Now more than ever it's clear that cars from the noughties represent a sort of sweet spot for enthusiasts. Without resorting to sweeping statements, they're generally well made and (largely) rust resistant, plenty fast enough and extremely usable - while also being involving and not sullied with filters. They sound authentically sporting. If cars like the Renaultsport Clio 200 Cup and Ferrari 458 are perfect examples from either end of the budget spectrum, something like the E90 BMW M3 could be said to represent the middle ground.
Take the engine, M division's glorious S65, a naturally aspirated 4.0-litre V8 that produces 420hp at 8,300rpm. Its 295lb ft of torque doesn't arrive till 3,900rpm, so it's old school. And with power sent exclusively to the rear wheels (the BMW default back then) and a six-speed manual as standard, it had a mechanical setup worthy of an exotic sports car. Yet the E90 was a four-seater with a decent boot and not particularly outlandish styling. It's always had presence, but V8 burble aside, only those in the know are likely to give it much attention on the high street.
It's never been perfect, of course, with plenty complaining that the excitable engine is too thirsty for regular use. Real world economy in the mid to high teens is to be expected. By 2020 standards - and thanks to the prevalent use of all-wheel drive - a 4.9-second 0-62mph time isn't anything to write home about either, even if back in the day, the E90 was quicker than a 997 Carrera S in a straight line. Like most cars from the noughties, where the E90 wins is in its ability to be a fairly usable machine that can, at the squeeze of the accelerator, become an ultra-involving driver's car.
Key to its talents is the unfettered throttle response. The chassis, too, has sufficient pliancy to flow on British roads. Even the steering was considered a strong point. But best of all, the car felt cohesive and progressive, and not in any way overpowered. An E90 can be worked and enjoyed close to its limits, without having to adopt a hair-on-fire driving technique that so many newer machines demand. It is arguably the perfect blend of old school charm and modern technical nous.
You can essentially have all that in like-new format with today's Spotted, which has only 2,300 mile on the clock. It's a later 2011 LCI model, although the fundamentals remained the same as the earlier car so it retains all that noughties charisma. And, as you'd expect for such a fresh machine, the exterior and interior look absolutely spotless. It's generously specced and has a full service history, so all combined, it probably means the asking price is quite high. We don't know exactly how high because it's POA, but given that someone's asking £40k for a car with 14k on the clock, it's probably not going to be too far off the starting price of a new M3. Which would you prefer?
BMW M3 (E90) | SPECIFICATION
Engine: 3,999cc, V8
Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch DCT, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 420@8,400rpm
Torque (lb ft): 295@3,900rpm
MPG: 25.2 (NEDC combined)
CO2: 263g/km
First registered: 2011
Recorded mileage: 2,300 miles
Price new: £54,085 (plus options)
Yours for: POA
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