BMW 3 Series Owners' Guide
- Car ownership
- BMW
FixMyCar provides key information about the BMW 3 Series.
Ellie Dyer-Brown
Thursday April 10 2025
12 min read
The 3 Series is one of the best executive cars on the market, combining sporty styling with impressive performance and exceptional comfort. As an added bonus, it comes loaded with cutting-edge technology, making it a compelling choice for drivers who want it all.
This owners’ guide compiles key information about your 3 Series in one convenient place, covering service intervals, recommended tyre pressures, and answers to frequently asked questions to help you keep your car running smoothly.
BMW 3 Series generations
BMW 3 Series Mk1 1975-1982
The first-generation 3 Series wasn’t particularly sporty and didn’t make waves with its launch. However, it paved the way for what came next.
Body styles:
Two-door convertible
Two-door saloon
Key engine options:
1.6-litre 90bhp petrol
1.8-litre 98bhp petrol
2.0-litre 125bhp petrol
BMW 3 Series Mk2 1982-1991
The ‘80s saw the arrival of the second-generation 3 Series, the E30 – now one of the most sought-after classics on the market. BMW seriously stepped up its game with more powerful engines and sharper styling.
The sporty M3 version, which came with a 2.3-litre engine and large spoilers, was the pinnacle of this generation.
Body styles:
Five-door estate
Four-door saloon
Two-door saloon
Two-door convertible
Key engine options:
2.5-litre 195bhp petrol
1.6-litre 100bhp petrol
2.0-litre 127bhp petrol
BMW 3 Series Mk3 1991-1998
The third iteration of the 3 Series was the E36, a model larger and more sophisticated than the one it replaced. It was the first generation offered with a diesel engine in the UK.
The ever-popular M3 also returned, this time as a sporty road car.
Body styles:
Five-door estate
Four-door saloon
Three-door hatchback
Two-door coupe
Two-door convertible
Key engine options:
1.6-litre 100bhp petrol
2.8-litre 193bhp petrol
3.0-litre 286bhp petrol
BMW 3 Series Mk4 1998-2005
The fourth-generation 3 Series was larger and offered more cabin space than its predecessor. All models featured air conditioning as standard for the first time, with advanced features like satellite navigation remaining optional extras.
Body styles:
Five-door estate
Four-door saloon
Three-door hatchback
Two-door coupe
Two-door convertible
Key engine options:
1.9-litre 103bhp petrol
2.0-litre 143bhp petrol
3.2-litre 338bhp petrol
2.0-litre 136bhp diesel
3.0-litre 201bhp diesel
BMW 3 Series Mk5 2005-2015
The next generation of the 3 Series was a bigger car but kept its weight down through lightweight materials. The convertible version got a folding hardtop, and the iDrive rotary controller was introduced for the first time.
Body styles:
Five-door estate
Four-door saloon
Two-door coupe
Two-door convertible
Key engine options:
3.0-litre 306bhp twin-turbo petrol
2.5-litre 218bhp petrol
2.0-litre 114bhp diesel
3.0-litre 286bhp twin-turbo diesel
BMW 3 Series Mk6 2012-2018
With this generation, BMW decided to separate the saloon and touring (estate) models from the coupes and convertibles, the latter of which became the 4 Series.
All models had iDrive, air conditioning, Bluetooth, and from mid-2015, satellite navigation. The engine options were all turbocharged for the first time in the model’s history, and xDrive all-wheel drive was introduced in the UK, quickly becoming a popular choice for drivers.
Body styles:
Four-door saloon
Five-door estate
Key engine options:
1.6-litre 136bhp petrol
2.0-litre 184bhp petrol
3.0-litre 306bhp petrol
2.0-litre 116bhp diesel
3.0-litre 313bhp diesel
3.0-litre 340bhp petrol hybrid
2.0-litre 252bhp PHEV
BMW 3 Series Mk7 2019-
The latest version of the 3 Series is undoubtedly the best yet: packed with the latest tech and a high-quality cabin, it’s brilliant to drive, great to look at, and comes with a range of engine options, including a plug-in hybrid.
The model received a facelift in 2020 that saw the introduction of BMW’s curved dashboard screen, which contains the main instrument cluster and the central infotainment screen.
Body styles:
Five-door estate
Four-door saloon
Key engine options:
2.0-litre 184bhp petrol
3.0-litre 374bhp petrol
2.0-litre 252bhp petrol hybrid
2.0-litre 150bhp diesel (discontinued in 2024)
3.0-litre 340bhp diesel (discontinued in 2024)
Service intervals
Modern BMWs use a Condition-Based Service (CBS) system. Instead of relying on fixed time or mileage intervals, the system monitors your car and alerts you when it needs a service.
