1985 BMW 3 Series TC Baur 323i Convertible

Summary:

FANTASTIC first class German car

Faults:

Needed new struts on the seats.

Needed new window winders.

Time has come for a new top, but only because I want a change of color, but the old one could go on for a few years yet.

General Comments:

The best car I have ever had.

I love this car it is fantastic in every way!!

This car has never let me down, it has started first time every time, even when it has sat idle for years at a time.

This car can FLY!! 5 speed manual, it revs like the devil himself.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th February, 2011

1985 BMW 3 Series 323i 2.0 petrol

Summary:

It was love at first acceleration, including the scent

Faults:

Okays - nothing has really gone wrong with the car as such in the last two months. But many reviews on this site are ringing a bell.

The horn is intermittent at best. It seems to work when no one is around, and then in a really urgent situation, I am banging on all four horn pads and there isn't a peep from the ballsy thing.

No for the smells. There is a recurrent petrol smell inside the car that is disturbing. I haven't had it checked out yet. But will ASAP.

I had the car running on no oil whatsoever for about 1 month from when I bought it from this French guy... oops. My fault. But goes to show how sturdy this machine is. I may have been a little exuberant with filling her up with oil - and now there is sometimes a burnt oil smell coming in too. I put that down to the fact I may have spilled some on the engine.

That aside, I am having some massive issues with losing power up hills and on general small inclines. There is something loose, and I need this checked out straight away. Some days she's good, and off a green light will stay up with any car - but then on a bad day, I am hiding in shame as I try to climb a small incline in 3rd. Worse in 2nd sometimes.

The general outside of the car is not looking great anymore. The paint is looking tired - but she is from 1985.

All the flashing lights on the inside, you'd think it's Christmas. I have the inspection light flashing at me. The check light flashing orange. I now just put it down to the fact she is talking to me... (yeah right). I have read these can be ignored. OK. But would be great to have them switched off.

General Comments:

On the whole, I could not have had a better first car / second car. My first car was so long ago. This feels like a first car all over again.

I love the fact she has a personality and is so reliable.

On a good day with the engine - she is so fast. Great 2.0 engine - and you would not think it's 30 year old technology.

On a bad day - she's bad and noisy. That I think can be fixed, so she can do the one thing I bought her for...

I will drive her around Australia. Anti-clockwise. Taking maybe 2 months. She will make it - even if she passes out on the way - she'll do it. You know when you have something solid under the foot. And she's a good'un.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th July, 2010

18th Sep 2011, 02:04

Just got one myself. Absolutely fantastic. Wish I had got one years ago.

1985 BMW 3 Series 323i 6 cylinder

Summary:

A BMW 323i is a great car for everyone, and has so much potential

Faults:

Minor electrical problems, headlight and brake light seal is broken, so that causes water to get in when it rains, easily repairable.

Boot leaks when it rains, nothing severe.

Limited room for taller people, (I'm only 5ft. My partner is 6ft and he's only just comfortable)

Isn't the best when it comes to mileage. Great on freeway, but terrible in city and stop and go traffic.

General Comments:

Great car, it's my first (learned on an old Suzuki Swift and a Mitsubishi Delica).

Great handling and steering.

These cars hold up great over the years.

Enough power without being a silly, "teenager hoon" car.

Very classy, love the car's body, definitely a favourite.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th June, 2010