BMW 3 SERIES (1985-1991)
Looking for a sharp, smart-suited performance saloon you can trust as a sound, yet affordable second hand buy? An old shape second generation BMW 3 series will fit the bill nicely. If a new BMW is a distant dream, then browsing around these cars will make your day. It may look old and rather boxy now, but an old-shape `Three` still has the power to move you physically, emotionally and, above all, rapidly.
HISTORY
This was the car that put BMW on the map and established the Bavarian company's enviable up-market image; in the Eighties, every City stockbroker had one. The boxy second generation shape was gradually phased in between 1984 and 1986. Once this was done, there was a choice of two or four-door saloons with carburettored 1.6 (fuel injected in 1988) and fuel injected 1.8 four-cylinder engines, plus a couple of sixes (then unusual for a car of this size), a 2.0-litre and a 2.5.
In 1988, the popular Touring Estate was launched, first in 320i and 325i forms, then as a 318i (in 1989) and a 316i (in 1991). A 4x4 325i was briefly offered in the late Eighties, but didn't really catch on. There was also a Motorsport-tuned M3 two-door saloon model (which appeared in various evolutions) but these are rare and now collectors' items. For those wanting something sporty but less potent, there was a 318iS 16v version of the same bodyshape from 1990-1991.
A convertible was also offered for six cylinder buyers by Bauer, an after-market coachbuilder (recognisable by the gawky roll-over hoop). This is best avoided. The factory produced a proper conversion in 1991 - and also offered it to 318i buyers.
WHAT YOU GET 
Still a quality car. Slip behind the wheel and it looks a little dated now, but the controls work with a quality `click` and the whole thing feels solid. The six-cylinder engined cars are seen by enthusiasts as the only true BMWs - and they do make a wonderful noise.
There isn't much space inside - about the same as a Ford Orion - but you probably won't care about that. The Touring was the original lifestyle estate and still looks good - though it doesn't have much carrying capacity. The proper factory Convertibles still look superb.
WHAT YOU PAY
These cars can be acquired for next to nothing these days but low mileage examples in good condition will still command reasonable prices. It?s best to price each car on an individual basis rather than relying on guide values.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Because of that inherent quality, there?s no big drama about buying a used old-shape Three, even if you?re looking for one of the indecently quick M3 models that were imported (mostly in left-hand drive form) from 1986. The one proviso is that you need to find out who?s been wielding the spanners.
Dodgy cars without service histories from back street garages (or even a number who look quite reputable) will cost you more in the long run. Avoid anything without a BMW service history and warrantied mileage, a tatty driver's seat (betraying high mileage), cars with many owners or examples with tacky bodykits or chromed wheelarches.
Look for oil-burning blue smoke from the exhaust and listen for ticking on cold start-up (which indicates the demise of the camshaft). A rumble from the bottom end of four cylinder cars indicates the need for new main bearings. Beware of accident damage (check the boot and inner wings for signs of filler). Go for well-specified cars with alloys and a sunroof.
So, which old shape 3 series to choose? I was naturally drawn towards the M3 but there is the disadvantage of having to sit on the wrong side of the cockpit.
If you don?t fancy (or can?t afford) that, then the 325i Sport isn?t a bad alternative. When it was introduced in 1986, this was basically a two-door 325i, albeit with a bodykit, cross-spoke alloys and sports suspension. A nice package.
It disappeared in mid-1987 to return more than a year later robbed of 1bhp for catalyst preparation purposes, but it did now have anti-lock brakes and a close-ratio gearbox. Everything was corporately packaged as `M-Technic` (suspension, steering wheel and spoilers) though it was essentially the same package as before.
REPLACEMENT PARTS
(approx based on a 318i) A clutch assembly is around £130. Front brakepads are around £37, a full exhaust including catalyst about £615, an alternator just under £200 and a tyre around £40. A starter motor is about £135 A headlamp is about £170, a radiator is about £130.
ON THE ROAD
While many of BMW?s competitors moved to front wheel drive throughout the Eighties, the Bavarians remained faithful to the rear-drive layout that makes their cars so much fun to drive (though it can catch you out in the wet).
The six-cylinder engine of the 320i, 325i and M3 models is a turbine-like delight, while even the `fours` of the 316i and 318i variants can be made to sing for their supper. Best of all, there?s the superb fit and finish in every car that elevates the 3-series way above other quick saloons.
OVERALL
Class without the cost. The Tourings and Convertibles still retain their image - but you pay for it. Better to save your money and buy nice six-cylinder saloon, get a personalised plate and polish it lovingly every Sunday.
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