BMW 3-Series Compact (1994 - 2001) 316i 3d (1997/R) Owner Review
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Summary
What does this car say about you?
BMW can have negative associations and some idiots seem keen to prove a point, being hell bent on getting past me on the motorway - even though this is the baby model; perhaps the car appears grown up despite size
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
Admiring glances, even at nearly 10 years old... looks 3 times more expensive that it is
Would you buy this car again and why?
Yes, but with a larger engine
What are you likely to buy next?
BMW, or other german brand...
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Independent
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£2,600
When did you buy the car?
September 2006
Did you get a good deal and why?
Might have paid a higher price than a private sale but it came with a £500 1 year warranty, 6 months tax and 1 years MOT
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
Needed something comfortable, reliable and that handled well for weekly 500 mile motorway commute
What was the dealer like?
Friendly and straightforward
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
Generally good. Some transmission shunt from 1st to 2nd, and cluch can be tiring in traffic, but for a 1.6 it pulls really well and can floor most cheaper cars with similar or even bigger engines - surprises bigger cars on the motorway. Starts to get a bit noisy at around 80...! Cruises well in 5th at 70. However, it feel hopeless in strong winds, especially crosswinds, steering becomes an effort
What's it like to park?
Long bonnet and poor rear visibility make it more difficult to squeeze into tighter spaces but steering is not too heavy
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
Front suspension arms and bushes needed replacing 3 months after I bought the car - stupidly got this done at a BMW dealership after they did a 'free winter check' along with new rear tyres and brake pads, for a cost of over £700... won't be going to main dealers again
What's most practical about your car?
It's size and the fact it has a hatchback make it useful.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
