2000 BMW 3 Series 323ci review from UK and Ireland

Cd changer malfunctioned after 300 miles.

Erratic idle in second month of ownership.

Cam sensor changed.

Air mass sensor changed.

Temperature sensor changed and engine re-coded.

2 headlight bulbs burnt out within 3 days of each other.

High fuel consumption and lack of power as a result in a crack in the diaphragm of the engine hence no vacuum and the intake body changed.

Erratic idle persisted, BMW computer was not showing a fault, I went ballistic as the car was driving like it had carburretors instead of injectors and after a few overnight stays at the dealerships the throttle body was changed as the linkage was feathered to the great surprise of their chief mechanic and the engine re-coded again.

Car went in for an oil service at 29k miles, new front wishbone bushes, rear brake pads car returned with scratches on it and incorrect mileage on the service booklet. Drove down to the dealership and got them to wax clean the side of the car and amend the mileage, have they not heard of quality control ?

Steering pulling to one side after 800 miles wishbone bushes cracked and wishbones affected by incorrect installation (independednt mechanics opinion) and the car being jacked up for an MOT by the wishbones instead of the jacking points on the underside, clear scratches on the ball joints/wishbones.

New wishbones, front wishbone bushes, radiator had a bulge at the bottom so the radiator was replaced, new steering column and steering arms.

Steering tracking done, but left suspension not centered so had to be done again as the centering point was removed.

Headlight bulb burnt out again and one indicator bulb burnt out in the same day.

Internal temperature sensor not working and the a/c system working erratically.

Prop shaft coupling cracked due to out of balance prop shaft, new prop shaft and new clutch.

Erratic idle again, car going in for a few overnight stays so that cold starts can be performed.

Very solid and comfortable ride, due to the 17 inch alloys and low profile tyres you do tend to feel pot holes and other anomalies in the road.

Comfortable for motorway journeys and electric seats easily adjustable.

Beautiful engine and sound, but lacks low end torque, a friend owns a 330ci and that has a lot more power from fewer revs obviously due to a bigger engine.

Not particularly economical and with prices of about £0.95 per liter a full tank will cost you £55 and will cover on average (mainly inner city driving) about 180-220 miles.

Dealerships not too keen with warranty work and after being promised a call from the service department twice, I picked up the phone and booked the car in myself.

Would be a lot happier with the car if it had not spent about 3 weeks till now at dealerships being repaired, I have only had the car for 17 months.