3 Series: monthly finance cost
The BMW 3 Series remains the benchmark executive saloon for UK buyers, and most of them finance it. Priced at £40,000, hire purchase with a 10% deposit of £4,000 at 9.9% APR over 48 months costs £911.33 a month, with a total amount payable of £47,743.84. Payments are fixed from the first to the last, which helps at this price point - though insurance, servicing and road tax for a premium saloon are not included.
The 3 Series is one of Britain's most PCP'd cars, because strong residuals keep monthly PCP quotes well below HP. PCP achieves that by deferring a guaranteed future value into an optional final balloon payment. On HP at roughly £911 a month, the structure is simpler: the full price plus interest is divided across the term, with no balloon and no mileage limits, and the BMW is yours at the end.
Total payable: £46,543.94 · Interest: £7,548.94
At this level, stretching the term is the commonest what-if. Moving from 48 to 60 months would bring the £911.33 monthly payment down meaningfully - but twelve more months of interest on a large balance adds up, so compare the total cost, not just the monthly figure. A larger deposit is the alternative: it cuts borrowing directly, lowering both payment and interest.
HP versus PCP for a 3 Series often comes down to the upgrade cycle. HP suits drivers who will keep the car beyond the finance term and want clean ownership. PCP suits those who expect to want the next 3 Series in three or four years, with lower monthlies meanwhile. Verdict: premium numbers, but competitive for the class - remembering the APR you are offered will depend on your credit status.