1986 BMW 3 Series 320i Coupe review from UK and Ireland

Exhaust rusted to pieces.

Sticking air valve.

Corroded brake lines.

Track rod ends wore out.

Dials failed.

Things starting to rattle.

Four sensors (brake light, coolant, washer fluid, brake pads) warning of non-existent problems.

Fuel line leaking.

This car had a full BMW service history from one owner when I bought it, and I hoped for some trouble free motoring. I was very wrong. The last service came in at £500, and that wasn't a BMW dealer.

Very unpleasant car to own; I was led to believe these were fun to drive, but it lacks any spirit unless you really thrash it. The power doesn't come in till about 4000rpm, and even then it isn't that great.

Although the car is quiet to drive, the suspension is harsh and doesn't seem to deliver stable handling either; it all feels rather jumpy when taking a corner ambitiously. I'm sure this could be sorted with uprated suspension, but considering the firmness of the ride, I expected better from the stock shocks.

By far the worst thing about the car however, is the truly diabolical fuel economy. When I first got the car, I thought there was a fuel leak; that's how bad it is. It could be expected in a fast or heavy car, but this car isn't fast or heavy; I simply don't know what it's doing with it all. I don't drive fast, but this car will happily empty its tank in just a few hours of gently driving, and it will take £50 in the tank.

It's got to the point now that I dread driving this car, and I don't know why I've kept it as long as I have. It's going up for sale now and I'll be glad to be rid of it.

On the plus side, it's given me plenty of problems, but has never left me stranded. It always starts and never stops.