Faults:

Rear drums.

Throttle cable.

Drivers seat worn badly.

Electric window motor.

Battery.

General Comments:

The car still has heaps of street cred even though it's quite old now and the ladies love em!

The car tended to slide in the wet weather (spun it 360' at a wet roundabout), but 17 inch alloys, fat rubber and lowering it soon sorted that out.

The car has more power than I expected it to and the rear wheel drive is great fun, but it's no M3 and I bought the car with the faults above so I can't complain.

I was thinking of selling it but as I'm 18 and insurance being what it is it's well worth keeping!

Faults:

Original exhaust replaced around 180,000 miles.

Transmission rebuilt around 215,000 miles.

Lower control arms now need replacing.

Air conditioning went out around 220,000 - I never investigated the cause (might be minor).

Other small misc (to-be-expected) items replaced as well as preventive maintenance.

Gasket at the oil pan has small oil leak.

Electronic module (ignition related) - I got a used replacement for less than $50.

General Comments:

This has been a GREAT car! I still prefer driving it to my wife's 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse. It handles better and is just about as fast (maybe more on the top end).

The interior is well designed except for the lack of tilt steering wheel and no air bag (was optional in 1987).

Very low maintenance required (until around 200,000) and the engine still runs strong.

Original black paint looks great with 2 small spots (smaller than a dime) of corrosion around the rear license plate lights.

Car stranded me one time in my 11 years of ownership (due to an electronic module).

Faults:

Gas and temperature gauge ceased working.

Front left visor broke.

Air conditioner doesn't work.

General Comments:

This car handles great. It is very reliable and comfortable. It's amazing that a car with that mileage still runs better than an Oldsmobile with much lower mileage.

Faults:

Nothing that you can complain about for a car of this age, had to replace the rubber hoses for the radiator.

Clutch replacement at 125,000 miles. No other repairs!!

General Comments:

This car is the most reliable vehicle I have ever driven and has been subjected to daily driving in all conditions.

The engine is very responsive and smooth, still 14 years later. The engine note above 4000 rpm is fantastic, I find myself regularly pushing it to 6000 rpm before changing gear and then it's off again.

This car is no M3 in a straight line, but push the excellent chassis and engine to the limits and the 105bhp under the bonnet feels like 200. In the wet caution is required when on the limit, but it's all part of the fun.

This car is a brilliant introduction to the 3 Series range, opt for the 318is for even more fun, ultimately the M3 Evo for the real driver.