19 Oct 06
All of the Coupes are good and, in many ways, your choice is going to be affected by how much you can afford.
However, we would recommend that you go for a post-September 2001 car if you can, which is when the 3-Series Coupe gained an uprated chassis and better anti-theft security. If you want a four-cylinder model then the early 1.9 is now good value but the 2.0 litre from 2001 is much more suited to the character of the car.
It is easy to fall for the charms of the diesel models that combine frugality and real pulling power, or the out-and-out performance of the 330 Ci petrol.
But actually we reckon the best mix of performance, refinement and economy is probably the 325 Ci. It has the great sound of the six-cylinder engine, more than enough acceleration and in SE trim a very decent specification. If you can find one with leather, sat nav and xenon headlamps, that would be even better. As an all-round model it is hard to beat and it is a better value buy than the larger-engined 330 Ci.
