1985 BMW 3 Series review from Australia and New Zealand
"A superb driver's car"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
My car required new front brake discs, brake pads and sensor in December
The On-Board computer LED has begun to fade - it requires a replacement computer
The passenger side electric window no longer works
Central locking does not work from the front door - must be locked via the boot
Just had new HT leads and spark plugs installed
Seats are getting pretty worn out - not the material so much, but mainly the springs.
General comments?
My local BMW dealer, who services my car regularly, says this car has done as many kilometers as he's ever seen so I think the problems above have more to do with the age and mileage of the car than any fault of manufacture. They don't decrease my enjoyment of the car at all.
This car has converted me to BMW's. I have recently purchased a 1989 525i and it further enhances my respect for this great make of car.
The acceleration on this car is not very good, until you put it into second gear and then it accelerates at a respectful rate.
It goes like a little rocket since I got the new HT leads, spark plugs and had the engine tuned. It burbles away like a sports car and generally has more get up and go.
The handling is superb and it feels like a real drivers car - like all BMWs
This car is cheap to buy and reasonably cheap to run and is very reliable.
If you get one that is in good condition, and you continue to look after it well, this car should give you many years of reliability, fun and comfort.
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| Good engine, bad past owners |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 1985 |
| First year of ownership | 2002 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.0 petrol Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 10 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 7 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 10 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 280000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 314000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Volvo 244 |
| Date of Entry | 27th March, 2003 |