318is, M3, 320i, 323i, 325/e/es, 325i, 325is, 325ix, 324td and the 324d.

Did You Know? The 333i was an exclusive South Africa-only model! Additionally, the BMW 325iS models sold in South Africa were substantially different from 325iS models sold elsewhere.

2nd Generation BMW 3 Series at a Glance

Power Train

Engine

  • 1.6 L Petrol
  • 1.8 L Petrol
  • 2.0 Petrol
  • 2.5 L Petrol
  • 2.7 L Petrol
  • 2.4 L Diesel

Transmission

  • 4-speed manual
  • 5-speed manual
  • 3-speed automatic
  • 4-speed automatic

Body Style

  • 2-door coupé
  • 2-door convertible
  • 4-door sedan
  • 5-door Touring

Length

  • 4,320–4,460 mm

Width

  • 1,650 mm

Wheelsbase

  • TBC

1st Generation BMW 3 Series
1975 – 1983

The first generation of the BMW 3 Series was a compact luxury vehicle that was initially at launch only available as a 2-door sedan. In 1978 a cabriolet model variant was introduced and sold until 1981. 1st generation 3 Series Model Variants included the 315, 316, 318, 318i, 320, 320i, 320/6 and the 323i.

Model updates were made throughout the production run of this 1st generation BMW’s production run, with the most significant occuring in 1975, 1977, 1980 and 1981.

Did You Know? The 3 Series Cabriolet was not manufactured by BMW but by Baur, which was already renowned for their coachwork done for BMW since the 1930’s.

1st Generation BMW 3 Series at a Glance

Power Train

Engine

  • 1.6 L Petrol
  • 2.0 L Petrol
  • 2.3 L Petrol

Transmission

  • 3-speed automatic
  • 4-speed manual
  • 5-speed manual

Body Style

  • 2-door compact sedan
  • 2-door convertible

Length

  • 4,355 mm

Width

  • 1,610 mm

Wheelsbase

  • 2,563 mm

BMW 3 Series FAQ’s

Q: What is the Top of the Range BMW 3 Series in South Africa?
A: The 340i M Sport Edition Shadow Package with 8-speed Sports Automatic Steptronic Transmission is the top of the range 3 Series from BMW.

Q: What 3 Series Accessories are available from BMW?
A: You can purchase an additional Comfort Package, Navigation Package and an Innovation Innovation Package. Additionally the M Sport has a Shadow Package additional accessories option. Because these are optional packages, they are not available on most vehicles that we sell. Please speak to one of our Group1 Sales team if you’re looking for a 3 Series BMW with a specific optional accessories package.

Q: What are the current 3 Series Transmission Options?
A: There is one transmission option with two variants, namely the 8-speed Automatic Steptronic Transmission and the 8-speed Sports Automatic Steptronic Transmission with gearshift paddles on the steering wheel and Dynamic Driving Control.

Q: What’s the most popular Used 3 Series BMW Year Model?
A: Although there is always interest in the latest models such as the 2017 and 2018 3 Series BMW’s, we sell many older models. Some of the most recent include 2016, 2015, 2015 and even a 2012 3 Series BMW. Older models such as those from the first generation (1975 – 1982) are often requested by collectors but are rare to find on our showroom floors.

Used BMW 3 Series Prices

With 7 vehicle options to choose from the Used BMW 3 Series Prices on this site can vary substantially. These prices are also further influenced by the age of the vehicle, the mechanical condition of the vehicle, any additional optional 3 Series Packages that have been added, the physical condition of the vehicle and even if there is still part of the original warranty, service plan or roadside assistance plan still in place (for newer Used 3 Series Models).

If you would like to discuss any of the BMW 3 Series Prices on this page then please contact us at one of the following Group1 Pre-owned Showrooms:

Interested in the used BMW 3-series sedan models previously available for sale?

The BMW 3-Series is the most popular of these luxury cars, and the sedan is the most popular in the series. No wonder used BMW 3-Series sedans are so popular among drivers who want the power and handling, luxury and safety and the status – at a more affordable price. Have a look at some of the BMW 3-Series sedans we have previously sold.

BMW 320i Edition M Sport Shadow

Price: R 403,068

  • 2017
  • 62,897 km
  • Manual
  • Petrol

BMW 316i A/T (F30)

Price: R 214,455

  • 2016
  • 107,000 km
  • Automatic
  • Petrol

BMW 318i M Sport A/T (F30)

Price: R 414,747

  • 2019
  • 63,296 km
  • Automatic
  • Petrol

BMW 320i A/T F30

Price: R 246,082

  • 2014
  • 85,960 km
  • Automatic
  • Petrol

BMW 3 Series Sedan 320i

Price: R 355,900

  • 2018
  • 44,000 km
  • Automatic
  • Petrol

Used BMW 3 Series in the Western Cape

Purchase a luxury Used 3 Series BMW in the Western Cape at one of three Used Vehicle Showrooms near Cape Town and on the Garden Route!

Group1 Pre-Owned Kuils River
Tel: 021 900 5200

Group1 Cars Stellenbosch
Tel: 021 201 1867

Group1 Cars Kuils River
Tel: 021 903 0500

Group1 Cars Strand
Tel: 021 891 2866

Group1 Cars George
Tel: 044 008 5041

Group1 Cars Knysna
Tel: 044 302 2600

Used BMW 3 Series in Gauteng

With two Group1 Pre-owned showrooms in Gauteng, both of which are strategically positioned around Johannesburg, there will always be a Used BMW 3 Series for Sale near you!

Group1 Cars Midrand
Tel: 087 057 9788

Group1 Cars Alberton
Tel: 010 593 4393

Group1 Pre-Owned Gleneagles
Tel: 011 210 7600

Used BMW 3 Series in the Eastern Cape

Now you too can own one of the most iconic BMW’s ever produced when you visit our Used Car Showroom in the Eastern Cape. You can find our Used 3 Series BMW for Sale here:

Group1 Cars Uitenhage
Tel: 041 994 1800

Please Note! National vehicle delivery options are available for all provinces within South Africa, and not just in the the Western Cape, Eastern Cape and Gauteng.

Image Source: Wikipedia