Faults:

The signals and lights burn out constantly.

There is also a prevalent problem with blown exhaust gaskets.

Otherwise, the car is great and very reliable.

General Comments:

The car is not very fast at all, and I spend a lot of money on it just to get it to compete with standard Japanese cars. However, I love the body style and the interior, and the car was very easy to acquire parts for.

It handled great and had decent top end power, but was lacking in the shifting and braking departments.

All in all, the car was great though. Overall, I would give it an 8.

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:

Ex Uk car imported to NZ in 1995 with 55,000 mls, it was the best car I've owned. Problem with the clutch - put down to 'one of those things considering the age'.

General Comments:

I allowed my girl friend to drive one day, we discovered that even BMW's are no match for power poles at 100 km/h!! So watch them in the wet. We didn't quite walk away but survived ok. If you remember that "chicks can't drive BMW's" you'll be OK!! If you need further proof watch the movie called "Ronin".

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.