About the BMW 3 Series
Last updated Jul 01, 2025The 1997 BMW 3 Series is a Medium Luxury offered in 4D sedan, 2D coupe, 2D convertible and 3D hatchback 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 14 variants of the 3 Series available in Australia.
Engine options include 2.8L multi-point injection (142kW/280Nm), 1.6L multi-point injection (75kW/150Nm), 1.8L multi-point injection (85kW/168Nm), 1.9L multi-point injection (103kW/180Nm), 2.5L multi-point injection (125kW/245Nm) and 3.2L multi-point injection (236kW/350Nm). Available with 5-speed automatic, 5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmissions. All variants feature rear-wheel drive.
The 1997 3 Series was offered with a 2 year, NaN km warranty.
Comparative Rating
Quickly see how this car stacks up against its competition. Select any benchmark to see more details.
Next Steps
Take advantage of Australia’s BIGGEST new car website to find a great deal on a BMW 3 Series.
1997 BMW 3 Series Price
316I
| Configuration | Price From* |
|---|---|
| 1.6L, 5-speed manual, 3-door Hatchback, Petrol, RWD | $38,750 |
| 1.6L, 4-speed auto, 3-door Hatchback, Petrol, RWD | $40,250 |
318TI
| Configuration | Price From* |
|---|---|
| 1.9L, 5-speed manual, 3-door Hatchback, Petrol, RWD | $44,950 |
| 1.9L, 4-speed auto, 3-door Hatchback, Petrol, RWD | $46,650 |
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 |
318I EXECUTIVE
| Configuration | Price From* |
|---|---|
| 1.8L, 5-speed manual, 4-door Sedan, Petrol, RWD | $53,480 |
| 1.8L, 4-speed auto, 4-door Sedan, Petrol, RWD | $54,980 |
318I SEDAN
| Configuration | Price From* |
|---|---|
| 1.9L, 5-speed manual, 4-door Sedan, Petrol, RWD | $55,100 |
| 1.9L, 4-speed auto, 4-door Sedan, Petrol, RWD | $56,600 |
318IS
| Configuration | Price From* |
|---|---|
| 1.9L, 5-speed manual, 2-door Coupe, Petrol, RWD | $55,950 |
| 1.9L, 5-speed manual, 2-door Coupe, Petrol, RWD | $55,460 |
| 1.9L, 4-speed auto, 2-door Coupe, Petrol, RWD | $57,600 |
| 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 |
323I
| Configuration | Price From* |
|---|---|
| 2.5L, 5-speed manual, 4-door Sedan, Petrol, RWD | $62,550 |
| 2.5L, 5-speed manual, 4-door Sedan, Petrol, RWD | $62,950 |
| 2.5L, 5-speed auto, 4-door Sedan, Petrol, RWD | $65,360 |
| 2.5L, 5-speed auto, 4-door Sedan, Petrol, RWD | $65,760 |
323I EXECUTIVE
| Configuration | Price From* |
|---|---|
| 2.5L, 5-speed manual, 4-door Sedan, Petrol, RWD | $66,700 |
| 2.5L, 5-speed auto, 4-door Sedan, Petrol, RWD | $69,510 |
328I
328I EXECUTIVE
328I HIGH-LINE
M3
| Configuration | Price From* |
|---|---|
| 3.2L, 6-speed manual, 2-door Coupe, Petrol, RWD | $131,750 |
All BMW 3 Series Pricing
Next Steps
Take advantage of Australia’s BIGGEST new car website to find a great deal on a BMW 3 Series.
1997 BMW 3 Series Specs
See our comprehensive details for the BMW 3 Series
Next Steps
Take advantage of Australia’s BIGGEST new car website to find a great deal on a BMW 3 Series.
1997 BMW 3 Series Gallery
CarExpert High Resolution Photos of the BMW 3 Series
1997 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 M3 with a 6-speed Manual which is powered by a 3.2L MULTI-POINT INJECTION and uses 8.6L of premium 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 |
1997 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.
1997 BMW 3 Series vs other Medium Luxurys to consider
Mazda 6
Deals available
Octavia
Taycan
i5
WRX
Superb
G70
Can’t see the car you’re considering?
Next Steps
Take advantage of Australia’s BIGGEST new car website to find a great deal on a BMW 3 Series.
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, 323I EXECUTIVE, 328I, 328I EXECUTIVE and 328I HIGH-LINE.
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.