1987 BMW 3 Series 325es review from North America
"BMW = break my wallet, but beautiful, dependable and fast (she's a keeper)"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Most recurring problem is that it stalls out randomly, without apparent cause. My mechanic says it's the idle control, maybe, but he can't be sure until he replaces it. Chilton's lists about 12 possible causes, but I don't have the time or money to test them all.
Transmission needed a major fix this year (300 dollars), muffler needed to be replaced last year (350 dollars), tires and alignment this year (350 dollars), window switches needed to be replaced, emergency flasher has an intermittent defect where it STOPS working.
Besides that, the car is beautiful: classic lines, and styling way ahead of its model introduction year (1984). This 1987 model runs fast in the higher RPMs, but is limited by a 4500 red line, which is frustrating. It corners well, and is a blast to drive on windy roads. Fun 900 mile trip when I feel like driving to Seattle once in a while, with no problems.
If you have the $ to repair it when needed, this car, and all other e30 varieties, is a great investment, and chicks dig it!
General comments?
Definitely drives like it's on rails. Great ergonomics in the seats, though a little cramped.
Love the on board computer (way ahead of its time, again).
Gauge cluster is simple: everything you need, nothing you don't.
Recommended reviews
| Mediocre performance, poor reliability |
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| This car is worth every penny spent on it and I intend on driving it to the max |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 1987 |
| First year of ownership | 1999 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2001 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.7 in line 6 Manual |
| Performance marks | 8 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 7 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 9 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 4 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 148000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 166000 miles |
| Previous car | Toyota Corolla |
| Date of Entry | 14th June, 2001 |