1990 BMW 3 Series 325Ci review from Australia and New Zealand

Thrust bearing failed at about 165,000.

All hoses continually need replacing.

The car is starting to drink oil, so I suspect there may be something wrong with the rings... not sure yet though.

Control arms required attention around same time thrust bearing (plus clutch) replaced.

Seats are rock hard due to over sun exposure.

Recent failure of headlight wiring.. haven't got around to finding where the shortcircuit is yet - suffice to say I stick to day time driving...!

I've had all the chrome replaced throughout the car incl windscreen surrounds and bumper bars (also had the front hood/bonnet resprayed to to minor ding that I fortunately was able to extend to entire respray and replacement of front end!)

I bought this car by chance after having just sold my '92 300zx, (prior to that I had an mid 90's MR-2 GT), and must say it is by far the most classic car I have ever owned.

It has an incredible exhaust note, and goes like the clappers for a car this age. Nothing like the turbo's I was used to, but for this style of car and its age I was nothing short of impressed. You can drive with four medium sized guys with the roof off and have plenty of go over 130km/h on the open road. It pulls all the way to the redline which is incredible, and whips all the stupid looking hotted up buzz boxes that seem to be on a perpetual 'lap' of Newcastle.

The seating however is a major detraction, and am considering getting the seats replaced... as the leather has gone quite hard and long trips are made very uncomfortable.

The roof is OK, and having had targa tops most recently before this car, isn't obviously as safe/secure and leak free, but you have to consider its age before getting too narky.

On a student budget, I regret not searching for one with a logbook history. HOwever these a few and very very far between in australia (the 325i variant) and you take them when you find them from what I've come to discover. I say this because a proper service history would have eliminated all the small issues I have had with this car mechanically... because otherwise its quite reliable.

This car is truly a classic 80's vehicle (despite it being a jan 1990 build!), with its gorgeous original shape and chrome fittings. The exhaust note is so incredible, and being in my early 20's, I've never had a car that attracted so much attention; from middle age men reminiscing! while it doesn't attract women like my previous cars, this thing has old school style written all over it.

I am considering replacing it with an e36 328i convertible... but I'm happy for it not to sell to quick... as this will be a hard act to follow. While its not the most quirk free vehicle I could have purchased, it has by far the most cache and rarity - noone makes em like bmw...