Faults:

Do not ever pull that tempting red cord that sticks out from under the back seat - it is a nightmare to get the convertible top working again.

Had an airbag warning light on, not sure what it was related to.

Had the codes scanned on the car at time of selling it and a million came up - all seemed minor though.

Sometimes the glass window on the drivers side door would jam, not allowing the door to be shut properly... each time would need some tough love to start functioning again.

The convertible top plastic rear window was all scratched up, and this seems like a common wear problem for these cars.

General Comments:

This car is not about taking corners and driving wild... it's about warm Summer day cruises with the top down.

Extremely comfortable ride... when I first got it, I was about to drive over this massive pot hole on this back road by my house, that I would always have to brace myself for because it killed my ass on previous cars... I braced myself with the BMW and to my surprise *I did not feel anything*, it was as if the suspension made the pot hole disappear.

Great highway cruiser, sometimes you don't realize how fast you're really going.

Faults:

The only thing I now have is a clutch judder in heavy traffic, and I had to replace a ball joint at 95,000. All the major parts including the exhaust and cat are original.

General Comments:

A superb car, always reliable and comfortable to drive. The comments comparing it a Subaru are ridiculous, that car is just a cheap horrid car with a big engine, the interior is appalling as well, and it reminds me of a cheap minicab.

As for the BMW being a soulless car? Are those who stated this being serious? The Japanese cars are just copies of every other car on the road.

Faults:

Passenger side window wouldn't open.

Tinny rattling noise coming from exhaust upon acceleration.

General Comments:

This car is an absolute joy to drive.

I've wanted a BMW 3-series coupe for some time now, and I am very happy with it.

It has a great specification level (tan leather, air con, climate control, electric pack etc..) and a wonderful engine.

Faults:

Transmission is sluggish although there is no slippage. 1st gear is just too slow to engage for a sports car.

Driver-side window has broken track. Window regulator OK, but will raise without some physical guidance.

Door locks have tendency to stop working. Seems to fix itself and just a nuisance.

Right corner light stopped working. Replaced bulb, but it's probably something more serious.

Headlight bulbs burn out every 6-8 months.

General Comments:

Really fun car to drive. Daily commuter and has never disappointed.

My list of problems are minor in my mind considering the delight I get from driving this car.

Corners exceptionally well. I would love a bit more low-end power, but you don't buy this car to race at every street corner. Just enjoy the experience.

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong with the car yet.

There is a slight knocking noise on the near side, though, which I think might be a bearing.

General Comments:

It has the same power and engine size as the Primera I owned previously, but the power delivery of the BMW is just so much smoother. It also responds a lot quicker.

The engine is so flexible and feels quite powerful, even for a 1600. Plus everything feels so 'tight', considering the mileage. The Primera, by 90,000 miles, felt very loose and a bit sloppy.

The interior, even though it is the basic model, is very clean, well thought out and it is extremely comfortable. It's been extremely well looked after and had only 1 previous owner from new.

I didn't imagine I could afford a BMW so soon. It is a '99 'S' plate (of the older shape) with 81,000 miles and it cost me £4000. A bargain, I think!