If you are serious, I would ask at the roadfly and bimmer and similar forums, where the real fanatics have the knowledge.

I'd definately take a look at the 330ci, so long as it was the pre-Bangle styled model, and without the run flat tires, Who needs i-drive (i-drivel) in a drivers cars.

Those little 3 series are really driver's cars, they handle so well they almost intuit your thoughts, I really like them.

One in good shape with a good history and in a color you like, and if you are lucky, one with the Sport package, (some of the M trimmings) would be nice. I'm not too sure what you get with it, but I think it might include M trimmed steering wheel and seats, better suspension and wheels, and possibly those run flats, which are expensive to replace. Either an automatic or manual are lots of fun.

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1991 560 SEC AMG, 199k <---- 300 hp 10:1 ECE euro HV ...

1995 E 420, 170k "The Red Plum" (sold)

2015 BMW 535i xdrive awd Stage 1 DINAN, 6k, <----364 hp

1967 Mercury Cougar, 49k

2013 Jaguar XF, 20k <----340 hp Supercharged, All Wheel Drive (sold)