1996 BMW 3 Series 316i review from UK and Ireland
"Cheaper than a new 3, more economical, and better."
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Apart from slight tear in the center console, this is a reliable, well made German saloon. The heating is the only real trouble; it overheats at any given minute despite the small 1.6 litre engine.
General comments?
My model is a 1.6, I know that sounds like it's going to be life-less, but trust me, the 1.6 is possibly the best engine in this range.
So far it's never needed anything new, but it's way past it's original warranty, so if it did, I'm in trouble.
My only real complaint is the firm ride, but that compensates for much better handling.
It is, despite the small engine, very fast (the speedometer reads to 160mph!), and actually sounds good.
I would like to see better trim quality, but other than that, one of (if not the) best car I have ever owned, driven, ridden in etc.
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| The 316 can be thirsty due to its weight, but it's comfortable and nippy |
|
| Good all round package |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 1996 |
| Year of manufacture | 1996 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2006 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.6 petrol 4 cylindar Automatic |
| Performance marks | 9 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 9 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 7 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 50000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 70000 miles |
| Previous car | Toyota Corolla |
| Date of Entry | 20th November, 2006 |