You can keep track of your car's condition and servicing history using the My BMW app and the iDrive menu in your car.
What is monitored by CBS?
Wear and tear of parts
Time and mileage recommendations for services
What is BMW Service Inclusive?
Service Inclusive is a service plan from BMW that covers your vehicle’s servicing needs for at least the first four years after it was registered. It requires an upfront payment tailored to your model and is only available from a BMW Centre.
Service Inclusive is available for a 3 Series from £1,044.
What’s included?
Service Inclusive for petrol, diesel and PHEV models covers all servicing costs up to your car’s fifth birthday or 62,000 miles (whichever comes first).
This includes:
Oil top-up
Service fuel filter (diesel)
Service air filter
Service micro filter
Fixed service intervals
If you'd rather stick to fixed time or distance-based servicing, the intervals below are recommended for most vehicles.
| Maintenance type | Replacement interval |
|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | Every year or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. |
| Brake fluid | Every two years regardless of mileage. |
| Brake system | Checked with annual service |
| Battery | Checked every 20,000 miles/two years. |
| Tyres | Checked with annual service |
Want to learn more about vehicle servicing? Check out the following guides:
Tyre pressure
The recommended tyre pressure varies depending on the spec and engine of your car. The table below shows tyre sizes and pressures listed for the 3 Series on TyrePressures.com.
However, you should always check this information before adjusting your tyres. You can find the correct pressure for your 3 Series:
In the vehicle handbook/owner’s manual.
Printed on the sill of the driver’s door.
On the inside of the fuel tank cap.
Read our guide to tyre pressure for more information.
| 3 Series model year | Front tyre size | Front tyre pressure | Rear tyre size | Rear tyre pressure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019 | 225/40/R19 93 Y | 33 PSI/2.3 BAR | 255/35/R19 96 Y | 33 PSI/2.3 BAR |
| 2018, 2017, 2016 | 225/40/R19 93 Y | 32 PSI/2.2 BAR | 255/35/R19 96 Y | 38 PSI/2.6 BAR |
| 2015 | 225/45/R18 95 Y | 32 PSI/2.2 BAR | 255/40/R18 95 Y | 38 PSI/2.6 BAR |
How to check BMW 3 Series tyre pressure
There are three options for checking your tyre pressure:
Use a hand-held gauge (available online for around £10).
Use the vehicle’s onboard system to view current tyre pressures.
Find a petrol station with a tyre inflation machine on the forecourt.
How to reset a BMW 3 Series tyre pressure warning light
Once you’ve inspected your tyres for damage and ensured they are at the correct pressure, you can reset the tyre pressure warning light.
Navigate to the ‘Vehicle Status’ section of the iDrive system.
Next, go to the ‘Tyre Pressure’ section and choose ‘Tyre Settings’.
Scroll to the bottom of the menu and click ‘Perform Reset’.
Go for a short drive to complete the reset.
For older models:
Use the left indicator stalk to scroll through the dashboard menu until you find the tyre pressure reset option.
Press and hold the BC button on the end of the indicator, then let it go.
Press and hold the BC button again until you see a tick.
Press the BC button again and navigate to ‘Check’.
The screen should now say ‘Check OK’.
If you’re still unsure how to reset your car’s tyre pressure light, the best thing to do is consult your owner’s manual.
Engine oil
It’s crucial to use the correct engine oil for your car – find out why in this guide.
5W-30 oil is commonly used in BMW models, but the recommended oil grade can differ between different 3 Series configurations and depending on whether the car uses petrol or diesel. Your owner’s manual will provide information about the correct oil for your vehicle.
0W-40 oil has a lower viscosity and is recommended for use in countries where the temperature regularly drops below –20 degrees.
Castrol has been BMW’s lubricant supplier for over a decade.
What is the oil capacity of a BMW 3 Series?
3 Series models typically have an oil capacity between four and six litres. The amount required for an oil change can vary between different generations and configurations, so it’s always worth checking your owner’s manual to make sure you don’t overfill the system.
Need help checking and topping up your engine oil? Read this guide.
What should I do if my BMW 3 Series leaks oil?
If you see a low oil warning light on your dashboard, you should pull over immediately in a safe place and assess the situation. Never drive with low engine oil.
