Faults:

Roof lining falling down.

Driver's side power window regulator stopped working.

Car dies whilst driving, then resumes.

General Comments:

Pros: Rides very well for a small car, and the performance from the 1.9 petrol is exceptional. 5 speed shifts smoothly, electric sunroof, loud horn, it is pleasant car to drive.

Cons: Awkward styling where the rear looks like it's been cut off, non-adjustable steering column, heavy steering needs more power assistance, cheap and rattly dash plastics and door trims, questionable reliability.

Faults:

Transmission slips from 2nd to 3rd, and 3rd to 4th. It has been fixed twice and still continues to do it.

Spotlights just stopped working one day.

Air conditioning doesn't work, have to get it fixed.

Brake sensor was faulty, stopped me from getting a warranty.

On-board computer doesn't work, it's hard to read and tells me to check the oil and water levels every time I turn the car on, even though they are fine!

Half the time when it rains, the door lock won't lock or unlock.

General Comments:

Nice to drive on the open road, once I get past the first 4 gears.

Faults:

Head gasket blew.

Cooling system failed overpressure due to exhaust gasses.

Climate control has a mind of its own.

Immobiliser faulty.

Vanos jammed.

General Comments:

Whilst this car has done 200000km, and things do wear out, even with regular maintenance - the car has been plagued with cooling system & electronic issues, probably triggered by the hot climate.

Faults:

Car was purchased from auction. It had a transmission flare from 2nd to 3rd gears, however, this was not apparent on the auction test track. Car drove adequately with this fault, but recently got transmission reconditioned ($3000). Now goes superbly.

Chews through brake rotors - place where I went two times apparently did the nuts up too tight.

Headlight bulb replaced.

Spotlight replaced - hit a hare.

General Comments:

Quiet, good performance and handling. Parts reasonably priced. Enjoyable car.

I get the car serviced at an independent dealer that friend's recommended, although I have phoned the local BMW dealer at times and found them very friendly and helpful.

Apparently BMW automatic transmissions are very sensitive and require regular servicing. Hence, most used imports to NZ from Japan and Singapore will require expensive transmission work between 80,000-100,000 kms.

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Not suitable as a family car if the driver or front passengers are tall, as rear leg and footroom is poor

Faults:

I brought this car thinking of its name M Sport, but performance wise it's not very sporty.

Anyway, I've had to replace a lot of things.

I have to say that from 35000km to 50000km, only had to replace the CV boots and suspension arms, starter motor and radiator tank.

After 50000km trouble started; again the radiator.

At 69000km the CV boots cracked; these were not cheap parts, as they were imported from BMW Germany.

The engine started knocking for some reason.

The dealer said he couldn't do anything about any of my problems.

Battery drains quickly, brake pads last like 5000kms, tires are expensive, air conditioning is hopeless.

My wife's Primera GXE is faster, better and cheaper to run than this.

These cars are real expensive to own and operate; air filter, oil filter, and spare parts cost a lot, and it drinks petrol like nothing else.

I got my son to have a small drag race to see how fast this thing is. I got beaten by an Accord and smashed by my wife in her GXE; major disappointment, not as fast as my Legacy.

I now have a Nissan Maxima; a much better car.

I don't recommend a BMW 3 Series; they're too cheap now. I saw a 1996 for 3000 dollars, I don't hate BMW, but I have one thing to say, BMW and any other euro cars are good from brand new to about 40000kms. If you buy a brand new one, sell before 40000kms or you will lose quite a bit of money on spare parts. I brought this car in 2002 for 21000 and spent almost 6000 on parts!!! Sold for 9560; what a waste.

General Comments:

This is not that quick; it has 1995cc and my wife's 1998cc Primera smashes this. So does my son's Accord, and they cost way below than this.

Interior is superb compared to japanese cars; you feel welcomed, but other than the interior, everything else is very very crap.