Category: Affordable Sports 
Price Range: £21,525 to £38,060
Usual superb level of build quality. Entertaining handling and excellent six-cylinder engines; 330 Ci is great fun to drive and the 330d is unrivalled in this class.
Restrained styling blunts its sporting edge, as does the steering feel and the body's weight; some slightly cheap-looking interior trim; fiddly (optional) SSG gearbox.
A little less sporty than its predecessor, but even more of a quality object. Still highly desirable, and the default-option choice for keen drivers in this sector - these cars are popular for good reason.
Running a BMW need not cost a fortune and this 3-Series had lower running costs than the previous model. Service intervals have been increased which cuts servicing bills, the engines are more fuel-efficient (especially the latest ones), depreciation is low and insurance groupings are very fair. The secret weapon of miserly speed merchants is the 330Cd diesel coupe - all the usable real-world performance of the M3, yet nearly 44mpg and a much lower tax banding. BMW independent specialists aren't necessarily cheap to use, however.
