1990 BMW 3 Series 320i Touring review from UK and Ireland

On purchase I found the air-conditioning didn't work, this was rectified by a full re-charge, but the air-con was then running continuously as soon as the engine was started, regardless of the switch being on or off. I was told by the electrician who looked into the fault that the air-con was an after-market fitment and that there was an electrical fault in the system which he couldn't find. A switch placed in the feed wire sorts the problem.

The car spent much of it's life around the Torquay area and there are several (minor) rust spots appearing around the tailgate and front wings (the front wings have been replaced sometime during the car's life).

The front suspension bushes need replacing (steering wheel wobbles during braking), as do the rear subframe/crossmember mounting bushes.

The pedals are very offset to the right, which took a lot of getting used to, but generally the driving position is good. The front seat backs are quite wide with not much side support and I found myself slouching while driving to start with.

Interior lighting is very poor with the lamps being mounted in the headlining behind you (OK for rear seat passengers).

The gearbox/drivetrain is smooth as silk.

Driving wise the car feels so solid with everything feeling as though it is brand new.

Performance is more than adequate, but fuel economy is poor, I rarely get more than 220 miles from a full tank. :-(

Depreciation is low and demand is good so buying one means you won't lose out at selling time.