About the BMW 3 Series
Last updated Jul 01, 2025The 1996 BMW 3 Series is a Medium Luxury offered in 3D hatchback, 4D sedan, 2D coupe and 2D convertible body styles. Used prices in Australia typically range from $38,750 for the 316i variant and topping out at $131,750 for the M3.
There are 10 variants of the 3 Series available in Australia.
Engine options include 1.6L multi-point injection (75kW/150Nm), 2.8L multi-point injection (142kW/280Nm), 1.8L multi-point injection (103kW/175Nm), 1.9L multi-point injection (103kW/180Nm), 2.5L multi-point injection (125kW/245Nm), 3.2L multi-point injection (236kW/350Nm) and 3.0L multi-point injection (210kW/320Nm). Available with 5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic, 5-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmissions. All variants feature rear-wheel drive.
The 1996 3 Series was offered with a 2 year, NaN km warranty.
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1996 BMW 3 Series Price
316I
318I
| Configuration | Price From* |
|---|---|
| 1.8L, 5-speed manual, 4-door Sedan, Petrol, RWD | $49,730 |
| 1.8L, 4-speed auto, 4-door Sedan, Petrol, RWD | $51,230 |
318TI SPORT
| Configuration | Price From* |
|---|---|
| 1.9L, 5-speed manual, 3-door Hatchback, Petrol, RWD | $49,950 |
| 1.9L, 4-speed auto, 3-door Hatchback, Petrol, RWD | $51,650 |
318TI
| Configuration | Price From* |
|---|---|
| 1.9L, 5-speed manual, 3-door Hatchback, Petrol, RWD | $51,800 |
| 1.9L, 4-speed auto, 3-door Hatchback, Petrol, RWD | $53,400 |
| 1.9L, 5-speed manual, 3-door Hatchback, Petrol, RWD | $44,950 |
| 1.9L, 4-speed auto, 3-door Hatchback, Petrol, RWD | $46,650 |
318IS
| Configuration | Price From* |
|---|---|
| 1.8L, 5-speed manual, 2-door Coupe, Petrol, RWD | $55,460 |
| 1.9L, 5-speed manual, 2-door Coupe, Petrol, RWD | $55,460 |
| 1.8L, 4-speed auto, 2-door Coupe, Petrol, RWD | $57,110 |
| 1.9L, 4-speed auto, 2-door Coupe, Petrol, RWD | $57,110 |
318I LIMITED
| Configuration | Price From* |
|---|---|
| 1.8L, 5-speed manual, 4-door Sedan, Petrol, RWD | $56,000 |
| 1.8L, 4-speed auto, 4-door Sedan, Petrol, RWD | $57,500 |
318I SE
| Configuration | Price From* |
|---|---|
| 1.8L, 5-speed manual, 4-door Sedan, Petrol, RWD | $56,260 |
| 1.8L, 4-speed auto, 4-door Sedan, Petrol, RWD | $57,810 |
323I
| Configuration | Price From* |
|---|---|
| 2.5L, 5-speed manual, 4-door Sedan, Petrol, RWD | $62,550 |
| 2.5L, 5-speed auto, 4-door Sedan, Petrol, RWD | $65,360 |
328I
M3
| Configuration | Price From* |
|---|---|
| 3.2L, 6-speed manual, 2-door Coupe, Petrol, RWD | $131,750 |
| 3.0L, 5-speed manual, 2-door Coupe, Petrol, RWD | $129,600 |
All BMW 3 Series Pricing
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1996 BMW 3 Series Specs
See our comprehensive details for the BMW 3 Series
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1996 BMW 3 Series Gallery
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1996 BMW 3 Series Fuel Economy
There are 12 different fuel economy figures for the BMW 3 Series
The most fuel efficient BMW 3 Series is the 316I with a 5-speed Manual which is powered by a 1.6L MULTI-POINT INJECTION and uses 5.7L of unleaded per 100km on the combined cycle.
The BMW 3 Series that uses the most amount of fuel is the 328I with a 5-speed Manual which is powered by a 2.8L MULTI-POINT INJECTION and uses 7.1L of unleaded per 100km on the combined rural and urban test cycle.
Below is a table of all the BMW 3 Series variants and their fuel economy figures. Click below the table to see an expansion and additional details, including specific usage for city and highway driving.
| BMW 3 Series | Fuel Type | Combined |
|---|---|---|
| 1.6L, 5-speed manual, 3-door Hatchback, Petrol, RWD | Unleaded | 5.7 L/100km |
| 1.6L, 4-speed auto, 3-door Hatchback, Petrol, RWD | Unleaded | 5.9 L/100km |
1996 BMW 3 Series Warranty
What is the warranty on a BMW 3 Series?
The BMW 3 Series offers a 2 year NaN km limit warranty. This is separate to the warranty on offer under Australian Consumer Law which can be greater for certain parts based on what is deemed as a reasonable period of time.
1996 BMW 3 Series vs other Medium Luxurys to consider
Mazda 6
Octavia
Taycan
i5
WRX
Superb
G70
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BMW 3 Series FAQs
The cheapest BMW 3 Series is the 316I that starts from $38,750.
The most expensive BMW 3 Series is the M3 that starts from $131,750.
The best towing capacity of a BMW 3 Series is 1600 kg offered by the following variants: 323I and 328I.
The largest BMW 3 Series is the 323I which measures 1698mm wide, 4433mm in length and sits 1393mm tall.
The most powerful BMW 3 Series is the M3 which has 236kW of power from its 3.2L MULTI-POINT INJECTION engine.
The {modelTitle} is manufactured in different countries, depending on the variant, then shipped to Australia. The BMW 3 Series may be manufactured in .
The heaviest BMW 3 Series is the M3 which weighs 1930 kg (kerb weight).
The BMW 3 Series may use different fuel/energy types based on the variant which includes premium unleaded or unleaded.