• Economy

    Value

    5 out of 5 5.0

    A lot of car for the money at today's used car prices.

    Costs

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Easy DIY servicing - avoids silly BMW charges. Lack of BMW service history is not critical with this age of car.

  • On the road

    Driving

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Brilliant - the most enjoyable car in my 40 years of driving.

    Performance

    4 out of 5 4.0

    A bit more low-down torque would make it 5 points.

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Highly reliable - but watch early water pumps with a plastic impeller!

    Image

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Not bothered with image, but I suppose it has one!

    Comfort

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Better than a Mercedes E-class in my experience.

  • Security and Service

    Security

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Reasonable when fitted with BMW's immobiliser/alarm.

    Service

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Understand BMW service to be very good, but far too pricey for me!

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    Failed water pump (shattered Tufnol impeller).

    Other

    Sticking brake caliper - left-hand front wheel.

    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