Other BMW 3-Series (1998 - 2006) models:

  • Summary

    4 out of 5 4.0

    What does this car say about you?

    Smart, classy, knows his cars

    What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

    They thought it was very smart too.

    Would you buy this car again and why?

    Yes. If I went back to a coupe I'd probably be tempted by the E46 M3 or the E90 335i

    What are you likely to buy next?

    Have since bought E70 X5 as more practicality was required.

  • Buying experience

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Type of dealer you bought from?

    Franchise

    Did you buy this car new?

    No

    What price did you pay?

    £18,000

    When did you buy the car?

    March 2008

    Did you get a good deal and why?

    Not a great deal as car was well-specced and lots of interest in it, but managed to get a decent deal on the px with my 1 year-old Focus ST-3.

    Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

    Was moving away from hot hatches and wanted something with a bit of prestige. Always loved the E46 since it first came out and was desperate to own one at some point. Oh, and that 3litre straight six!

    What was the dealer like?

    Good - friendly, attentive and wife was pleased with her enormous bunch of flowers on collection day.

  • Driving it

    5 out of 5 5.0

    What's it like to drive?

    Corners flat, beautiful RWD chassis which inspires confidence when pressing on. Just be careful the tyres are the right ones as Sport chassis very sensitive to tracking & tyres.

    What's it like to park?

    Easy - dipping mirrors help place the kerb and other objects low-down. Parking sensors as standard.

  • Living with it

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Have you had any problems with the car?

    Front suspension bushes worn - once replaced tracked really well. Very sensitive to tyres and only really runs well on Michelin Pilot Sports SP2 XL's.

    What's most practical about your car?

    Good sized rear seats for a coupe. Decent sized boot too.

    Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

    TV as part of the satnav - many an hour in traffic jams spent watching TV!!