How much is car insurance for a BMW 3 Series?

Consumers who are considering the purchase of a BMW 3 Series typically calculate the vehicle’s total cost of ownership (TCO) and compare this with the cost of owning similar luxury vehicles before making their final decision.

While repairs, maintenance and fuel costs are important considerations one important component that car buyers often leave out is auto insurance quotes.

Read on to get more detailed information about this popular luxury vehicle and find out how much is car insurance for a BMW 3 Series.

History of the BMW 3 Series

The BMW 3 Series has been produced by German auto manufacturer BMW since 1975 and was originally introduced as a more fuel-efficient alternative to traditional luxury vehicles.

The BMW 3 Series’ body style has been overhauled four times since the original E21 line was released, most recently with the introduction of the fifth generation E90 in 2005. A new line, called the F30, is anticipated in 2012.

The 3 Series is BMW’s best-selling vehicle according to U.S. News and World Report, but it’s not just popular with consumers.

Car and Driver Magazine has ranked the 2 Series among its “Ten Best” for 20 consecutive years (from 1992 to 2011) and in 2006 won the New York Auto Show’s title of “World Car of the Year.”

A Car for Every Driver: BMW 3 Series Models

If you’ve determined that a BMW 3 Series is the car for you then you still have lots of choices left to make.

Buyers who opt for the standard model can choose among the Sedan, Touring, Coupe and Convertible designs, while those who select the sportier version – the BMW M3 –  have their choice of a Sedan, Coupe or Convertible.

Engine Options for the BMW 3 Series

The 328i engine is available in all four 3 Series models. It offers 230 horsepower and fuel economy between 27 and 28 highway miles per gallon, depending on the design type you select.

The 335i is available in the Sedan, Convertible and Coupe models, and this 300 horsepower engine gets up to 28 miles per gallon on the highway. The 320 horsepower 355is, which gets 26 mpg fuel economy on the highway, is available as a Convertible or Coupe.

The most fuel-efficient option is the 335d Sedan, which features a 265 horsepower engine that gets 36 miles per gallon on the highway. However, this is also one of the more expensive models, with an MSRP of $44,150.

BMW 3 Series Standard vs. the M3

Drivers looking for even more power and performance in their BMWs can opt for an M3, which comes equipped with a 4.0 liter V8 engine. The BMW M3 offers 414 horsepower, but only gets 20 miles to the gallon in highway driving.

At $55,400 for an M3 Sedan or $58,900 for an M3 Coupe, the M3 is also pricier than comparable BMW 3 Series models.

The MSRP for a BMW 3 Series Sedan ranges from $33,650 to $44,150, and a 328i Coupe starts at $36,700. The most expensive 3 Series Coupe, the 355is, starts at $50,150.

Clearly, the M3 is the best option for drivers willing to pay a premium for extra performance, but the standard models will suit the everyday driver quite well.

BMW 3 Series Safety Features and Ratings

The BMW 3 Series comes equipped with many standard safety features which help BMW drives take advantage of car insurance discounts.

Some of the safety features available are stability control, run-flat tires and antilock brakes. Drivers and passengers are also protected by front and side-curtain air bags.

All-wheel drive is an available option. The most recent BMW 3 Series has yet to undergo safety testing by the federal government, but the 2010 models received excellent ratings and are very similar in design to the 2011 3 Series.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety tested and gave the 2011 model solid safety reviews, similar to the similar 2010 model.

Warranty Information for the BMW 3 Series

Owners of BMW 3 Series automobiles enjoy a 50,000 mile or 4-year bumper-to-bumper warranty.

This warranty covers not only unexpected repairs, but also routine maintenance and roadside assistance. This is an added perk of BMW ownership, since most “bumper-to-bumper” warranties only cover mechanical defects, not routine maintenance.

This, as well as the vehicle’s respectable resale value, contributes to what U.S. News and World Report considers to be below-average ownership costs, even compared to other less luxurious vehicles.

BMW 3 Series Insurance Cost

Given the wide range of options available within the 3 Series line, there is lots of variation in BMW 3 Series insurance premiums.

While your individual BMW car insurance rates will vary based on your driving record and other personal characteristics, consumer surveys provide average insurance rates that can serve as a helpful guide.

Insurance for BMW 3 Series Sedan typically costs around $142 per month, or $1,700 annually, for car insurance. This is quite reasonable compared to the average insurance rate for a BMW M3 Sedan, which is about $275 monthly, or $3,300 per year.

On the other hand, BMW 328i insurance costs $150 a month or $1,800 a year, which makes it the cheapest BMW to insure. Insurance on BMW 328i older models is even cheaper. As you can see, insurance on BMW 3 series costs a bit less, compared to the BMW 328i model.

Don’t forget, factors like where you live and how often you drive your vehicle can make a big difference in the cost of car insurance for BMW 3 series you pay, so always compare at least a few providers before selecting a car insurance company.