BMW 3 SERIES (1998-06) 316I 4DR SALOON 1.9 SE STEP AUTO
The BMW 3 SERIES (1998-06) 316I 4DR SALOON 1.9 SE STEP AUTO is a classic example of a reliable and well-regarded executive saloon, popular in the UK for its refined driving experience and stylish design. As part of BMW’s renowned 3 Series line, this model combines practicality with a sporty feel, making it suitable for a wide range of drivers—from daily commuters to small families. Its sleek four-door saloon body provides a comfortable ride, and the automatic transmission makes it especially user-friendly for city driving and longer journeys alike.
What makes the BMW 3 Series (1998-06) 316I stand out is its solid build quality, smooth handling, and reputation for dependable performance over the years. With an average recorded mileage of around 89,415 miles, and a typical ownership history of approximately three to four previous drivers, this model remains a popular choice among those seeking a stylish, reliable car with moderate running costs. It is often compared favorably to rivals like Audi and Mercedes for its balanced combination of comfort and driving pleasure. Whether you're a first-time driver, a business user, or simply looking for a dependable used saloon, the BMW 3 Series 316I makes a compelling option worth considering.
average use
Based on the most recent mileage data for the BMW 3 Series (1998-06) 316i 4-door saloon, the majority of vehicles (around 13.9%) have recorded mileages between 50,000 and 60,000 miles. There are also notable proportions within the 80,000 to 90,000 miles (8.3%), 90,000 to 100,000 miles and 100,000 to 110,000 miles ranges (each at 12.5%). Interestingly, very low mileage vehicles (0 to 10,000 miles and 10,000 to 20,000 miles) make up a small percentage (around 1.4% to 2.8%), indicating these are relatively rare. Similarly, a small segment (about 1.4%) has recorded extremely high mileages in the 190,000 to 200,000 miles range. Overall, most vehicles appear to cluster around the 50,000 to 110,000-mile mark, with few vehicles at the extreme low or high ends of the mileage spectrum.
vehicle values
Based on the available data, the private sale price for a BMW 3 Series (1998-2006) 316I 4-door saloon 1.9 SE Step Auto consistently falls within the £0 to £1,000 range. This indicates that, for this particular model and condition, private sellers typically price the vehicle at or below £1,000. Such a uniform valuation suggests limited variation in private sale prices, potentially reflecting the vehicle’s age, market demand, and typical condition for this car.
production years
The data shows that the majority of BMW 3 Series (1998-06) 316I 4DR Saloon 1.9 SE Step Auto vehicles manufactured between 2000 and 2002, with over 99% being from 2000 and 2001. Specifically, 61.1% were made in 2001, while 34.7% were from 2000, and only a small 4.2% from 2002. Notably, there is no data indicating vehicles from 1998 or 1999, suggesting that most of this model's vehicles on the road are from the early 2000s, with a strong concentration around 2001.
colour popularity
The data for the main paint colour of the BMW 3 Series (1998-2006) 316I 4DR Saloon indicates that silver is the most common colour, accounting for approximately 39% of vehicles. Blue is also quite prevalent, representing around 29%, while black makes up about 10%. Other colours such as green and grey each comprise roughly 7%, and additional colours like gold, white, and red are less common, with each making up less than 5%. Overall, neutral and classic colours like silver and blue dominate the palette for this model, reflecting popular choices among buyers during that period.
ownership cycle
The data indicates that the majority of vehicles of the BMW 3 Series (1998-06) 316I 4-door saloon with the specified model details have had between 2 and 8 registered keepers. Notably, the largest segments are vehicles with 4 keepers (19.4%) and 5 keepers (18.1%), suggesting a moderate level of ownership changes over time. Smaller proportions have only 1 keeper (4.2%) or as many as 11 keepers (1.4%), indicating that most cars are reasonably consistent in ownership. Interestingly, there’s a spread across the range, with a significant portion of vehicles experiencing multiple owners, which could reflect typical ownership patterns for cars of this age and model.
engine choices
The data indicates that nearly all BMW 3 Series (1998-06) 316I 4DR Saloon 1.9 SE Step Auto vehicles are equipped with an engine capacity of approximately 1.9 liters (specifically around 1895cc), accounting for 97.2%, with a small minority (2.8%) having a 1900cc engine. Furthermore, all vehicles in the sample are powered by petrol. This suggests a high consistency in engine size and fuel type across this model range.
