1996 BMW 3 Series 323iA review from Australia and New Zealand
"Enjoyable"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Car was purchased from auction. It had a transmission flare from 2nd to 3rd gears, however, this was not apparent on the auction test track. Car drove adequately with this fault, but recently got transmission reconditioned ($3000). Now goes superbly.
Chews through brake rotors - place where I went two times apparently did the nuts up too tight.
Headlight bulb replaced.
Spotlight replaced - hit a hare.
General comments?
Quiet, good performance and handling. Parts reasonably priced. Enjoyable car.
I get the car serviced at an independent dealer that friend's recommended, although I have phoned the local BMW dealer at times and found them very friendly and helpful.
Apparently BMW automatic transmissions are very sensitive and require regular servicing. Hence, most used imports to NZ from Japan and Singapore will require expensive transmission work between 80,000-100,000 kms.
.
Not suitable as a family car if the driver or front passengers are tall, as rear leg and footroom is poor
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| 1996 - 3 Series 328is 2.8 Liter Great car to drive, not so great on the wallet as regular maintenance and cost of fixing isn't cheap |
|
| Good all round package |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 1996 |
| First year of ownership | 2005 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2007 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.5 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 9 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 9 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 8 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 8 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 80000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 126000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Mazda 323 |
| Date of Entry | 25th December, 2007 |