BMW 3 SERIES (2005-12) 320I 170 4DR SALOON 2.0 SE AUTO
The BMW 3 SERIES (2005-12) 320I 170 4DR SALOON 2.0 SE AUTO is a popular choice in the UK's used car market, known for blending sporty handles with practicality. This model belongs to BMW’s renowned 3 Series range, a favorite among drivers seeking a stylish, reliable saloon with a premium feel. It’s especially well-suited to daily commuters or small families who desire comfort, decent fuel efficiency, and a refined driving experience. The 2.0-litre engine delivers smooth performance with automatic transmission, making it an easy car to drive around town or on longer journeys.
What makes the BMW 3 Series 320I particularly notable is its combination of elegant design and solid build quality, earning a reputation for reliability within its class. It holds its value well, often appealing to those looking for a vehicle with a strong brand presence and proven durability. When compared to rivals, it’s praised for its balanced ride, premium interior, and engaging driving dynamics. With an average recorded mileage of around 87,671 miles and an average of just under 3.6 previous owners, this model remains a practical and stylish choice for those in the market for a trusted used saloon. Whether for everyday commuting or occasional leisure trips, the BMW 3 Series 320I (2005-12) offers a compelling mix of features worth considering.
average use
The data indicates that the most common recorded mileages for this BMW 3 Series (2005-12) 320i are between 70,000 and 100,000 miles, accounting for roughly 22.5% of vehicles, with the highest share (13.1%) in the 70,000 to 80,000 range. Notably, lower mileage vehicles (around 10,000 to 30,000 miles) are quite rare, comprising just about 2% combined, suggesting that many cars have higher mileages. Additionally, high-mileage vehicles over 150,000 miles are quite uncommon, indicating that these models tend to be driven extensively but still retain significant numbers at moderate mileages. Overall, the distribution points to a typical pattern for vehicles of this age, with a concentration in the mid-mileage ranges.
vehicle values
The private sale valuations for the BMW 3 Series (2005-12) 320I 170 4-door saloon predominantly fall within the £2,000 to £3,000 range, comprising 48.5% of observed sales. The next most common price bracket is £3,000 to £4,000 at 16.5%, indicating a significant portion of vehicles are valued in this mid-range. Prices under £1,000 are quite rare, representing only 1%, while higher price ranges above £5,000 are less frequent, with 6.8% for £5,000-£6,000 and smaller percentages thereafter. Overall, the data suggests that most private sales of this model occur in the lower to mid-price brackets, reflecting the vehicle's age and market positioning.
production years
The data indicates that the majority of BMW 3 Series (2005-12) 320I 170 4DR Saloon 2.0 SE Auto vehicles were manufactured between 2008 and 2010, collectively accounting for approximately 84.4% of the sample (with 32% from 2008, 37.4% from 2009, and 15% from 2010). Notably, only a small proportion—around 7.3%—were produced in 2007 and 2011, and just 1% from 2012, suggesting that the most common model age on the road tends to be from 2008–2010. This pattern reflects a concentration of vehicles within that period, likely aligned with typical ownership cycles or residual value trends.
colour popularity
The data indicates that among the sampled BMW 3 Series (2005-12) 320I 170 4DR Saloon 2.0 SE Auto vehicles, the most common main paint colours are Silver (22.8%), Grey (21.8%), and Black (20.4%), each comprising roughly a fifth to a quarter of the vehicles. Blue is also prevalent at 19.9%. In contrast, the less common colours include White (2.9%), Bronze (2.9%), Red (3.9%), and Green (5.3%). Notably, bright or vibrant colours such as Red and Green are relatively less popular compared to neutral tones, with White being quite rare in this sample. This distribution suggests a preference for classic, understated colours among these models.
ownership cycle
The data for the BMW 3 Series (2005-12) 320I 170 4DR Saloon reveals a diverse distribution of registered keepers, with the majority of vehicles having between 3 to 4 previous owners—specifically, 17.5% and 18.4%, respectively. Notably, a significant portion of the vehicles, roughly 18%, have had five owners, indicating some models may have experienced multiple ownership cycles. Conversely, a smaller percentage, around 11.7%, have only had two keepers, suggesting some vehicles are relatively well maintained or less frequently resold. Interestingly, there's a very small fraction (0.5%) with as many as 16 previous owners, which could be indicative of high turnover or potential concerns about the vehicle’s history. Overall, the data suggests a range of ownership patterns, with a concentration around 3 to 5 owners, highlighting the importance of checking detailed vehicle history when considering a purchase.
engine choices
The data indicates that the majority of BMW 3 Series 320i models (2005-2012, 4-door saloon, 2.0 SE Auto) are powered by petrol engines, with all vehicles using petrol as their primary fuel. Regarding engine capacity, most vehicles (88.3%) have an engine size of approximately 1,995 cc, while a smaller proportion (11.7%) feature an engine capacity of around 2,000 cc. This suggests that the standard engine configuration for this model predominantly falls just below the 2.0-liter mark, with a minority slightly exceeding it.
