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BMW 3 Series (2005-2011) review

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The BMW 3 Series in its so-called 'E90' generation was launched in 2005, and updated throughout its lifespan. Offered in four-door saloon and five-door Touring estate forms, the 3 Series battles premium rivals like the Mercedes-Benz C-class and Audi A4. How well does it perform? Find out in our full review.
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Test results

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BMW 3 Series (2005-2011)

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Show more specifications

Exterior size

Length (mm)4,520 - 4,580
Width inc mirrors (mm)-
Height max height (mm)1,409 - 1,447

Seating

Number of seats5
Folding rear seats
Isofix attachments

Boot space

Boot space with seats up (litres)All tested models: 405
Boot space with seats down (litres)All tested models: 755

Combined mpg

Combined mpg (best measured)
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Combined mpg (all measured)
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Combined mpg (all claimed)Diesel 316d (115bhp) - 62.8, Diesel 318d (143bhp) - 60.1, Diesel 320d (163bhp) - 49.6, Diesel 320d (177bhp) - 58.9, Diesel 320d (184bhp) - 60.1, Diesel 320d Eff'Dyn (163bhp) - 68.9, Diesel 325d (197bhp) - 49.6, Diesel 330d (231bhp) - 38.2, Diesel 330d (245bhp) - 49.6, Petrol 330i (258bhp) - 32.5

Urban mpg

Urban mpg (best measured)
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Urban mpg (all measured)
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Urban mpg (all claimed)Diesel 316d (115bhp) - 52.3, Diesel 318d (143bhp) - 49.6, Diesel 320d (163bhp) - 36.2, Diesel 320d (177bhp) - 47.1, Diesel 320d (184bhp) - 47.9, Diesel 320d Eff'Dyn (163bhp) - 56.5, Diesel 325d (197bhp) - 37.2, Diesel 330d (231bhp) - 28.2, Diesel 330d (245bhp) - 49.6, Petrol 330i (258bhp) - 22.2

Extra Urban mpg

Extra urban mpg (best measured)
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Extra urban mpg (all measured)
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Extra urban mpg (all claimed)Diesel 316d (115bhp) - 70.6, Diesel 318d (143bhp) - 68.9, Diesel 320d (163bhp) - 62.8, Diesel 320d (177bhp) - 68.9, Diesel 320d (184bhp) - 70.6, Diesel 320d Eff'Dyn (163bhp) - 78.5, Diesel 325d (197bhp) - 61.4, Diesel 330d (231bhp) - 47.9, Diesel 330d (245bhp) - 58.9, Petrol 330i (258bhp) - 44.1

Motorway mpg

Motorway mpg (best measured)
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Motorway mpg (all measured)
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CO2 emissions

CO2 emissions (best measured)
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CO2 emissions (all measured)
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CO2 emissions (all claimed)Diesel 316d (115bhp) - 118, Diesel 318d (143bhp) - 123, Diesel 320d (163bhp) - 153, Diesel 320d (177bhp) - 128, Diesel 320d (184bhp) - 125, Diesel 320d Eff'Dyn (163bhp) - 109, Diesel 325d (197bhp) - 153, Diesel 330d (231bhp) - 197, Diesel 330d (245bhp) - 152, Petrol 330i (258bhp) - 210

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