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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.
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Detailed ratings
Mid-Sized Executive Estate Cars
What you get
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.
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What to look 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.
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Replacement parts
(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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On the road
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.
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Overall
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.
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