1996 BMW 3 Series 316i SE review from UK and Ireland

OK generally this car has been excellent; common problem is the driver's seat wears on the door side, due to getting in and out. Can't be helped.

Had to have the head gasket replaced at about 80+k, but that was my fault, forgot to check the water level on a return leg of a long journey. Dealer wanted £90 an hour plus parts to replace the head gasket, and quoted more than £900.

I found a specialist BMW garage who gave the car a service, MOT and replaced the head gasket for £600.

Another common problem is the wiring from the cabin through to the boot-lid; opening and closing this causes the wires in the loom to bend and eventually they snap internally. So rather than re-loom the car (I didn't even ask the price from the dealer), I inserted a new set of wiring from inside the boot-lid grommet to the rear wing grommet. This problem was found when it failed the MOT on a number plate light out.

The only other problem I've had is the remote for the central locking/alarm, doesn't always work. I don't know if they re-tune the remote or what, but at the moment my alarm isn't always on.

Overall opinion is I will buy another, but the 1600 engine is a little weak for the heavy car; next one will be a 318 or 320.