This post was originally published on Autocar
The formidable 3 Series is equally compelling in estate form. Is it as good a used buy?
BMW’s 3 Series Touring has been a front-runner in the executive estate car class for 40 years now, having been progressively improved across seven generations.You could spend a good chunk of cash on a nearly new ‘G81’ example, but why not save yourself around £10,000 by buying an older ‘F31’ that’s very nearly as talented?Launched in 2012, this particular 3 Series immediately outclassed many desirable alternatives like the Audi A4 Avant and Mercedes-Benz C-Class for comfort, refinement, equipment and space – but what really set it apart was its chassis tuning and suspension, which made the car as rewarding and engaging to drive as the saloon.“The handling is agile and sure-footed,” we said when we first drove it, “and it has just the right amount of roll, pitch and dive to remind you that you’re testing the chassis.”If you can, spring for a 3 Series fitted with adaptive dampers: they allow you to adjust the firmness of the suspension and can turn the car from genuine performance estate to comfortable cruiser at the touch of a button. And if you want even more grip, and greater usability in wintry conditions, then opt for a four-wheel-drive xDrive car.There’s a broad and brilliant range of models to choose from. The clear standout is the 320d, with a 184bhp four-cylinder diesel engine that’s smooth and will return 42mpg day to day or an impressive 56mpg on longer journeys.You can snap one of these up for as little as £2500, but this will tie you to a moon-mileage car with clear signs of hard use. Stretch to around £7000-£10,000 and you will get a much tidier example.Our top choice, though, would be the brawny and characterful 330d, which gets a punchier six-cylinder oil-burner that makes 254bhp and 413lb ft of torque. It’s a crackerjack engine and suits the car well, and it will still do 53mpg on motorway schleps. You will need more than £10,000 for a decent example, though.There are several petrols to choose from, but we would aim for either the 320i if you’re after the best economy or the slightly thirsty, 242bhp 328i if you want potency.Classified adverts with ‘LCI’ in the headline refer to the ‘Life Cycle Impulse’ (which normal people would call a facelift), rolled out to the car in 2015, bringing a new look and LED headlights.BMW also added the ultra-frugal 320d Efficient Dynamics model to the range – a tempting choice when you consider its real-world 60mpg economy, and it’s tax-exempt too.Also new was the 340i, which feels like a pseudo-M3 to drive. Its 322bhp turbocharged petrol straight six is a smooth, elastic and flexible engine that provides serious pace – and it will still do upwards of 35mpg, whereas the Jaguar XE S, say, will struggle to return 30mpg.Upgrades were also made to the interior, but whether you opt for an early or late example, all versions of the 3 Series Touring have a suitably upmarket cabin, with a neat dashboard layout and high-quality materials throughout.It’s comfortable, it has excellent ergonomics and rear space is good enough for adults – plus you get a capacious 495-litre boot.Sure, you will choose this estate for its additional practicality, but you will love owning one more for its impressive economy, engaging drive, elegantly finished interior and, in most cases, outstanding performance.