This variant is BMW’s plug‑in hybrid 3 Series saloon: an automatic petrol engine paired with an electric motor and a high‑voltage battery. New cars carry the manufacturer warranty and usually a separate battery warranty; the PHEV works best if you charge it regularly so short daily trips can be electric-only but long motorway runs will use the petrol engine. Expect typical BMW servicing intervals for the automatic gearbox and occasional software updates for the hybrid management system.

• Battery state‑of‑health report and confirmation of the battery warranty paperwork (important even on new cars)
• Presence and condition of charging cables and the charge‑port lid/seal; verify charging works at home/public points
• Smoothness of automatic gear changes and that the hybrid drive transitions cleanly between electric and petrol modes on a test drive
• Confirm recent software/ECU updates for hybrid system and infotainment, and that range/Electric mode figures look realistic on a full charge
• Check tyres and brake feel — regenerative braking can leave pads in good shape but check for uneven wear and correct tyre spec for safety