Specify a small engine or a diesel and drive carefully and you’ll get plenty of MPG. Residuals are good and servicing is variable with use. Belt about in a big petrol unit and you’ll guzzle juice and scoff tyres.

3-Series is quite a polluting model. With an average of 206 g/km CO2 across the line-up, its emissions are a touch high for a medium-sized coupe. The range is not very frugal, averaging 34 mpg.

Overall, 3-Series is well built, dependable and has excellent reliability – continuing the notion of great German build-quality. Serious problems are rare and although we have heard reports of the occasional niggle, these are unlikely to be anything that won’t be quickly sorted by the dealer. As ever, regular self maintenance and keeping to the service intervals will be of long-term benefit.