Faults:

Very little in the 2 years I have had it. Service history is essential with these cars, and I bought this one used as good as it gets, every receipt going back to 2010.

Brakes need attention soon and a service is due, it will get everything it needs.

General Comments:

Fast, reliable, and a quality car. The 3 series has never been a cheap car to buy or maintain, but find a looked after one and it is worth it. My car is in such good condition you'd think 2010 was just last year, not 12 years ago!

Be under no illusions - these cars are expensive when they do go wrong, and there are a LOT of rough examples out there for silly prices. Do yourself a favour and be very picky and look for a nice low mileage car with history.

I settled for the 320i petrol automatic saloon - fast enough and 40 mpg + is still possible. They are also more reliable long term than diesel so my mechanic tells me. I am very happy with the engine, quiet and smooth as well.

M Sport Business Edition has leather and just about every option. I have beige leather and blue exterior, just so happens to be my favourite colour combination. I reckon buying new I would have picked the same spec and colours.

The car is great to drive, very responsive, handling is as good as it gets, and comfort levels are about perfect for me anyway.

Negatives? Expensive to buy used, I wouldn't normally spend well over 7 grand on a 10 + year old car, but that was the asking price. Given used values have went up in the last 2 years, I'd say I got a good deal, it certainly has not lost any value despite slightly higher mileage now. Oh and it's not as spacious as you might expect, but it is a 3 series, not a 5 or 7 series. Still, probably the best used compact exec you can buy currently, better than my old 2003 Audi A4, which was a nice car but just getting on a bit as well.