Insurance Group: 32
MPG: 39.2
CO2: 168
0-62 Mph: 6.7 secs
BHP: 218 BHP
Range: 543 miles
PROS: A fantastic mid-range sports saloon option with a powerful engine, great handling and lots of equipment and space.
CONS: The suspension of the 3 Series is sometimes a little hard.
The 325i SE has a 3.0-litre engine developing 218 bhp and 199 lb-ft of torque. 0-62mph takes 6.7 seconds and the top speed is limited to 155 mph.
The 325i's engine is powerful, smooth and quiet, with the cabin insulated from outside sounds, although there is a little wind noise at high speeds. It handles superbly thanks to a well-sorted chassis, direct steering and, of course, it's rear-wheel drive.
The suspension is too firm for comfort - a common criticism of BMWs but it is much improved over its predecessor.
The 325i SE comes with power steering, cruise control, stability control, alloy wheels, , MP3 connectivity, climate control, rear parking sensors and stereo as standard, with optional extras including leather seats for £1,265, Bluetooth for £250 and satellite navigation for £1,550.
The 3 Series is a good looking car and the BMW roundle on the bonnet still conveys a great deal of prestige, despite the car's current ubiquity.
This saloon has loads of room in the front and back, with plenty of leg room - making comfort levels high. The boot is sizable too with 460 litres of capacity on offer alongside the option to take down the split-folding rear seats to extend the space.
Safety levels are also high with standard equipment including six airbags, dynamic stability control inclusive of anti-lock braking system (ABS), corning brake control, dynamic brake control and dynamic traction control.
An optional extra is the Active Security Package (with lane changes and lane departure-warning systems).
Reliability should not be an issue thanks to BMW's famous Teutonic build quality.
The 3 Series benefits from BMW’s Efficient Dynamics technology, which gives the engines excellent fuel economy and low CO2 emissions, also making it an attractive business car option.
Overall the 325i SE offers great value for money for a mid-range saloon, giving you a car with a good powerful engine, great driveability and good fuel economy, alongside all the equipment you could need and lots of space. The diesel option, the 325d, has lower running costs but the price is higher so the upgrade would only be worth the extra if you get enough mileage from your car.
The 325i SE model costs £28,530 and has a combined economy of 39.2 mpg and CO2 emission rate of 168g/km.
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