I have a 6 year old Series 3 2.5l petrol and have just bought a new series 3 2.5l petrol.
Paid less for the new one than the old one six years ago! Love the car, suspension is a bit hard for UK roads (off motorway) - until you are gunning it.

I do not like the paint job. The old series 3 paint job was bomb-proof. The new water-based paint is hopeless - you only have to look at it and it scratches - mine is sparkling graphite. It disappoints me every time I wash it.
My old one is silver and still looks good, go for that colour as it doesn't show chips / scratches or dirt as much.
I would not have bought it if I knew how poor the paint job is, there are better paint jobs on cars half the price.