BMW 3 Series SPORT cars

What is the BMW 3 Series Sport?

The BMW 3 Series Sport is a popular mid-spec trim level that comes with more kit than entry-level models, even more style and, more importantly, an affordable price tag.

Because Sport has been an option on the BMW 3 Series since the 1990s, there should be no shortage of used cars to fit every type of budget.

A used BMW 3 Series Sport makes for an excellent pick for company car drivers, families, and even driving enthusiasts who need something more practical.

– Read our BMW 3 Series review

What are the BMW 3 Series Sport specs?

When it comes to buying a used BMW 3 Series Sport, the selection is almost endless. The most popular engines by far are the 190hp 320d (diesel) and the 184hp 320i (petrol) – both use a 2.0-litre engine and offer a good blend of performance and efficiency.

Plug-in hybrid power comes in the form of a 2.0-litre petrol system. The latest models come with rear- and all-wheel drive, 292hp, and an electric range of around 30-40 miles. Older models have 252hp and around half the range of newer versions.

For more power, there’s the 3.0-litre 265hp 330d (diesel) and the 2.0-litre 258hp 330i (petrol), or for cheaper running costs, consider the 2.0-litre 316d and 318d diesels, with 116hp and 150hp respectively, or the 318i, which used to have a 136hp 1.5-litre petrol engine, but more recently had an upgraded 156hp 2.0-litre engine.

Used BMW 3 Series Sport features and equipment

What you’ll get depends on the model you go for, because there have been multiple versions of the BMW 3 Series Sport spanning around three decades, so it’s worth checking any individual listing before committing to a purchase.

As a rule of thumb, the latest models come with LED headlights, all-around parking sensors, cruise control, three-zone climate control and a slightly sportier design compared to lower trim levels.

The seventh-generation G20 model, introduced in 2018, was updated in 2022. Models built after the facelift come with an impressive dual-screen system for the instrument cluster and infotainment system, including an updated version of the very popular iDrive system.

Where the 3 Series Sport sits in the BMW range

In the case of the latest BMW 3 Series, Sport is the entry-level point, but more widely, it’s considered to be a mid-level trim and comes with good levels of equipment.

Previously, more affordable SE models used to sit at the bottom of the range. SE and Sport have also had Pro variants, with slightly better car tech.

At the top of the range are M Sport variants, which take styling from the performance M3. There are also M340i and M340d vehicles, which use powerful 3.0-litre engines and bridge the gap between the regular 3 Series and the M3.