Oil leaks can vary in severity – with a minor leak, you can usually top up the oil and drive to a garage for a repair. But if the leak is major, you’ll have to call your breakdown provider or get a mobile mechanic to come to you.
Remember that oil leaks will usually worsen over time, so if you put off a repair, you could end up paying more.
Battery
What battery do I need for my BMW 3 Series?
The type and size of the battery will depend on the model’s configurations. Many 3 Series models use AGM 019 batteries.
🚨 If your car has start-stop technology that automatically switches the engine off when stationary, it requires an AGM or EFB battery.
The table below gives some examples of different 3 Series models and which batteries are most suitable for them.
| 3 Series Model Spec | Year | Battery |
|---|---|---|
| 316D SE 2.0 115bhp manual diesel saloon | 2025 | AGM 019 |
| 318D Luxury 2.0 150bhp manual diesel saloon | 2025 | AGM 019 |
| 318I SE 1.5 136bhp manual petrol saloon | 2025 | AGM 019 |
| 318I Sport 1.5 136bhp automatic petrol estate | 2024 | AGM 019 |
What are the signs that I need a new 3 Series battery?
Car batteries typically last three to five years. When the battery in your 3 Series reaches the end of its life, you may notice the following signs:
Dim headlights
Engine takes longer to start
Electrical malfunctions
A rotten egg smell under the bonnet
Visible corrosion on battery terminals
Batteries can also fail prematurely for various reasons – find out why in this guide.
How to look after the battery of your BMW 3 Series
The top three things you can do to prolong your battery’s life are:
Keep it clean and free from corrosion.
Use your car regularly and do some longer journeys.
Get it checked – this is done during a full service.
Read about more battery maintenance tips here.
Warning lights
What do the warning lights mean on a BMW 3 Series?
Dashboard warning lights are triggered by the car’s electronic control unit (ECU) when a problem is detected. You can learn some information by looking at the shape and colour of the light, but for a detailed diagnosis, you’ll usually need to book a diagnostic test.
Red lights indicate a severe problem. You should stop driving and contact a mechanic.
Yellow lights are less urgent – you can continue driving to your destination, but you should book your car into a garage.
Learn more about car warning lights and what they mean in this guide.
BMW 3 Series warning lights you might not know
BMW Start/Stop System warning light
The Start/Stop System warning light shows an arrow travelling in a circle around an exclamation mark. It can be triggered by battery issues, electrical problems, unfastened seatbelts, or even an open bonnet.
BMW glow plug warning light
Diesel models are fitted with glow plugs rather than spark plugs. The glow plug light will illuminate briefly while your engine warms up and should go off again quite quickly. If it stays on, the glow plugs may be worn or there could be a sensor malfunction.
The light looks like a coil or looped wire and is usually yellow or orange.
💡 If you’ve spotted an unusual warning light on your dashboard and don’t know what to do, the best course of action is to book a diagnostic test. This will pinpoint the issue that triggered the light, so you know exactly what needs repairing.
Common problems
Here, we look at two common problems encountered by 3 Series owners.
1. Oil leaks
3 Series models are prone to developing oil leaks, especially diesel versions and those with high mileage. The valve cover gaskets and oil filter housings are the most likely parts to leak oil.
If your oil level keeps dropping or you see visible signs of a leak, you should book a repair as soon as possible – the longer you leave it, the worse the leak is likely to get, and driving with insufficient oil can cause severe engine damage.
2. Worn brakes
The brakes on 3 Series models can wear out quickly, and when they need replacing, it’s often expensive, as with most BMW repairs. That said, there are several ways to extend the lifespan of your car’s brakes – find out how in this guide.
Top BMW 3 Series questions and topics
Where is the battery in a BMW 3 Series?
In most 3 Series models, you can find the battery in the boot of the car at the right side under the upholstery or tool tray.
How long is a BMW 3 Series?
The latest 3 Series has a maximum length of 4,714mm.
How to turn off daytime running lights in a BMW 3 Series
Here’s how to switch off the daytime running lights on newer models.
From the home screen, navigate to your apps.
Click ‘exterior lighting’.
Disable the daytime running lights using the toggle button.
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Written by Ellie
Ellie is FixMyCar's Content Writer. She has over three years of experience writing about cars and regularly collaborates with automotive experts to provide trustworthy advice for drivers that is easy understand. Her work has been featured in Yahoo! Finance, iNews, The Daily Express and The Sun. She has a BA in English literature and an MA in creative writing from Durham University. Outside of work, Ellie follows F1 and eagerly awaits Ferrari's next era of dominance in the sport. She drives a Suzuki Swift.