BMW 1996 3-Series Touring

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  • Economy

    Value

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Quite expensive to buy second-hand but maintenance costs are rare, as tough and durable

    Costs

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Shopping around using franchises who know BMWs and use original parts reduces costs considerably

  • On the road

    Driving

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Very confortable position, but I find that a car seat liner with air buttons helps on long drives, as the accelerator pedal can make the right leg tired on long journeys, owing to the low position. Good rear side window visibility for accelerating.

    Performance

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Nice engine noise when accelerating. A bit slow to accelerate from 30-40 mph when overtaking, but rapidly picks up speed afterwards with a whoosh.

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Let me down twice in two and a half years when it was out in the rain all night and didn't like the humidity around the engine.

    Image

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Strong, sporty and refined, even in estate form

    Comfort

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Very comfortable in front and back with good back seats and arm rest make rear passengers snug.

  • Security and Service

    Security

    4 out of 5 4.0

    After market Thatcham alarm fitted by BMW

    Service

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Very good, courteous service from BMW garages and even other independent garages. BMWs are respected

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    perfect sound and reliability except in extreme dampness (see above)

    Other

    stone chips on bonnet owing to low profile

    Ownership

    Did you buy the car new?

    Used

    Would you buy the same model again?

    No

    Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?

    Yes