19 Oct 06
In a sentence, this classiest of small coupes is handsome and purposeful, with brilliant engines and superb handling.
If you want to nitpick, though, there are some who reckon it looks too much like the sensible four-door and that the boot space is tight. They need to get a life - because the 1999-on E46 3-Series Coupe has been designed for driving and it does not disappoint.
Just about all the engine and gearbox combinations work brilliantly, which is rarely the case with contemporary sporting cars. The handling is sharp, involving and positively addictive. Even when equipped with firm sports suspension, it rides all but the worst bumps in decent comfort - and it's equally at home charging up and down the nation's motorways.
BMW has got it all spot-on from the muscular styling through to the reassuringly solid build quality. That cabin is a comfy place to be, shutting out external noise, although the rumble of those fat tyres reminds you that this is a serious car - and remember that we're talking about the 'regular' 3-Series Coupe, not the faster and more expensive M3 (which isn't covered in this guide).
Not only that, the Coupe is becoming more affordable by the day. Choose the right specification and you'll have one of the most durable and desirable coupes ever built.
