Category: Compact Executive 
Price Range: £21,525 to £38,060
Quick, economical, excellent engines; a great drive; all the usual 3-Series attributes.
Has a smaller boot than many rivals, and limited rear-seat space for passengers; no stop-start for six-cylinder models; expensive for a small family car.
The Touring's not exactly a load-lugger, but it's more versatile than the saloon.
3-Series' resale values are pretty robust: expect to get between 45% and 48% of the original purchase price after three years/36,000 miles. The diesels, with their superior fuel economy and low-tax status, tend to have higher residuals than the petrol versions.
