Faults:

Misfire.

Air flow sensor.

Oil leak.

General Comments:

Typical mid range 3 series BMW - if you want a quality car that is reliable and lasts a long time, look no further (providing you pick a cared for car).

Bought this one used with a good deal. Only some minor issues over the last few years, no major problems. Do be aware these are expensive to fix if something serious goes wrong! Luckily yours truly knows a local BMW independent specialist and I recommend anyone buying a 3 series of this age does the same and seeks out one. Do not go to BMW main dealers unless you like paying four figure sums of money for even small repairs.

318i model has the 2.0 petrol engine which provides decent acceleration along with reasonable economy. Gear shift is slick and I enjoy driving this car. Ride gets a little firm on rougher roads but never a problem. The car holds its own on country lanes, very fun to throw around at speed, providing you know what you are doing. Rear wheel drive catches out even good drivers in the wet weather, but generally the car does not have enough power to be a handful.

For a 2008 car there is not a mark of rust on it - this one has been looked after well. It's a shame it is the typical grey/silver color that most are - not bad colors, but does nothing for this car's looks, which it is actually a really good looking car, but you need red, blue or something else to stand out.

SE model has plenty of equipment as expected. Seats are super comfortable.

Just a fine compact executive saloon that is ageing very well!

Faults:

It needs an oil gasket and the head gasket is going bad.

Stalls when the engine gets hot.

Burning oil smoke comes through the vent system into the cabin of the car.

General Comments:

The car is fun to drive and responsive to the gas pedal.

A little difficult for someone 6' to climb in and out of, but comfortable to drive.

Too bad the engine is junk.

Faults:

At approximately 45,000 miles, nearly all of the warning lights illuminated. The dealer reset the computer, which fixed the issue (covered under warranty).

A slightly rough idle developed at approximately 135,000 miles. Original/factory spark plugs and coil-packs (with 135,000 miles on them) were replaced, fixing the issue.

General Comments:

This vehicle has been extremely reliable, with only two minor issues having developed in over 140,000 miles. Excellent handling, very comfortable, and good fuel economy. Always ran great over the past 100,000+ miles of ownership.

All wheel drive (xDrive) system is excellent. In the horrible New Jersey winters, there were never any issues getting through the snow or ice.

The sedan makes a great family vehicle, with plenty of room for passengers and cargo.

Faults:

The plastic intercooler return pipe came loose from the intercooler, resulting in oil covering everything under the bonnet.

General Comments:

So far, apart from the intercooler issue (fixed for a few £), the car has been faultless.

For an M Sport with run flats, it is firm but comfortable.

The handling is brilliant, very safe in the dry, and much more manageable in the wet than BMW's of old.

The 177bhp engine pulls well for a 2 litre diesel, but it's no rocket ship in the real world. 0 - 60 can be achieved in just under 8 seconds, which I've tried and apparently it will run on to 143mph.

This car's best attribute has to be its MPG figure, which even though at an average for me of 44.8 MPG, still less than the claimed 58.9 MPG average, is excellent, especially when you consider the 0-60 and top speed.

The cabin is a great place to be; black leather seats, iDrive and aluminum trim in places all make it a pleasant place to be.

Plenty of space in the boot too, even if the boot hatch is a little on the small side and the rear seats don't fold down.

Overall the car has exceeded expectations in some areas, and not been what I was expecting in others.

I would recommend one if you're looking, but there are lots on the market so take your time, choose wisely, and don't get ripped off just because it says BMW on the bonnet.