BMW 3-Series Saloon
  • Economy

    Value

    4 out of 5 4.0

    The E30s can be had for peanuts now and offer good quality for so little cash.

    Costs

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Any car at this age will need a little spent on it now and then, but parts can be found very cheap from places like Euro Car Parts and the like.

  • On the road

    Driving

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Great. Rear wheel drive, but not at all difficult to drive.

    Performance

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Obviously the bigger engined E30s are better performers, but the 1.6i engine is fine for most things and is economical too.

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Very good.

    Image

    2 out of 5 2.0

    Very common now and some bad examples around but don't let that put you off looking for a good one.

    Comfort

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Comfortable yes, but not much in the way of toys.

  • Security and Service

    Security

    2 out of 5 2.0

    No alarm or immobilser from new. Not this model anyway.

    Service

    1 out of 5 1.0

    Never dealt with BMW directly.

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    Replaced a few things. Biggest job being the head gasket, but that was at 110,000 miles.

    Other

    Ownership

    Did you buy the car new?

    Used

    Would you buy the same model again?

    Yes

    Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?

    Yes