1990 BMW 3 Series 325ic review from North America
"Sexy, fast and topless.."
What things have gone wrong with the car?
I rescued the car from an abusive owner and have had to do maintenance that should have been done at 60K miles. Replaced front control arms, struts, mounting plates, rear shocks and mounts, all wheel bearings and passenger side outer axle bearing. The real bugger of a problem was an elusive and massive trunk leak. It's fixed now, but I lost the CD changer and the jack to water damage.
General comments?
I love this car and have named it "Lara." It gets looks just about everywhere I go (brilliant rot color), and handles like a dream.
I took it to the Utah Salt Flats and drove on the Bonneville Race track. The car reached 135mph before I finally chickened out. The engine is stock, no modifications yet, and it zooms around town like it's running on NOS. And the cornering is superb. I have fish tailed only to straighten out as the limited slip kicked in and saved my butt.
I have driven the car from Seattle to Key West and from there to Connecticut, and I have to say the seats are less comfortable than granite.
The BMW dealers are patient and always help me when I come in with my neurotic search for the little pieces of the car that have no impact on looks or performance, but are just missing.
BT.
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  | Well engineered car |
| 1989 - 3 Series 325is 2.5 Liter Inline Six Cylinder This is the car that is responsible for BMW's phenomenal reputation. |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 2001 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2001 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.5 straight 6 Manual |
| Performance marks | 9/10 |
| Reliability marks | 9/10 |
| Comfort marks | 5/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 10/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 92000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 105000 miles |
| Previous car | Mitsubishi Montero |
| Date of Entry | 13th July, 2001 |