2001 BMW 3 Series 320d 2.0 turbo diesel

Summary:

Very good car when not in the repair shop!

Faults:

Alternator suddenly went at 120k.

Right brake light burned through the connection block.

Had to weld the exhaust 3 times before getting an entire new system.

Coolant leaked from tubes - replaced all.

Brake drop line fell off.

Turbo stopped working at 137k.

NEW ENGINE at 150k. Cam shaft cracked and destroyed the engine.

Replaced radiator.

Another new turbo.

Replaced fuel pump.

Injectors clogged, power in high gears is now gone.

General Comments:

The car cost 6000 euro, repairs cost nearly 4000 euro! Had enough; getting rid.

Having said that, other than the repairs, it was a great car to drive.

Smooth ride, handles well, spacious cabin, not a lot of space in the boot (1 suitcase).

Slow to get off the mark even for a diesel, but was very powerful in higher gears (in its early days).

The car looked and felt great when not in the shop; it was a head turner.

Most BMWs are usually reliable, but I had a bad one. I wouldn't want to put anyone off buying a 320d, but there are a few lemons out there.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 2nd August, 2011

2001 BMW 3 Series 320d SE 2.0 turbo diesel

Faults:

At 130000, the engine had to be replaced @ €2500.

2010 running costs €250.

Wheel fell off.

Current problem with the back wheels.

A/C doesn't work.

CD changer is only playing 3 out of 6 slots.

Many more little niggles.

VERY DISAPPOINTED.

General Comments:

Very classy car, and looks great. Pity the reliability doesn't live up to standard expected from a german executive car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 28th February, 2011

5th Mar 2011, 18:09

Everything you have said is true. My son got a "deal" on a 2001 Beemer 3-series... the first week, we did $1700 of repairs! It is a nice car with a beautiful interior... but reliable or affordable? Not really... perhaps the typical BMW owner is able to ignore practical concerns, such as affordability and easy of maintenance?

2001 BMW 3 Series 316i 1.9

Summary:

Brilliant driver's car, colossal maintenance costs

Faults:

Replaced or discovered the following in a total of 19 months:

Oxygen sensors.

Leaking rear shocks.

Oil level sensor.

Oil temperature gauge.

Corroding brake lines.

Wheel bearing.

Heater matrix.

Oil leaks from sump and filter housing.

Rusting front wing and under grill on bonnet.

Fuel pump.

Breather pipe.

General Comments:

Great drivers car, comfortable and everything within reach.

Can't fault the styling and comfort.

Let down by huge maintenance costs. Always read these reviews with similar to above, thinking "what a nightmare to own that car". Well I ended up with one.

Can't say I would bother again with a BMW unless it was new.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 11th November, 2010

12th Nov 2010, 14:45

Oil LEVEL sensor? My 316ti has a dipstick, nothing in the manual saying it has electronic level reading even on the trip computer.

And the car doesn't have an oil temperature gauge either - a coolant one, sure. Was the gauge aftermarket?

2001 BMW 3 Series 316 1.9 petrol

Summary:

Quite flash for little cash

Faults:

The air bag light has come on the dash, no reason why.

Quite tappity from a cold start.

Apart from this, no problems to report.

General Comments:

This is the bottom of the range 3 series, but still comes will all the toys, E/W all round, air con, cruise control, parking sensors, CD player; it's very well equipped.

The engine is quite rattly from cold, and is quite slow, it returns 35mpg on average so it's not all bad.

Inside is very well built, very quiet and no engine noise. Seats are comfy and offer a good driving position.

Overall it's a really nice car, and overall it's a BMW for not much money.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th April, 2009

15th May 2009, 11:46

You are paying for the badge, but what a badge!

26th Oct 2009, 12:16

I would have a 316 over any Mondeo! Fords are so dull, and fall in price faster than lead balloons.

31st Oct 2009, 09:21

If you want a BMW, you may as well go for a 6 cylinder version, and then you won't have the performance and economy complaints. My 328 can get better mpg than the 318 I used to have. And on average it's roughly the same. But it's a much nicer engine and a lot quicker. Yes you do pay for the badge, but they are generally decent cars.

3rd Jan 2013, 04:08

I just recently purchased this car. My first BMW.. it's a lovely driving car. Very smooth from the driver's seat, and not a noise or rattle when driving.