1997 BMW 3 Series Reviews - Page 9 of 12

I replaced a couple of dashboard lights - It cost me a couple of pounds and an hours work.

The rear suspension has started to rattle. Motor for passenger mirror has stopped working.

A fine cruiser, eats the miles up with ease and on the motorway can get 32 mpg (not bad for a 2.8 6 cylinder engine). Heavier on petrol round town however and nearer 28 mpg. Very comfortable and relaxed and although estate version is not massive it is big enough for us. Quick car with a nice torquey engine.

The engine fan broke causing the engine to overheat blowing the gasket.

It took the BMW authorized dealers and importer three weeks to replace the gasket.

Overall, great car! Excellent on fuel, considering that I tend to drive pretty fast. Much better than the Rover 200 Vi (145 HP) that I used to drive before.

The car is comfortable, pretty fast and... a BMW!

I had very few problems with this car. The only issues were in regards to the emission equipment. The catalytic converter was replaced at 6,000 miles, and three oxygen sensors were replaced over the five years I owned the car, all under warranty.

I loved that car. I owned it for five years and had nothing but positive things to say. It was stylish, reliable, and performed very well. I replaced it with a new BMW. I was meticulous about maintenance and used nothing but synthetic products. I changed the oil myself every 4,500 myself which is about three times as often as what is recommended by the service indicator.

My power steering system was changed at 12,000 miles.

My clutch and flywheel were changed at 15,000 miles.

My motors for the rear windows were also changed at 15,000 miles.

Some parts on the folding top were also changed at 15,000 miles.

All the above problems were dealt with under warranty.

It's a great car to drive with all the required controls within easy reach for the driver.

For a car of this type the clutch system is crap, I have just replaced a half worn clutch as it was juddering again at the bite point when hot.

The new clutch is even worst it slips in hot and cold conditions.

The flywheel may need to be replaced again, but considering the cost I think it's time to get rid of it.

There was a fault with the cassette player when I bought the car. Since I bought the car from a BMW main dealer they dealt with it straight away and gave me a courtesy car.

No other faults.

The car is almost as fast as an M3 (acceleration and top speed) whilst being significantly cheaper to run. The insurance cost was 1/3rd of what it would have been for an M3, the maintenance has cost me almost nothing (even though I am maintaining the full service history), and the car even has the M3 body kit and split rim 17 inch wheels.

Climate control is phenomenal, leather is sumptuous, steering feel and engine noise inspiring.

Perfect reliability.

Only thing I have to comment on as a flaw is the low speed ride which is a little fidgety. The car does have sports suspension though which is obviously designed for high speed work - the body control between 50mph and 150mph is fantastic.

The standard fit tyres are Michelin Pilot Sport SX, in 225/40 front and 245/40 rear. Whilst they grip prodigiously in the wet and dry and wear fairly well, they are VERY NOISY.

I shall be changing to Bridgestone S03's soon - I have these on another car and they are wonderful.