Hi Paddy,

You've not told us which of the three generations you mean, so in very quick summary:

First gen (2003-2010) is a bit rough and ready, not quite up to BMW's usual standards of fit and finish. It drives well, but that's at the expense of comfort. If you're getting one of these, insist on a full service history and even then, it needs to be very good value, as expensive repair bills are likely to be just around the corner.

Second gen (2011-2017) is a far superior car in terms of comfort and quality. It's spacious, well-made and good to drive, too. Not a bad bet, especially the later cars, though a used car warranty and service history are musts.

The latest model has taken another leap forward in terms of space and perceived quality. It's also quite expensive, but a really good car all-round.