1975 BMW E3 3.0S review from Australia and New Zealand
"Good car for its generation"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Dash board light does not work.
Front tie rod ends need replacing.
Rear suspension is worn.
Tachometer disconnected, does not keep count of distance traveled anymore.
General comments?
This car is now know as a senior six. has the old big six M30 engine (found in 2.5-3.5 liter forms, mine is 3.0 liter).
Has a sporty character to its control. Can take corners very fast.
Auto 3 speed is very sluggish, but quite smooth. Takes about 12 seconds from 0-100, where as manual versions of this car take about 9-10 seconds. The gearbox seems very outdated compared to the other technologies in the car, i.e. the 134kw twin carb engine.
The engine is one of the best for its age, but not much better than the 3.0 cast iron six in my old Volvo, only higher revving, but I never find myself revving the engine to 6400rpm red line in normal driving.
Leather seats, but the interior looks very bland for a luxury car. The seat feels a bit too high.
Heavy on fuel.
The accelerator pedal of this BMW is a bit awkward, it should be further to the right.
after driving this car, I would not be interested in any of the 3 or 5 series BMW cars.
This car does not give me the feeling of luxury or prestige as a similar aged S-Class Mercedes would.
A good runner for the $700 aud I spent.
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 2004 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.0 petrol six cylinder Automatic |
| Performance marks | 6/10 |
| Reliability marks | 9/10 |
| Comfort marks | 7/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 3/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 300000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 300500 kilometres |
| Previous car | Volvo 164 |
| Date of Entry | 23rd August, 2004 |