Blueprint for the smaller executive car in the '90s, combining quality and driver appeal from the 316i right up to the exhilarating M3. Not as cheap to run as a Mondeo or Vectra - but choosing a 3-Series is more about style and status. It does not disappoint in any key areas, and its desirable image is holding up well despite being replaced. It's a real driving machine that's still in demand, so prices remain high for the best examples.