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Ben Zachariah
BMW 3 Series marks half a century of production
It’s the Golden Anniversary of BMW’s most popular nameplate, having sold almost 20 million cars across seven generations.
2 Months Ago
2008 BMW 3 Series
The 2008 BMW 3 Series is a medium Car. When it was new, prices in Australia typically ranged from $51,000 for the base variant and topping out at $163,900 for the M3 variant.
There are 3 variants of the 3 Series available in Australia and this generation went on sale in early-2005.
The 2008 3 Series was offered with a 3 year, unlimited km warranty.
Engine options for the BMW 3 Series include 2 in-line 4-cylinder (115kW/200Nm), 2 in-line 4-cylinder turbo (125kW/340Nm), 2.5 in-line 6-cylinder (140kW/230Nm), 2.5 in-line 6-cylinder (160kW/250Nm), 3 in-line 6-cylinder turbo (225kW/400Nm) and 4 v8 (309kW/400Nm). Available with 6-speed automatic with manual mode, 6-speed manual manual or 7-speed manual automated manual sequential trans (amt) transmissions. All variants feature rear-wheel drive.
- Retail Price
- $51,000 - $163,900â€
- Transmission
- 6-speed auto or 6 or 7-speed manual
- Driven Wheels
- Rear
- Fuel Type
- Premium Unleaded or Diesel
- Body Types
- Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, or Station Wagon
- Powertrain Type
- N/A
- Retail Price
- $51,000 - $163,900â€
- Transmission
- 6-speed auto or 6 or 7-speed manual
- Driven Wheels
- Rear
- Fuel Type
- Premium Unleaded or Diesel
- Body Types
- Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, or Station Wagon
- Powertrain Type
- N/A
Expert Rating
No Expert reviews
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Save Thousands on a new BMW 3 Series
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Save Thousands on a new BMW 3 Series
CarExpert does the hard work to get you the best price. No negotiating, no hidden costs, just expert help and real savings on your next new car.
BMW 3 Series
2008 BMW 3 Series
Features & Specs
Powertrain & Performance
Engine specs, power, and efficiency
Handling & Mechanics
Drive Feel: Steering, Suspension, Ride Quality
Towing & Off-road Capacity
Strength, stability, and off-road performance
Exterior & Dimensions
Design, size, and presence on the road
Interior
Comfort, tech, and convenience inside
Technology
Infotainment, connectivity, and smart features
Safety & Security
Protection, prevention, and alerts
Cost of Ownership
Coverage, maintenance, and peace of mind
2008 BMW 3 Series
Available Variants
The BMW 3 Series comes in a variety of variants with the cheapest being Base and the most expensive being M3.
2008 BMW 3 Series
News
Ben Zachariah
BMW 3 Series marks half a century of production
It’s the Golden Anniversary of BMW’s most popular nameplate, having sold almost 20 million cars across seven generations.
2 Months Ago
Damion Smy
2026 BMW i3 electric sedan to launch with more range than a Tesla Model 3 – report
The first battery-electric 3 Series will offer more range than any EV in local showrooms, with up to 800km available from a single charge.
4 Months Ago
Marton Pettendy
More than 15,000 BMW vehicles recalled due to fire risk
Seven of BMW’s most popular models have been recalled due to potentially faulty starter motors that could start a fire.
4 Months Ago
How does the 2008 BMW 3 Series compare?
Quickly see how the BMW 3 Series stacks up against its competition.
 Select any benchmark to see more details.
Power to Weight
94.96 - 186.71 kW/t
78.77 kW/t
188.37 kW/t
Boot Space
350 - 440 litres
112 litres
455 litres
Fuel Efficiency
8.4 - 12.4 L/100km
7.4 L/100km
16.6 L/100km
Price
$70,200 - $163,900
$52,900
$426,100
Warranty (Years)
3 years
2 years
3 years
Warranty (Distance)
Unlimited
Unlimited
Explore Variants
Build your new BMW 3 Series
Select your specs to find the perfect BMW 3 Series for you.
Build your new BMW 3 Series
M Sport
2025
$94,900
M
2025
$117,600
50 Jahre Edition
2025
$127,600
M3
2025
$168,300
M3 Competition
2025
$186,100
M3 Cs
2025
$253,900
Year
2025
Engine Type
2.0L Combustion
3.0L Combustion
Fuel
Premium Unleaded
Transmission
Automatic
Manual
Body Type
Sedan
Station Wagon
Number of Doors
4 Doors
5 Doors
Drivetrain
Rear
4x4
Maximum Power
190 kW
285 kW
353 kW
390 kW
405 kW
Choose your preferences
Pick the features and options you want, and we’ll show you the best match.
8 Configurations available
Select any filter to begin.
2008 BMW 3 Series
Dimensions
4,520 mm
1,817 mm
1,421 mm
The dimensions shown above are for the base model.
| Specification | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Overall Length | 4,520 mm |
| Overall Width | 1,817 mm |
| Overall Height | 1,421 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,760 mm |
| Load Capacity | 520 mm |
Dimensions in this table show the minimum and maximum values of all variants for this vehicle.
Looking for complete BMW 3 Series size & space specs?
Our BMW 3 Series Exterior and Dimensions Page has every measurement you need to know exactly how this vehicle will fit your driving, garage, or work needs.
BMW 3 Series
Sales Data
20242,472Total Sales
20251,877Total Sales
2026140YTD Sales
BMW 3 Series Sales rolling 12-months#
*Based on VFACTS and EVC data
Looking for complete BMW 3 Series price history?
Our BMW 3 Series Pricing Page shows exactly how prices have changed over time.
2008 BMW 3 Series
Frequently Asked Questions
The cheapest BMW 3 Series is the base variant that starts from $51,000.
See all BMW 3 Series PricingThe most expensive BMW 3 Series is the M3 variant that starts from $163,900.
See all BMW 3 Series PricingThe best towing capacity of a BMW 3 Series is 1800 kg offered by the following variants: Executive.
See all BMW 3 Series towing capacityThe largest BMW 3 Series is the M3 variant which measures 1804mm wide, 4615mm in length and sits 1418mm tall.
The most powerful BMW 3 Series is the M3 variant which has 309kW of power and 400nm of torque.
The BMW 3 Series is manufactured in different countries, depending on the variant, then shipped to Australia. The BMW 3 Series may be manufactured in Germany or South Africa.
The heaviest BMW 3 Series is the base variant which has a gross vehicle weight of 1965 kg.
The BMW 3 Series may use different fuel/energy types based on the variant which includes Premium Unleaded or Diesel.
# Based on VFACTS and EVC data
* Average savings based on recent CarExpert customer transactions. Actual savings will vary depending on vehicle make and model, location, stock availability, and other factors.
†Displayed prices exclude on-road costs such as delivery charges, registration fees, number plates, insurance and applicable road taxes. These prices are subject to change without notice and may not reflect current market pricing or dealer offers.
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