When BMW introduced its latest 3-series coupé in autumn 2006, it didn't force uncomfortable decisions on its loyal buyers. Instead it gave them a car that was almost as practical as the saloon, cost little more and, most important of all, looked terrific.
For enthusiasts who had become alarmed by the overly fussy appearance of BMW's cars - a result of a makeover by Chris Bangle, the company's former design chief - it came as a relief. The 2006 models did away with Bangle's mishmash of intersecting angles and presented one of the manufacturer's most elegant-looking cars in memory.
At first it was available only with six-cylinder engines. Four-cylinder units came into showrooms in spring 2007. Today the 2.5-litre six-cylinder petrol engines look good value, undercutting the slightly newer 2-litre petrol units by about £1,000. In 3-litre petrol guise, the 3-series coupé starts to offer sports-car performance, with 272bhp; the same unit is turbocharged in the 335i and produces 306bhp. In real-world driving, the latter feels nearly as quick as the much-lauded M3 coupé, and, with prices for a standard 335i SE coupé around £15,000-£18,000 less than for an M3 of the same age, it's a bargain.
High-mileage drivers (averaging an annual 12,000 miles or more) with an eye on economy will be attracted by the diesel variants. The good news is their frugality doesn't come at the expense of performance. The 335d is one of the quickest diesel cars on the road, combining prodigious power and torque - 286bhp and 428 lb ft respectively - with a seamless automatic gearbox to brilliant effect. Arguably the smart money would go on the 330d, which, at around £2,500 less, rarely feels the poor relation. It has a 0-60mph time of just 6.5sec and will return more than 40mpg. Many drivers will also appreciate the option of a manual gearbox - unavailable to 335d drivers.
On the road, the front-engined, rear-wheel-drive 3-series coupé feels a nicely balanced machine. Both the petrol and diesel-powered models will put a grin on any keen driver's face.
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Inside, the controls fall naturally to hand. If only the company's iDrive system were as straightforward, or as ergonomically sound. Its circular joystick is easily fouled by the driver's arm.
Perhaps this coupé's best party trick, though, is that there's plenty of space to stretch out; so much so, you'll have no trouble ferrying friends to a dinner party, and the 440-litre boot will swallow the weekly shop with ease.
Reliability and servicing
BMW offers a standard three-year, unlimited-mileage warranty, so few cars stray beyond the franchised network for service or repair during their early life. Nevertheless, it is still worth asking to see original invoices for proof. If you are in doubt, any friendly BMW dealer should be able to confirm a car's service history.
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The common perception is that BMWs are bulletproof but sadly no such car exists these days. Owners have reported fluid leaks from the steering rack, which, if left unchecked, can do damage to the power steering when the fluid runs too low.
Equally serious is a worrying trait for BMW alloy wheels to suffer structural damage if they hit a pothole or speed bump at speed, so take the time to inspect each rim and also find a smooth road to check for any vibrations during driving, both through your backside and through the steering wheel, particularly under braking.
While the diesel engines are generally considered robust, the turbochargers can fail. Owners report premature failures on the 320d model in particular, so during any road test, check that the car pulls strongly and without any hesitation or hiccups in the middle of the rev range, and look out for excessive smoke from the exhaust under hard acceleration.
All the latest 3-series coupés are subject to condition-based servicing, in which sensors monitor the state of the components and fluids. This means both the service interval and the work required will vary; a minor, level-one service can occur between 10,000 and 18,000 miles, at a cost of about £250; the level-two service will tip the scales at about £420. Exact prices depend on the model and the BMW dealer's labour rate. It can be worth shopping around to get the best deal on the labour, and always push for a discounted rate - even BMW dealers will meet you in the middle between their hourly rate and that of your local garage.
Clutch £650 (indicative price, including parts, labour and Vat, from a BMW franchised dealer)
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Tyre £70-£170 (dependent on size and make)
Catalyst £750-£1,100 (dependent on engine)
Brake discs and pads £300
Residuals
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The 3-series is BMW's big-volume seller so there is no shortage of used examples to consider, but prices can vary quite markedly because of the long list of options available on the new car. While some of those are worth having, do not get carried away paying over the odds for a highly specified used example with options that are surplus to your requirements.
Colour combinations and wheel choice on coupés in particular can affect second-hand values, with dark-coloured Sport models fetching the highest prices.
Cars approaching 60,000 miles are unlikely to be retailed by the BMW network and hence values take a bit of a hit. Big petrol engines are less sought after as the cars get older, as the running costs remain high.
Most desirable are the 320d and 330d models, which retain about 60% of their original new price at three years old, making them among the best in class for residual values. Manual and automatic gearbox versions are equally well thought of.
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Need to know
Air-conditioning: Automatic air-con is standard on all models; also comes with an active carbon filter to remove pollen and bad odours
Boot space: The 440-litre boot is on a par with that of many larger saloons; the split, folding seat adds practicality
Insurance: Group 15 to 20, depending on engine size, so younger drivers may need to get insurance quotes before they commit to buy
Sat nav: Together with telematics, the system is an expensive option on most models but is considered virtually essential for resale on the bigger- engined models
Security: All models come with a Thatcham category 1 alarm system
Side windows: On icy mornings the side windows can be prone to sticking
Sport models: On larger, 18in alloy wheels and with stiffer suspension, they are easily recognised by their body-styling kit
Transmission: Six-speed automatic rarely gives problems; optional semi-automatic unit has paddle controls as standard
Wheels and tyres: Standard run-flat tyres may have been replaced to improve comfort
Vital Statistics
Model: BMW 330d SE coupé
Engine: 2993cc, six cylinders
Power: 231bhp
Transmission: Six-speed auto
Acceleration: 0-60mph: 6.7sec
Top Speed: 155mph (limited)
Fuel: 43.5mpg (combined)
CO2: 197g/km
Road tax band: J (£215 a year)
Cost of a new one now: £33,755
The one to buy
BMW 330d SE coupé automatic, registered 2007 57, with 20,000 miles. Pay £21,250 at a BMW dealer or £20,000 privately
or for similar money
2004 53 Maserati 4200 Coupé Cambiocorsa; 2007 56 Mercedes-Benz CLK 320 CDI Elegance auto; 2007 57 Audi A5 2.7 TDI Multitronic; 2008 08 Volvo C70 SE D5 Lux Geartronic; 2008 58 VW Passat CC GT 2.0 TDI
Owner's view
I like: it runs quietly and has great fuel economy. I don't like: the Sport's ride is firm and the legroom in the back is cramped.
Chris Piper, Milton Keynes