Used BMW 3 Series Touring (1999 - 2005) review

As a halfway house between a fully fledged load lugger and an entertaining sports car the BMW 3 Series Touring hits the spot. It's the sort of car that can entertain without appearing pushy or menopausal. Not a lot goes wrong, they're in constant demand and there's not a duff model in the whole line up. Recommended.

Although most associate the BMW 3 Series with compact saloons or sports coupes, the Touring estate versions could be described as the unsung heroes of the range. As with any 3 Series purchase, they're well built and will retain their value doggedly, but unlike your neighbour's 318i saloon, they have a little more exclusivity. The additional practicality of the estate body shape can't be overlooked either, although they're hardly cavernous in the back. As a used proposition, the E46 generation 3 Series Touring is a sound bet. There won't be too many screaming bargains about, but if you want a quality, practical product that rewards the enthusiast driver, there's little to touch a Touring.

BMW 3 SERIES HISTORY

The fourth generation BMW 3 Series, with more rounded styling and slightly bulbous nose, arrived in Britain in time for S-plates in September 1998 but it wasn't until nearly a year later that the Touring estate versions started to appear in showrooms. The first models to arrive were the 1.9-litre 318i and 320td diesel. The old-shape 328i Touring was sold alongside them. Later in 2000, the 330d Touring was added to the range as well as the gutsy 330i. replacing as it did a stop-gap 'new shape' 328i Touring that was on sale for just one year. For the 2001 model year, a 320i model was introduced with a 170bhp 2.2-litre engine and the 323i was replaced by the 192bhp 325i. In summer 2001 the touring models received a mild facelift and suspension and steering systems were improved. The 318i got a 2.0-litre 143bhp engine whilst the 320d also benefited from a power boost due to new common rail technology. At the same time, the 1.9-litre 316 was quietly dropped from the range. Spring 2002 saw the reintroduction of the 316i, this time round with a worthwhile 115bhp Valvetronic engine. A wider selection of value added ES and Sport versions were added in early 2003 and a stonking 204bhp version of the 3.0-litre diesel was announced. Early 2004 say the arrival of an entry-level diesel - the 318d.

WHAT DO I GET FOR MY MONEY?

The usual charge that a 3 Series looks sparse until it gets to SE trim level can't be levelled at the Touring. They're all SE, Sport or, latterly, value-packed ES variants. OK, so it's not the biggest estate around. All told, there's 435 litres of space - or 1345 litres with the rear seats folded, but the latest round of revisions have served to further distance itself from a chasing pack of 'lifestyle' load luggers. Not that it pays to get too practical in considering a car of this kind. You could hardly do so given that prices start at £21,880 for a car not much bigger than a Focus or Astra estate. But then this isn't an 'estate' is it? It's a Touring - which apparently makes all the difference. Touring buyers don't usually need an estate: they just like the idea of a saloon with a bit of extra versatility - or a hatchback with a backpack as some have seen it. Approach this 3 Series in such a frame of mind and you won't be disappointed. From the rear doors forward, it's much the same as the saloon model. Indeed, the shallow rear side windows and sloping rear tailgate make it arguably more stylish. You get virtually all the same engines too, for a 'lifestyle' premium that's 'only' £8-900 more than the four-door. Inside it's as well thought out as ever, if not the most capacious load lugger around. There are floor hooks (and two rubber restraining straps) to lash down your luggage and recessed sockets in the headlining to clasp a standard retaining net that stops loose objects from hurling themselves into the cabin should you stop suddenly. There are also hidden storage areas beneath the boot floor for particularly valuable items, plus the usual load space cover (with a beautifully-damped retracting action) to guard your possessions from prying eyes. If you've lighter loads to carry - or simply something like a sportsbag, it's not even necessary to open the much wider tailgate. Simply squeeze the rear wiper and the rear window glass springs open with a satisfying clunk.

WHAT PRICE AM I LOOKING AT?

Prices for the E46 3 Series Touring start at £7,800 for a 1999 V plated 318i SE with around 56,000 miles on the clock. The 143bhp versions of the 318i didn't arrive until 2001 and these are still commanding around £10,500, or £11,300 with an automatic gearbox. The 320i SE Touring opens at £9,500 on a 2000 X plate and £500 more will land you a 325iSE Touring model. The relatively rare 328i Touring models start at £9,000 on a 1999 V plate and top out at around £10,800 for the last of the 2000 W plated examples. The 330i Touring is a superb driver's car, and values reflect this, early 2000 W versions still worth around £10,000. Both diesel cars are well worth tracking down. The 320d Touring opens at £8,700 on a 1999 V plate although the facelifted 150bhp cars are a fair bit quicker. You will need £12,000 for a 51-plated car if you want one of these, however. At that sort of money, surely it would be difficult to overlook the abilities of the 330d Touring, M3 aside, possibly the most impressive car in the 3 Series line up. These start at just over £10,000 on a 1999 V plate, although an automatic gearbox adds another £1,000.

WHAT SHOULD I LOOK OUT FOR?

The latest-shape 3 series is still too new for any major problems to show up so check the usual - clocked odometers, body nicks and scrapes, damaged trim, cellphone mounting holes in the dashboard and a cast-iron full BMW dealer service history. It's worth being fussy (avoid dull non-metallic colours, low ex-rep specifications and gloomy interior trim colours) so that, when resale time comes, you'll get a lot more for your part exchange than you might expect. Be suspicious of cars that have had many owners in a short time (this could be a sign of ongoing problems). If you really want piece of mind, buy from a BMW dealer - but be prepared to pay the premium. Check the luggage area for signs of wear and tear and also inspect the roof rails for signs of damage from aftermarket roof bar kits.

HOW DOES IT DRIVE?

Settle behind the wheel and it will feel good to be at the helm of a Three series. The solid, quality feel of the controls and the silky-smooth performance are just right. One of the advantages of buying a well cared for example is that the engine should be nicely run-in, so you can enjoy all of the performance right from the start. In the six-cylinder petrol-powered 325i for example, there's plenty on offer. Rest to 60 takes just eight seconds on the way to a maximum of over 140mph while the high-tech four-cylinder 2.0-litre unit in the 320d is no dull diesel slouch thanks to a top speed of nearly 130mph. Add a set of personalised plates and even the most eagle-eyed enthusiast would struggle to recognise the car from new.

BY ANDY ENRIGHT

PARTS INFORMATION

(approx based on a 318i Touring) A clutch assembly is around £130. Front brake pads are around £40, a full exhaust about £360, an alternator around £100 and a tyre around £40. A starter motor is about £120. A headlamp is about £165.

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