BMW 3 Series 2020 review
Overview
The 2020 BMW 3 Series belongs to the G20 generation, the seventh iteration of the car that effectively invented the compact executive saloon. Launched in the UK in March 2019, it arrived with a stiffer CLAR chassis, sharper handling and a big leap in cabin technology — and it reclaimed the class benchmark status the segment had started to lend to rivals. For used buyers, a 2020 car sits in the sweet spot: early enough to have depreciated heavily, new enough to carry the full modern safety kit and a five-star Euro NCAP rating from 2019.
The UK range in 2020 centred on four-cylinder petrols and diesels: the 320i and 330i petrols, the 318d and 320d diesels, and the six-cylinder 330d and M340i for those chasing performance. Rear-wheel drive is standard — as it should be on a 3 Series — with xDrive four-wheel drive offered on most trims. Every UK car uses the superb 8-speed Steptronic automatic; drive one back-to-back with the competition and the gearbox alone can sell the car.
The standout for company-car and private buyers alike is the 330e plug-in hybrid, which went on UK sale in July 2019. Its 37-mile WLTP electric range covers most commutes silently, CO2 sits at just 37–39 g/km, and benefit-in-kind tax was a fraction of a diesel's — the price being a smaller 375-litre boot where the battery lives. As a used buy, the 330e makes sense only if you will actually plug it in; a never-charged plug-in hybrid is just a heavy, thirsty petrol.
What should used buyers check? Full BMW service history is non-negotiable, ideally with the condition-based servicing kept on schedule rather than stretched. On diesels, verify any outstanding EGR cooler recall work and check the VIN on the gov.uk recall checker — BMW's diesel EGR campaigns are the one blemish on this generation's reliability record. Listen for timing-chain rattle on cold start, and budget for the usual BMW running costs: run-flat tyres, and brakes and suspension components that cost more than a mainstream hatchback's.
UK price from: £33,610
Specifications
| Engine | 2.0L turbocharged petrol (B48, 320i) |
| Power | 184 hp |
| Torque | 300 Nm |
| 0-62 mph | 7.2 seconds (320i) |
| Transmission | 8-speed Steptronic automatic |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive (xDrive on some trims) |
| Fuel economy | ~55 mpg combined (320d); ~40 mpg (320i) |
| CO2 emissions | 110 g/km (320d); 37-39 g/km (330e PHEV) |
| Boot space | 480 litres (375 litres 330e) |
| Euro NCAP | 5 stars (2019) |
| Insurance group | 34 (330e) |
| Warranty | 3 years, unlimited mileage |
Features
- G20 CLAR platform with 50:50 weight balance and rear-wheel drive as standard
- iDrive infotainment with rotary controller plus touchscreen, Apple CarPlay standard from 2020
- 12.3-inch digital instrument display with full-colour head-up display on higher trims
- Driving Assistant safety suite: collision warning with city braking, lane-departure warning and speed-limit info as standard
- Adaptive LED headlights with cornering function on SE trim and above
- 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats as standard, extending the 480-litre boot
- 330e plug-in hybrid: 37-mile electric range, 3.7 kW home charging, pre-conditioning standard
- xDrive all-wheel drive available across most of the range; M Sport styling and suspension on the UK's favourite trim
Common parts & prices
| Part | Price (GBP) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Front brake pads (set) | £59.99 | Pattern part; OEM specification |
| Oil filter | £14.99 | |
| Cabin pollen filter | £19.99 | |
| Front wiper blades (pair) | £22.99 | |
| 12V AGM battery | £159.99 | Stop-start compatible |
| Engine air filter | £19.99 |
Pros
- The driving experience remains the class benchmark — steering, balance and ride comfort all superbly judged on UK roads
- The B48 petrol and B47 diesel engines are proven, chain-driven units with strong real-world economy — 320d owners routinely see high-50s mpg
- Cabin quality took a big step up over the old F30: better materials, better tech, and a genuinely premium feel
- Strong residual values and huge UK parts and specialist support keep ownership predictable — any BMW independent knows this car inside out
- The 330e is a genuinely compelling used PHEV: fast (5.9 s to 62mph), cheap to run on short trips, and still a proper driver's car
Cons
- Run-flat tyres are standard and they compromise ride quality and replacement cost; many owners switch to conventional tyres and a repair kit
- M Sport suspension can feel overly firm on broken British B-roads — try before you buy, and consider SE or Sport trim if comfort matters
- Diesels carry the EGR cooler recall shadow — check recall status on any 318d/320d/330d, and avoid cars with patchy servicing
- Options were expensive when new, so base SE cars can feel sparse — a well-optioned M Sport is worth the premium on the used market
