I really wouldn't want an M3 - its a lot of money for something that's really common around here, and the extended warranty is shed loads. For that amount of cash I'd prefer Alpina or something completely different... I also don't like the noise of the M3..

 

...ish

 

not heard that one before, I've added it to my criteria.

 

I think the 130 M-Sport is quite good fun, also the 120d felt way more alive than the 320d I drove.

 

Well, luxury, style, space, able to tow, handles reasonably well and makes you feel special once inside.....

Only one choice, there are downsides though, reliability is reputed to be average at best, but treated well by a good independant they do OK......

For your budget, you'd get newer than this by a long way too......

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/94547.htm

EDIT - there's this place http://www.blackandwhitegarage.com/ who usually have a few in (and loads of other stuff to drool over).

 

And let's face it there is nowhere nicer in the automotive world this side of a Bentley to spend your time waiting for the AA to arrive

 

....and this kind of prejudice is why they're so cheap. They have a reputation that far outweighs the truth, it's not uncommon to see 150k plus examples looking and driving as fresh as cars half the mileage.

As I say, looked after by an independant (ie. someone who knows what they're doing, unlike a main dealer) theres no reason the 166 won't go on as well as most other cars in the segment.

Depreciation might be a bit of a killer though

 

Dreamer

 

Good call that man, hadn't thought of it myself

Can highly recommend one, it does seem to tick all of your boxes (not sure what they're like at towing but I'm sure it would be ok).

 

How about a 4.4 litre 5 series still within manufacturer's warranty?

Cant be done? - http://www.cargiant.co.uk/cars/search3.asp?Id=300392