Metallic - Arctic race blue
Metallic - Black sapphire
Metallic - Skyscraper grey
BMW special paint - Dravit grey
BMW special paint - Tanzanite blue
Prices and colour availability may vary based on trim.
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RRP
£41,310 - £62,080
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Á«»¨Ö±²¥ price from
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Cash
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£37,532
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Monthly
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£483*
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Used
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£12,495
Colour guide
Solid - Alpine white
Free
Alpine white is the only solid paint option for the BMW 3 Series, which means it does without the sparkly finish you'll find on the car's many metallic paint options. That may put you off, though if you can live without the allure of that metallic sheen, Alpine white is worth considering if you're after an inoffensive colour.
Metallic - Arctic race blue
£875
Arctic Race Blue is something of a quieter BMW blue, certainly compared to the more strident Portimao Blue or Tanzanite Blue. There’s quite a lot of grey in it, so under UK skies it can look a touch too dull most of the time, only really becoming striking when there’s a bit of warm sunlight around. If you find any warm sunlight around, please let us know.
Specifications
All the information you need on the BMW 3 Series.
View specs
Metallic - Black sapphire
£875
Metallic black is a worthwhile paint finish to consider on the BMW 3 Series. It suits the car's classy image well, and contrasts nicely with the brighter trim pieces like the shiny alloy wheels and chrome front grille surrounds. Don't cut corners when you're washing your metallic black 3 Series, though - this paint shows up unsightly swirl marks very easily.
Metallic - Brooklyn grey
£875
You won't get any brownie points for originality if you opt for Brooklyn grey, but don't let that put you off if this light metallic grey suits you to a tee. After all, this is a smart-looking shade of paint for the 3 Series, and the metallic finish gives it a nice sparkle in bright sunlight. Being a lighter grey means it won't hide dirt as well as a darker hue, though.
Metallic - Fire red
£875
An appropriate paint name this, as there’s definitely a touch of the Fireman Sam’s weekend car about BMW Fire Red. It’s a terrific shade — just dark enough to be classy rather than brassy, but bright and strong enough to really stand out. It reminds us (well, those of us in our forties) of the classic 1980s BMW 3 Series red paint finishes, and praise comes no higher. Reasonably priced for an optional metallic, too.
Metallic - Mineral white
£875
In contrast with the solid Alpine white paint, Mineral white looks a bit more upmarket, thanks to the sparkly sheen from the metallic finish. Of the two whites available, it's a bit more in-keeping with the 3 Series' more upmarket image - though it'll still require just as much cleaning to keep looking at its best.
Metallic - Portimao blue
£875
In a way, Portimao blue bridges the gap between the BMW 3 Series' more subdued and out-there paint finishes. This shade of metallic blue won't have quite as much appeal as a more conventional monochrome colour, but conversely it also isn't as outlandish as the BMW's vibrant paint options. Worth considering if you want a less obvious yet still smart-looking shade of paint for your 3 Series saloon.
Metallic - Skyscraper grey
£875
If Brooklyn grey is a bit too sombre for your liking, then Skyscraper grey could be for you if you're after a more silver-y 3 Series. The combination of a metallic finish and a brighter tone means the 3 Series is a bit more eyecatching (especially under bright sunlight), yet being a grey it's also a discreet colour. Do bear in mind that brighter tones won't be as good at hiding the dirt and grime that's built up on the bodywork after a long journey.
BMW special paint - Dravit grey
£1,725
Dravit grey is a very dark grey paint colour, so it's worth considering if you don't want your 3 Series to attract too much attention. Grey cars are also popular with car buyers, which will help when the time comes to sell your BMW on. At nearly twice the price of the conventional metallic paint jobs, though, it's up to you to decide whether the extra cost is worth it.
BMW special paint - Tanzanite blue
£1,725
Like the previously-mentioned Portimao blue, Tanzanite blue is an almost navy-esque metallic blue paint that works well if you're after a smart-looking, left-of-field paint pick for your 3 Series. It's a classy colour that suits the car well, and should appeal to used car buyers, too. Just be aware that Tanzanite blue is quite a bit pricier than most of the other paints you can pick for your 3 Series.