CAN’T WAIT FOR THE NEW 4 SERIES? CONSIDER THESE USED BMW COUPES INSTEAD

E9 1968-1975

Following the definitive Neue Klasse coupés, the Karmann-built E9 was pivotal in establishing BMW as the go-to brand for stylish mile-munchers. Numbers are dwindling now, with many succumbing to rust during the 1980s, so you can expect to pay upwards of £35,000 for a good one. Fancy the rangetopping 3.0 CSL ‘Batmobile’? That’ll be nearer £250,000.

E24 6 SERIES

1976-1989

People call it ‘The Shark’, and it’s not hard to see why. Behind the pointed beak of the sinister four-seater in 635CSI form is a 217bhp 3.5-litre straight six that provides the go to back up the show, with a Porscheworrying top speed of 143mph. It’s regarded as a pioneering grand tourer, so prices have soared lately. A clean example will cost upwards of £15,000.

E46 3 SERIES COUPE

1999-2006

Fancy a punchy two-door E46 3 Series but can’t stretch to the full-bore M3 CSL? Cast your eye instead to the less potent but equally handsome 330i Coupé. Sending a lively 225bhp to the rear wheels, its torquey M54 straight-six engine is commonly named as one of Munich’s greatest works, and you can get it in your life for less than £2000.

E86 Z4 COUPE

2006-2008

In 2006, the E85 Z4 gained a coupé sibling, which brought not just improved practicality but also a bodyshell that was twice as stiff as the drop-top’s. That extra rigidity was paired with the fabled 3.0-litre N52 engine: the most powerful naturally aspirated BMW straight six to not bear an M badge. You can get one now for between £6000 and £9000.

F32 4 SERIES COUPE

2013-2020

Such was the success of the two-door 3 Series that it was spun off to create a whole new model line in 2014. Offering a variety of petrol and diesel powerplants and rear- or fourwheel drive, the 4 Series has won acclaim for injecting the 3 Series’ formula with a degree of extra sporting potential and style. You can pick up a 2018 low-miler for around £20,000.