The BMW 3-series is the automotive equivalent of Sir Steve Redgrave, having been at the top of its field for the best part of 20 years. But buying a used 3-series is not the “no brainer” that it may at first appear, as the bewildering array of engines and trims can vastly change the car’s character.

The latest incarnation of the 3-series, known as the E46, was introduced to Britain in September 1998 and proved to be the most refined of all. It retained its traditional rear-wheel drive at a time when most rivals were taking the front-drive route.

BMW claims that rear-wheel drive gives better handling, and the 3-series is undeniably an impressive drive. The chassis inspires real confidence, feels perfectly balanced and even gets better as you push it harder. All models come with BMW’s Cornering Brake Control, an extension of the antilock braking system that helps keep the car on track when brakes are applied suddenly in a corner. There’s also ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control plus Traction), a system that helps prevent loss of grip.

You may be surprised to find that the 3-series provides a less than perfect driving position, with offset pedals and poor foot space; the absence of a clutch pedal consequently makes automatics popular. Rear accommodation is also unimpressive (three adults are a squeeze), while boot space is intruded upon by the suspension.

In performance terms the four-cylinder petrol models have little to recommend them. They are a favourite of junior executives who have forsaken better engines in other cars to acquire the kudos of a BMW badge. Many have been pushed too hard to compensate for lacking power, so it’s wise to hunt down a privately owned example.

Stepping up to a six-cylinder model adds refinement and a more pleasing sound, but the 2.2 litre engine affords little advantage over the four-cylinder units and is less eager to rev.

The 170bhp 323i or 192bhp 325i are closer to fulfilling BMW’s claim to creating the “ultimate driving machine”, and the 231bhp 330i motor is an absolute peach.

But the real revelations are the diesel engines. The 2 litre four-cylinder diesel is as fun to drive as the six-cylinder petrol thanks to a large helping of torque and high refinement. And the range-topping 3 litre diesel, the 330d, is nothing short of miraculous. Powering the car to 62mph in less than 8sec it offers the kind of performance that many petrol cars beg, but with genuine 40mpg fuel economy.

Quiet three-box styling gives the 3-series a chameleon quality. With non-metallic paint and steel wheels it’s as exciting as a grey day in Margate, but with a good colour and nice alloys it’s transformed. In this respect it’s one of the most colour and specification-sensitive used cars around, so be prepared to pay extra for the right look. Sport models with larger alloys and lowered suspension are favoured over SE models, but give a harder ride.



German build quality comes as standard, though most were built in South Africa, but insist on seeing the service book and be suspicious of a partial history. The car’s variable service interval system means some go 15,000 miles between services, though 10,000-12,000 is more usual.

VITAL STATISTICS

Model: BMW 330d Sport saloon
Engine: Six-cylinder, 2926cc
Power: 184bhp
Transmission: Five-speed manual
Fuel: 42.2mpg (combined)
Acceleration: 0-62mph: 7.8sec
Top speed: 141mph

Air-conditioning: Standard on all models since September 2001 facelift

Safety: Twin front, side and head airbags as standard

Boot space: Smallish boot not helped by intrusive suspension units

Rear seat: No centre rear diagonal belt, and a lumpy transmission tunnel reduces rear space. Folding rear seat was an optional extra

Sport models: Larger alloys and lower, stiffer suspension are standard on Sport models, making them worth £1,000 more

Facelifts: Most recent facelift in January 2003 changed lights, grille and bumper profiles, although all were subtle changes

Steering: Sharper steering on models built after April 2001 as number of turns was reduced from 3.2 to 2.9

Total sold in Britain: (Post-1998 model) 156,280

Radiator fan: Check electric fan works when engine is hot, as over heating can seriously damage the engine block

Turbos: Diesel models are generally very robust but some owners have reported blown turbos, so look for blue/white smoke under hard acceleration

Build date: Shown on the engine compartment label located on the front nearside wheel arch

THE ONE TO BUY

BMW 330d Sport saloon, five-speed manual gearbox, 2000 W-reg with 30,000 miles. Pay £15,250 at a dealer with 12-month warranty, or £14,000 privately.

OR FOR SIMILAR MONEY...

2001 X-reg Mercedes-Benz C270 CDI Avantgarde
2002 52-reg Volvo S80 2.4D5 SE
2002 52-reg Saab 3.0 9-5 V6 TiD Vector
2002 52-reg Audi A4 TDI 180 quattro
2003 03-reg VW Passat 2.5 V6 TDI

VALUES



Automatic models are worth £600 more than the equivalent manual. SE models are worth £1,000 less than the equivalent Sport. Source: estimates based on confidential CAP black book prices. ‘Trade’ is what a dealer would pay to buy your car; ‘Retail’ is what you would pay a dealer

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