BMW 3 SERIES (1998-06)
The BMW 3 SERIES (1998-06) is a popular choice among used car buyers in the UK, well-regarded for its sporty design, engaging driving experience, and reputation for reliability. As a compact executive car, it sits comfortably in the hatchback and saloon categories, making it suitable for a diverse range of drivers—from those seeking a stylish daily commuter to small families wanting a practical yet dynamic vehicle. Its well-balanced handling, quality interior, and distinctive BMW flair set it apart in the competitive compact executive segment.
With almost 74,000 lookups on MyCarCheck.com and a significant variety of VINs, the BMW 3 SERIES (1998-06) remains a trusted choice for enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike. It’s particularly appreciated for its combination of driving enjoyment and practicality, often used for commuting, leisure, or as a first car. While the average private sale value is around £3,000, the vehicle’s history and condition are crucial factors. Known for its durable build and sporty dynamics, the BMW 3 SERIES (1998-06) continues to be a well-loved model that offers a rewarding driving experience, even many years after its initial release.
average use
The most recent mileage data for the BMW 3 Series (1998-2006) shows a broad distribution across various mileage ranges, with the highest percentage of vehicles recorded between 100,000 and 110,000 miles (13.6%). Notably, a significant portion of the fleet is clustered around the 100,000-mile mark, suggesting this may be a common milestone for these vehicles. There are smaller percentages of vehicles at both very low (0-10,000 miles) and very high (280,000+ miles) distances, indicating a diverse mileage spread. The data implies that many BMW 3 Series models are driven extensively but that a notable number also remain relatively low-mileage.
vehicle values
The data for private sale prices of BMW 3 Series (1998-2006) reveals that the majority of vehicles are valued at lower price ranges, with nearly 42.6% of sales falling between £1,000 and £2,000, and about 30.7% priced under £1,000. Higher-value sales are relatively rare, with small percentages (around 0.2% to 3%) spread across the upwards of £10,000 to £37,000 ranges, indicating that most cars are sold at modest prices. Notably, the most common price bracket is £1,000-£2,000, highlighting that these vehicles typically appeal to budget buyers or are in lower condition or mileage states. There are very few vehicles in the premium ranges above £20,000, which suggests that high-value sales are exceptional within this model.
production years
The data shows that for BMW 3 Series vehicles manufactured between 1998 and 2006, the most common year of manufacture is 2003, accounting for approximately 23.5% of the sample. The second most frequent is 2004, with 22.3%, indicating a significant clustering of vehicles around these two years. Notably, vehicles from 2000 are relatively rare, comprising only 4% of the sample. Less common years in the dataset include 2006 (7.9%) and 2005 (16.3%). Overall, the distribution suggests a higher prevalence of vehicles from the early 2000s, particularly around 2003 and 2004.
colour popularity
The data indicates that the most common main paint colour for BMW 3 Series (1998-06) vehicles is Silver, accounting for approximately 29.7% of the sample. Following this, Blue (21.5%) and Black (19.6%) are also popular choices. Less common colours include Green (3.2%), Red (5.7%), and minimal representations of White, Yellow, Gold, Maroon, and Purple, each below 1%. Notably, shades like Purple, Yellow, and Maroon are quite rare, comprising less than 1% each, highlighting their rarity among these vehicles.
ownership cycle
The data on the number of registered keepers for the "BMW 3 SERIES (1998-06)" shows a diverse distribution, with most vehicles having between 6 and 9 keepers. Notably, vehicles with 6 keepers account for the largest percentage at 12.4%, followed closely by those with 7 keepers at 12.6% and 8 keepers at 11.1%. There are relatively few vehicles with very high or very low numbers of keepers; for instance, only 0.2% have 17 or 18 keepers, and less than 1% have just 1 keeper. This suggests that most of these vehicles tend to change hands multiple times but typically stay with their owners for a moderate period of ownership before transferring.
engine choices
The data shows that the majority of BMW 3 Series (1998-2006) vehicles are powered by petrol engines, accounting for 80.2%, with diesel engines making up 19.3%. Regarding engine capacities, the most common size is 1995cc, representing 27% of the vehicles, followed by 2979cc at 20.3% and 3246cc at 18.8%. Smaller engine sizes, such as 1796cc and 2500cc, are less common, each constituting less than 1%. Overall, petrol engines dominate this model range, with a significant preference for 2L petrol engines among owners.
