Faults:

Minor issues due to lack of home maintainence.

General Comments:

Please don't be jealous, but I only paid 500.00 for the car and it is straight.

Faults:

The switch for controlling the high\low beams doesn't want to stay in the low beam setting.

The starter came loose and wasn't engaging the flywheel.

General Comments:

This is the second 325e that I have owned and I really enjoy these cars. They last like no other car I have ever owned. This car is in beautiful shape for a car that is five years old and in unbelievable shape for a 14 year old car. I really try to impress upon people the longevity of the BMW cars and the cost efficiency of owning one of these. Very comfortable and smooth to ride in and excellent gas mileage.

My only negative thing with this car is that it is an automatic, but when you buy a car for $900.00, you cannot complain about the little things.

Faults:

Replaced hoses, thermostat, and water pump, replaced spark plugs, plug wires and rotor, replaced fuel filter, replaced muffler.

Passenger window doesn't roll down, interior door handle is broken, odometer doesn't work, gas gauge jumps around, trim piece under steering column falls down.

Body and paint are in decent shape, but could both use refinishing.

Interior trim is all in good shape with the exception of some pieces. The seats have been recovered in leather and are very comfortable.

General Comments:

The car has a comfortable sporty feel, and handles like a high dollar sports car.

Can't really comment on performance, since mine still isn't fully road worthy.

Car starts to run hot, and coolant bubbles out of the coolant tank. Anyone with any info would be a big help. It's the only thing keeping the car off the road.

I love the car, and I picked it up for cheap, $1750, and it's worth every last penny.

I found the best place to get parts and accessories is at Bavarian Autosports. bavauto.com

Faults:

Broken rocker arm at 172,000 miles (previous owner neglected valve adjustment and general timing belt maintenance. Performed partial engine rebuild (new water pump & new timing belt also installed as a precaution)

Front wheel bearings, ball joints, all four shocks.

Muffler repaired three times before I finally had to purchase the entire unit at 220,000 miles.

Leatherette seat cover wearing badly (there is definitely no substitute for real leather)

General Comments:

Excellent all round vehicle, well suited to all driving situations.

Superb handling except in icy conditions.

Fuel efficient especially when compared to my 1992 BMW 535i.

Very reliable in all ways, has never been out of commission for any mechanical failure. Engine is virtually bulletproof as long as you remember to replace the timing belt every 50-60,000 miles (extremely important!!).

Preventative maintenance is relatively cheap or comparable to that of cheaper car makes.

Loads of torque on demand, but additional horsepower would not hurt.

Faults:

When I purchased the 1986 BMW 325e, I did some general maintenance for my own peace of mind. I first replaced the timing belt, hoses, belts. I drove it for a few months and then the exhaust going to the cat, so I brought it to a shop they said they could not fix the part, but I could buy a new one for $900. I got a second opinion and the bill was $35. I have since replaced the struts, shocks, and a few minor things, But still a great runner, and they don't rust very easy.

General Comments:

I purchased this car when I graduated from college, and Was looking for a great car at a price of $2500, I found this and went on five test drives and told the owner I would buy it if it passed from my mechanic. I am really glad I bought it, it is a blast to drive. It corners very well, and the acceleration is quick. make sure you look for one that has been well cared for, because there are many one that are not worth the money.