1988 BMW 3 Series 325iSE (E30) M20B25 (2.5 litre six)

Summary:

Archetypal German quality car with sporty dynamics - more fun than a Mercedes!

Faults:

Front fog lamps didn't work (blown bulbs).

Trip computer back-light bulb has blown.

The boot lets in water in heavy rain.

General Comments:

A superb performance car that is also now available very cheaply though they're now recognised as a classic BMW so prices are rising.

Very comfortable, with excellent ergonomics, the straight six also makes a lovely noise.

Fun to drive, these cars are responsive, rear wheel drive and have plenty of power in standard form. Reasonably economical too.

Reliable, and with good parts availability, so they're pretty cheap to run if you get a good one.

There's also good on-line advice available from the E30 Zone, Planet E30, etc.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th November, 2006

1988 BMW 3 Series 320i Coupe 2.0 petrol

Summary:

A very sporty and solid little coupe

Faults:

Front passenger window motor failed at 79,000 miles.

Power steering failed at 88,000 miles.

Ignition failed at 102,000 miles.

Rear bumper started to become loose during final year of ownership.

General Comments:

The 320i was, considering its age and mileage, a very reliable and solid car which also had excellent ride and handling.

Its practicality could have been better, as it only had two doors and the back seats were rather short on space.

Fuel bills and maintenance costs were relatively high.

I paid £3,000 for the 320i when it was eight years old. Three years later I sold it to a mechanic for £1,000.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th February, 2006

1988 BMW 3 Series 320 SE 2.0Li

Summary:

Boy racer killer

Faults:

None so far.

General Comments:

Well, what can I say. YAHOO!!! What a beast. It may be 16 years old, but can she fly.

The main reason I bought the car was to annoy all the little boy racers in their Novas and Fiestas. The looks I get when I pull up at the lights are comical. They laugh at me because they think it is a heap, although they soon shut up when I rev her up. When the lights turn to green she just picks up her skirt and runs. The boy racers don't know what has hit them until they eventually catch me up at the next set of lights. Hee Hhe what a honey. I shall be keeping hold of this baby.

If anyone knows the performance figures of the 320i 1988 model, could someone put them up as I am interested in just how fast the old girl is.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th January, 2004

28th Jan 2004, 06:22

Quick update, 90000 on the clock and everything is fine with the car. Just had a 3 inch big bore back box fitted. The noise is absolutely fantastic. She has a bassy roar at low RPM, and rises to a loud roar at medium RPM, all the way to an all out howl at high RPM. In a shouting competition, this car would be a genuine winning contender. I always take her to the red line, just to hear her scream her lungs out. Over steer moments now have a squeal of tyres and a HOWL from the straight six. I think I am in love.

1988 BMW 3 Series Touring 2.5 petrol, 6 cylinder

Summary:

A wolf in sheep's clothing

Faults:

Leak from power steering pump reservoir.

Front seat hydraulics broke - MOT fail.

Water pump leaking at 182000 miles.

General Comments:

New jubilee clip fixed power steering leak.

2nd hand seats fitted - £100 for a pair. Seats are very uncomfortable - too wide & not enough support.

Water pump cost £25, but is a nightmare to fit - everything in the engine bay is in the way - will take the next one to a garage.

Engine is fantastic - as an ex-biker I wanted some cheap performance - the car cost £900 and with 172hp does the job nicely. Unfortunately the handling is typical rear wheel drive - you can slide the back so easily it's ridiculous, especially in the wet.

Very easy and relaxing to drive if you take your time, will bite you if you push too hard.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 31st October, 2003

7th Feb 2005, 15:13

I can relate to your last comment about the handling - the combination of a greasy road, a little too much right foot and some very unforgiving trees signalled the end of my pride and joy.

My Mini has taken the same bend much, much quicker, so I suppose it was too much to expect the Bimmer to be as chuckable.

You live and learn.