BMW 1996 3-Series Saloon

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  • Economy

    Value

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Expensive to buy, make sure you get a well looked after one because there are a lot of dogs out there.

    Costs

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Service it yourself to save £'s and service indicator can be reset with a paperclip.

  • On the road

    Driving

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Fantastically balanced through the corners. Dont dare drive fast in the wet though, I've ended up facing the wrong way too many times!

    Performance

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Sluggish off the line but phenomenal in gear acceleration once it gets moving. Be prepared to be beaten off the lights by the boy racers, but they'll be eating your dust one it gets moving!

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Very very reliable. The engine is as good as new even at 110,000. I know someone with a 320i J plate with 210,000 which is still going strong.

    Image

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Still turns heads at 12 years old. Its a BMW - everybody secretly wants one!

    Comfort

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Very comfortable to drive. Seats can be adjusted to the perfect position.

  • Security and Service

    Security

    2 out of 5 2.0

    Apparently the door locks can be defeated quite easily by experienced theives.

    Service

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Never used main dealer as prices are a rip off. Used independant specialist for ball joint replacement and do servicing myself.

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    Severe loss of low rev power when engine was cold. Turned out to be faulty Air Mass Meter. £300 new, had to get a used one from Scrap for £50. Runs as good as new now.

    Other

    Enter Button on computer broken rendering it useless.

    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