BMW 3-Series Touring (95-99) - Review

Review by Parkers on
Popular version of the 3-Series offered a welcome hike in practicality thanks to the extra luggage space. But a lot of them were bought because of the image - more country life than British Touring Car racer. Not as cheap to run as a Mondeo or Vectra - but choosing a 3-Series is more about style and status. It does not disappoint in any key areas, and its desirable image is holding up well despite being replaced. It's a real driving machine that's still in demand, so prices remain high.
3.5 out of 5

Other BMW reviews

1.5 out of 5

Safety

No Euro NCAP result, as these tests were not yet being run. Good for its age, almost all models have ABS but earliest cars may have no airbags at all and some were retro-fitted. Passenger airbags generally optional and side bags only optional on the later models. Good immobiliser fitted from 1992 onwards.

NCAP Test

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Provides motoring consumers with a realistic and independent assessment of the safety performance of some of the most popular cars sold in Europe.

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  • Adult Occupant Rating

    2 out of 5

  • Pedestrian Test Rating

    2 out of 5
4 out of 5

Reliability

Even the 316 should run to a high mileage if the cambelt is regularly changed. How good it is will depend on how well it has been looked after. Most owners get well over 100k without any significant problems at all.

Car check problem points

Body

Beware rainwater leakage through poorly fitting window seals. Most will have stone chips on the bonnet.

Engine/Gearbox

Old starting problems; leaking radiators; neglect of service warning; rough running/idling on 2.8 models may be serious.

Other

Loose or poor quality trim on oldest cars and high milers; full service history a must unless cheap enough to risk big bills; chipped windscreen; faulty air conditioning.

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