USED BMW 3 Series Coupe (98 - 07)

My car

I have now owned my 330Ci M Sport for just over two-and-a-half years. I bought it when it was a year old and was delighted to find that so many extras were fitted by the previous owner, including satellite navigation, TV, SMG gearbox and even a rear blind. The only thing he didn't put on as an extra was xenon lights.

The first time I drove it, I was amazed at how smooth and powerful it was and loved the low engine note. It seemed so much quicker thatn my old 318i. It can be thirsty depending on how you drive it, but if it is not thrashed, I manage to get 28mpg on an urban run.

It took a few days getting used to the semi-automatic flappy paddle gearbox and I was always a little worried about it. My concerns turned into reality last year when the gearbox failed. Luckily the car was still under warranty - but it took BMW seven days to sort it out, and a courtesy car provided for only three.

I do like the F1 paddles though - it's a good toy to show off and there isn't much delay in the gear change, especially in 'sport' mode with the traction control off.

All in all, the 330Ci is the best car I have ever owned. It's fairly practical, lovely to own, still gets looks from the streets and I love it! I would recommend at least a test drive to all.

My car

Without having driven the 320Cd M Sport, I placed an order for it based on its low CO2 emissions and low company car tax.

Six weeks later my car was delivered: silver metallic, 135 alloy upgrade, professional sat-nav and TV, and the essential option of auto-adjust xenon headlights. This car looked as good on the drive as it did when calcualting the company car tax. So in I jumped...

I could not fault the car's drive, interior or handling. The added extras like anthracite headlining, extra interior lighting and adjustable driving position made the car that bit more special than the previous model.

The performance and pull of the 150bhp M Sport 320Cd was excellent. A perfect car I hear you say! Well, there was just one problem: I'd have liked the 330Cd instead - but that was over my company's allowance!

My car

I took delivery of this car six weeks ago after a change in business circumstances forced a trade down from a 2004 M3.

I was expecting a degree of disappointment but I am absolutely delighted with it. It may not be fearsomely, brutally fast like an M3, but it is a very swift car, and the engine is beautifully smooth and refined.

Couple that with a delightfully easy gearchange and it is a pleasure to drive. The suspension is very well set up, giving a very compliant ride and fluid handling. Also, the practicality for a coupe is excellent with four comfortable seats and a decent boot. Equipment levels are high (I managed to get away with "only" £2000 of options, £1300 of which was on leather and metallic paint!)

I would highly recommend taking the Sport spec, which improves the looks no end with the M bodykit and 18-inch alloys, which do not in any way spoil ride comfort. Among other extras thrown in in this package are sports front seats, which are simply superb. Although some feel it is dated, in my opinion the interior remains a paragon of tasteful, practical design, high-quality materials and excellent build quality.

This model may be near replacement, but it is easy to see why it remains just so popular. It is a delightful and very well rounded machine! The BMW straight six petrol engines still provide a degree of driver involvement that cannot be matched even by the best of diesels.

Buy it!

My car

When I was in my 20s, I always wanted a 325 Coupe. I got the 330 Coupe Sport and it's everything I dreamed it would be. I can't believe it does over 30mpg!