BMW 3 SERIES (1998-06) 320D 4DR SALOON 2.0 SE 6SPD
The BMW 3 SERIES (1998-06) 320D 4DR SALOON 2.0 SE 6SPD is a well-regarded model from the classic E46 generation, offering a blend of style, performance, and practicality that makes it a popular choice in the UK's used car market. As a saloon, it provides a comfortable and spacious interior, making it suitable for families, commuters, or anyone seeking a reliable and enjoyable drive. Known for its balanced handling and smooth ride, the 320D upholds BMW’s reputation for driving pleasure, while its 2.0-litre diesel engine offers good fuel economy—an attractive feature for those looking to keep running costs down.
In the used car market, this model stands out for its solid build quality and enduring appeal, often chosen by drivers who want a vehicle that feels premium without the high price tag. Its reputation for reliability and safety, combined with a stylish design, makes it a competitive alternative to rivals like the Audi A4 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. With an average valuation of around £814 and typical mileages around 154,150 miles, cars of this type generally come with multiple previous owners—about five on average—highlighting its long-standing popularity. Whether for daily commuting or versatile city driving, the BMW 3 SERIES (1998-06) 320D 4DR SALOON 2.0 SE 6SPD remains a dependable, upscale choice for used car buyers across the UK.
average use
The data shows that the most common recent mileage recordings for the BMW 3 Series (1998-2006) 320D models are between 130,000 and 140,000 miles (10.4%), followed closely by ranges around 140,000-160,000 miles (8.6% to 7.1%). Notably, a significant proportion of vehicles are found at the lower end of the mileage spectrum, with 0-10,000 miles (4.6%) and 40,000-50,000 miles (1.1%), as well as at very high mileage levels exceeding 200,000 miles, which collectively form smaller but notable segments. Overall, the distribution suggests that these vehicles tend to be driven between 130,000 and 170,000 miles, with some reaching high mileages above 270,000 miles. The data highlights the variability in mileage, reflecting a mix of relatively low-mileage and high-mileage vehicles within this model range.
vehicle values
The data indicates that a significant majority of private sale valuations for the BMW 3 Series (1998-2006) 320D 4DR Saloon 2.0 SE 6SPD are concentrated in the lower price range. Specifically, approximately 78.9% of these vehicles are valued between £0 and £1,000, while only 21.1% fall within the £1,000 to £2,000 range. This suggests that most private sales of this model tend to be at the more affordable end of the spectrum, possibly reflecting the age, condition, or market demand for these vehicles.
production years
The data indicates that for the BMW 3 Series (1998-06) 320D 4DR Saloon 2.0 SE 6SPD, the majority of vehicles—over half (57.1%)—were manufactured in 2004. The next most common year is 2003, accounting for 33.2%, while only a small proportion (9.6%) were built in 2005. This suggests that the 2004 model is the most prevalent among this sample, possibly reflecting production peaks or higher longevity of vehicles from that year.
colour popularity
The data indicates that for the BMW 3 Series (1998-2006) 320D 4-door saloon 2.0 SE 6-speed models, the most common exterior color is blue, accounting for approximately 26.1% of vehicles. Silver and black are also popular, representing 25.7% and 23.2%, respectively. Less frequently seen are green and red, comprising only 4.6% and 1.1%, respectively. Overall, the color distribution suggests that classic neutral tones like blue, silver, and black dominate the fleet, with vibrant colours like red being quite rare.
ownership cycle
The data indicates that the majority of BMW 3 Series (1998-06) 320D 4DR Saloon 2.0 SE 6SPD vehicles have been registered with between 4 and 7 keepers, accounting for the largest percentages—16.4% with 5 keepers, 13.9% with 6 keepers, and 11.1% with 7 keepers. This suggests that most vehicles tend to change hands a few times during their lifetime. Notably, a smaller proportion, around 2.5%, have only one registered keeper, indicating relatively low levels of ownership history for some vehicles. Conversely, about 8.6% of vehicles have had 8 or more keepers, which might imply higher ownership turnover for a minority of these cars. Overall, these figures reflect typical vehicle usage patterns, with a significant portion changing hands multiple times over their lifespan.
engine choices
The data indicates that all BMW 3 Series (1998-06) 320D 4DR Saloon 2.0 SE 6SPD vehicles in the sample are equipped with a 2.0-liter engine and run exclusively on diesel fuel. This suggests a uniformity in both engine capacity and fuel type for this model within the dataset.
