Clutch master cylinder (common fault).
Driver's seat adjustment mechanism (another common fault).
Service indicator batteries (again, a common fault).
Excellent drive, the BMW is in a class of its own. The six cylinder engine is responsive at higher revs, and sedate at low, but torquey enough not to labour in high gears around town.
The interior and seats are a driver's paradise, apart from the quirky adjusters that go wrong from time to time.
Fuel economy is not too bad for a performance saloon, but isn't something that would make the Green party smile.
Just one word of caution: Keep it serviced. M20 engines don't like old oil, and the injection system is quirky if left with an old air filter. The spray bar inside the rocker cover must not be knocked when adjusting tappets, or the cam will be starved of oil in places.
141,000 miles on a BMW is just run in. Service history is more important.
I recently purchased a 1988 325i with 137,000 miles on it. I am 40 and have owned many, many cars - brand new Grand Prix's to new Suburbans to VW's to Ford and Chevy products galore, and here is the bottom line: My 1988 325i is the BEST car I have ever owned. My next new car WILL by a BMW. What so impressed me, other than the performance in a 13 year old car - was the attention to quality so obvious in the manufacturing process. The car I purchased was not well cared for by previous owners, yet everything on it works! Can you imagine being able to say the same thing about a 13 year old American car that had been treated with less than optimum care? Mark me down as completely impressed with BMW because of my '88 325i. Fit, finish, features, and solid performance... my wife thinks I've lost my mind, but I'm in LOVE with this car!!
All what I can say is, BMWs are ones of the only cars that you will never get bored of.
I absolutely agree. I have an '88 320i. It is my fourth car, but my first BMW's. I have sworn to myself that I will buy nothing else, but BMWs since I have purchased it. The things that particularly appeal to me about this car are:
- The classic design of the shape. I don't think there is any other car of the same age that has the sleek, sophisticated look as the beamer. Its not the most conspicuous car on the road, but once its seen, it keeps the attention.
- The smooth handling and responsiveness is second to none, a real pleasure to drive.
- The interior is preferred by any car inthusiast because everything is created around the driver. It is personalised to make the driver feel they are in their comfort zone.
- The smooth performance of the engine at high revs. It lets the driver feel more in control when cruising at high speed.
BMW's are a real pleasure to drive. Once you drive one you will agree that there is no competition.
My 320i has done just over 210,000 km and still runs like a dream. There is just no substitute for quality.
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