Other BMW 3-Series (1991 - 2001) models:

  • Summary

    5 out of 5 5.0

    What does this car say about you?

    It says, I like DRIVING.

    What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

    Everyone says "hmm, nice car." What more do you want?

    Would you buy this car again and why?

    Yes, it's been everything I hoped it would be and has never let me down.

    What are you likely to buy next?

    Probably an E39 540i or an Alfa 166 super, but I'm still enjoying this for now.

  • Buying experience

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Type of dealer you bought from?

    Didn't buy from a dealer

    Did you buy this car new?

    No

    What price did you pay?

    £1,400

    When did you buy the car?

    November 2005

    Did you get a good deal and why?

    £1400 for a F.S.H. 2-owner car with below average miles. Can't be bad!

    Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

    Good performance and handling but good fuel economy and sensible insurance.

    What was the dealer like?

    Don't go there often but always helpful and efficient.

  • Driving it

    5 out of 5 5.0

    What's it like to drive?

    Excellent! Light, slick gearchange, sharp steering, good grip and well ballanced handling (in the dry, back end gets VERY loose in the wet!) make it great fun to drive hard. Engine is responsive and sounds fantastic, especially above 4k when the performance really steps up. Surprisingly smooth and quiet on the motorway too!

    What's it like to park?

    Surprisingly easy (assuming you actually know how to park!). A fairly long car, but not too wide with a very tight turning circle.

  • Living with it

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Have you had any problems with the car?

    Thermostat went at 123K, fuel pump at 125K, otherwise fine. Not bad for a 14 year old car!

    What's most practical about your car?

    Only 2 doors, so not the best in the world (buy a volvo estate of that's your priority!) but the rear seats split-fold and the boot is a reasonable size.

    Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

    I like the energy conservation dial, tells you how economically (or not) you are driving. Also the check control and the service computer are quite cool. Very advanced for it's time.