E30 (1983–1992)

The big issue on any car from the 1980s is always going to be rot and these can be rotters just about everywhere. What you don’t want are oil leaks or signs of overheating, which could warp the head and blow a gasket. Buy any six-pot: they are all great, from the 320i to the short-lived 323i and onto the 325i. Prices are very much on the up but a 1991 325i Sport is still a bright red reality at £11,750, which seems a bargain.