Category: Compact Executive 
Price Range: £21,525 to £38,060
Superb refinement, superb quality, terrific detail design - now even better to drive
Not much; a bit pricey, but you get what you pay for, and it's a bit cramped too.
If you're happy with a BMW - and plenty are - a sensible and hugely satisfying buy.
For the 2002 model-year the 'E46' 3-Series had a mild makeover: new front and rear lights, a refashioned grille and a resculpted bonnet are the main exterior identifiers. Of greater significance to keen drivers will be the revisions to suspension and steering, designed to improve road feel and driving enjoyment, and the introduction of a new Valvetronic 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engine delivering more power and economy.
Also new was the Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG), a semi-automatic triggered by steering wheel mounted buttons. Upgraded diesels completed the picture, along with detail improvements, including standard DSC skid control and headbags.
