I love my BMW 3 Series 316ti Compact SE and am extremely happy with my purchase.it looks smart and sporty and really turns heads!I've had a few cars within this price range and this is easily the best.finally an afordable bmw for your average consumer.if you are looking for a smart reliable fast hatchback you won't do better than this gem of a car.

Well the way I see it there are 2 types of BMW drivers. The first type being the arrogant ones who think they are driving a Mercedes, they turn without indicating, sit in the passing lane for miles doing less than the prescribed speed and when going round corners, need 2 lanes even though they are travelling at such sedate speeds.
The second type would be "drivers", people who really enjoy driving their cars and enjoy the dynamics of their machine and the natural forces that play on it.
If you fit in the second category and for whatever reason cannot have a more powerful car you will love this one!!!
In traffic and on the open road this car runs rings around almost every other car in its class, only really the mini's give me bother. Its engine overall is not very powerful but is still a blast to rev the pants off, there's not much torque between 1-3k so if you drive briskly you are encouraged to be in the correct gear and rev her well. On the A/B roads and in built up areas some cars no matter how big the engine will not be able to keep up due to the drive ability of this car.
Build quality is excellent, it's like a little tank. Everything feels nice and solid, the doors and boot close with a lovely weighted feel and the interior looks sharp and feels well put together. Mechanically it's not as indestructible as a Honda but still very reliable, if driven hard, wear and tear bits will need to be replaced. The suspension components have been known to wear quickly if abused but I suppose most other cars are the same if not far worse.
Overall a lovely car. Sharp, nippy and agile. No regrets for me, I will be getting a normal 3 series with a 6 pot next time.