BMW 3-Series Convertible (2000 - 2006) 318 Ci 2d Step Auto (03) Owner Review

We bought this car in 2009 for my wife who had wanted a "sports car" and had always the BMW did not fit the bill. That started to change when we looked at the practicality, the BM is roomy for 2 adults and has a big enough boot to cope with baggage for a few weeks in France. Her mind changed in favour on the test drive. It's reasonably quiet, reasonable quick if driven hard - but overall it's a delight. It only does about 4000 miles a year, on the usual short (3 mile) journeys it returns about 27 mpg, on a run to France 33. The car is fun, still looks good, and has been pretty much trouble free. We do have winter tyres put on each year and in the one year we really needed them it was like driving on a dry road. The ride is firm, we have SE , not sure I would want the harder ride of the other version. I guess the most reflective comment I can make is that I have a 520 which is a lovely car but once a week I take the '3' for my 20 mile drive to work across the downs, partially to give it a decent run, but mostly because I enjoy it.