BMW 3-Series (1991 - 1998)

14' 7" long by 5' 7" wide and weighing 1,190kg to 1,385kg.

Engine line up: 316i 102bhp 1.6; 318i 115bhp 1.8; 318iS 140bhp twin cam 16v 1.8; 320i 150bhp 2.0 litre six; 323i 170bhp 2.5 litre six; 325i 192 bhp 2.5 litre six; 328i 193bhp 2.8 litre six; S50 B29 M3 286bhp 3.0 litre six; S50 B32 321bhp 3.2 litre six; 318TDS 90bhp 1.7 litre diesel; 325TD 115bhp 2.5 litre diesel; 325TDS 143bhp 2.5 litre diesel.

Coupes from April 1992, convertibles from May 1994, Touring estates from Jan 1997.

323i is a strong performer also capable of delivering excellent mid-30s mpg. 6-cylinder cars have brilliant brakes.

140 bhp 318iS coupe and run-out special 318iS saloon (offered for just one month in 1998) by far the best 4-cylinder cars.

Impressive build quality. Older iron block chain cam 320i and 325i twin-cam longest-lived of all. Generally reliable.

All engines had timing chains from 1994. E36 Convertible carried on alongside E46 until May 2000.