Faults:

Nothing that you can complain about for a car of this age, had to replace the rubber hoses for the radiator.

Clutch replacement at 125,000 miles. No other repairs!!

General Comments:

This car is the most reliable vehicle I have ever driven and has been subjected to daily driving in all conditions.

The engine is very responsive and smooth, still 14 years later. The engine note above 4000 rpm is fantastic, I find myself regularly pushing it to 6000 rpm before changing gear and then it's off again.

This car is no M3 in a straight line, but push the excellent chassis and engine to the limits and the 105bhp under the bonnet feels like 200. In the wet caution is required when on the limit, but it's all part of the fun.

This car is a brilliant introduction to the 3 Series range, opt for the 318is for even more fun, ultimately the M3 Evo for the real driver.

Faults:

It's been generally reliable with only parts such as suspension and brakes needing replacement. There have been a few electrical niggles, but nothing that couldn't be cured by cleaning and vigorous shaking. It leaks oil because some fool replaced the oil cooler seal with filler!! And the rad leaks slightly, and I'm debating whether to pour that nasty rad sealer in.

General Comments:

It's a fantastic car. Incredibly well engineered, very fast and with a dreamy engine note. It's a lot quicker than I'd expected, but also handles far worse than I was expecting. Wet weather driving is a bit of a nightmare, and is a bit disappointing. Anyone who goes on about their E30 handling really well is just being biased. In the dry on a cross country chase, straight line speed is the car's forte. It's also a very heavy car to drive. Mine lacks power assisted steering so it's a bit of a brute around town at low speed.

But on the whole I'm very happy with it and would gladly buy another. Although I am going to modify it somewhat.

Faults:

Nil so far.

General Comments:

1.7 surprisingly sprightly with the auto box. Not a real hot rod but good enough. Great handling little car, much better drive than my Merc 190 but not as well built!

Seats very comfortable, dash well designed but heater inefficient - takes ages for the screen to clear.

A sound second hand buy but do shop around, I saw some real dogs.

Faults:

Clutch slave & master cylinders.

General Comments:

Superb introduction to BMW character offset by relatively high fuel consumption and lack of power. Drum brakes are devoid of feel. Dry weather grip is fantastic but in the wet it's a handful. Weber carbs give excellent response but is tricky to drive smoothly in town. Tough as nails.

Faults:

Carb engine always seemed to have an uncurable flat spot. Sun visor broke.

General Comments:

The carb engine isn't a patch on the injection. Reliable car with good handling.