USED BMW 3 Series Coupe (05 - )

My car

I traded in my 06 320 d m sport coupe for the new model in nov 07 and couldnt be happier. Previous model was petrol and manual which was a chore/bore to drive. New diesel auto is a dream. Tested the 330 d coupe also and difference in performance is negligable bearing in mind the huge price differential between the two. BMW Blackheath were supplying dealer, great staff and customer service (although not surprising given i bought two cars within 6 months of each other!).

Performance is great, 175 bhp and loads of torque to power away from the lights in 2nd gear..great spec and comfort and lots of admiring looks in sparkling graphite and 19inch wheels. Tested Mercs and Audi too but nothing for the younger guy about town. Previous Audi A3 sport TDI was a bag of spanners, blown head gasket and two radiators within first 18 months at 15,000 miles, having paid £450 for the first service..sorry to the guy that bought it!

Only gripe if any with this car is the run flat tyres, or more specifically the cost in replacing them. A rogue screw on a rear tyre cost me and eye watering £288 with car having only done 6,000 miles, ouch!!

My car

Like other owners here I wanted a fun, fast car for everyday use and this car is certainly that. The handling and acceleration are very impressive, it is quiet, solid, comfortable and very fast. On a European tour, (3000 miles in two weeks), we averaged 33mpg inspite some alpine passes and childish windows down tunnel trashing.

There was an irritating door pillar rattle which threatened to drive us insane but BMW managed to silence it eventually.

Our car was well equiped but didn't have the stereo upgrade which is probably a must because the standard setup is poor. Nor did we have sat nav which is worth the exorbitant option price because you'll see almost all of the value returned when you come to sell it. Which brings me on to depreciation. Our car was £42k new with options and we paid £23.5k second hand, 16k miles 17 months old. They're sub £20k now and that is a bargain.

Final point. Don't get the auto. if you want to waft about buy a 5 series.

My car

I test drove the 335i SE variant initially but someone beat to that car and the following one. An m sport variant became available and I bought it sight unseen - 6 months old - an ex demonstrator with 5K miles on the clock.

Picked it up 2 weeks ago and my only concern was the reader reviews of the m sport saying the suspension was harsh. 2 weeks and 2000 miles later and I can safely say those fears were unfounded. I wanted an out and out sports car and that's what I got, with the added benefit of 4 proper seats. The acceleration really could not be much more impressive, the refinement and cabin are excellent and when in the mood it would only take a matter of minutes to lose my licence! Added to that and the suspension is better than I could have wished for - a firm ride and feel for "sporting" occasions and smooth and comfortably when in a quieter mood.

If you are looking for a car with 997 / TVR pace but want to transport 3 additional adults or children in comfort than look no further - I really cannot recommend this car enough. The auto version brings the additional fun of the "flappy paddles" and I am averaging in the region of 30mpg, insurance premiur for myself and another named driver of under £500 for the year for 12,000 miles.

Without doubt the best decision I have ever made in my car buying history - I am travelling everywhere with a huge grin on my face that takes several hours to get rid of once out of the car.......

My car

Had the car 3 months after trading in my 130i and find it a much better ride and looker than the 130 if a little down on performance!

Regularly get low 30's mpg around town and up to 40 on a run.

Had to search around for one with a manual gearbox leather and sat-nav but it's well worth the wait just need that re-map now!