BMW 3 series opinions

[Adriandavies 0]

I want to buy a mid 90's BMW 3 series (4 door 318i petrol engine manual gearbox probably). Anyone got any opinions about service costs/running cost/insurance cost (particularly from UK experience).

Cheers.

[BASE813 0]

I drive a newer version 3 series (1.8 TI, 52 plate), and I have to say that servicing costs have reduced greatly over past years. It actually costs more for my mothers Peugeot and my GF's mothers fiesta to get serviced than the BMW they also serve you espressos and buscuits and read the daily papers whilst you wait!

Not sure about the older versions but find the fuel consumption reasonable, about 400 miles on £45 (and I do drive fast)

Insurance for me (with a DR10 10 years ago and 6 points) is also not bad at all..............

I like BMW and even the 3 series is comfortable and reasonably quick.

[kingbunky 3]

can't speak to the euro insurance/service stuff, but my '97 318i has been very reliable and fun. highway mileage has been 34 - 39 mpg (imperial gallons) which gives me almost 500 miles to a tank. every year is seems to want $1000 spent on it. always something different, and it's never actually broken down on me, just preventative stuff. i was told that you don't want a granny tranny with the 318 because it makes the little 4 banger quite sluggish. definitely go for the 5-speed.

"Hang on a sec, the young'uns are throwin' beer cans at a golf cart."
MB4252 TDS699
killing threads since 2001

[hexadecimal 0]

I've got a 3... it's a great car.

The most major problem I've had in 60,000 miles has been a motor for the power windows going out.

[livendive 8]

I can't tell you from experience, as I don't own one, but I can tell you that I plan on buying a reasonably new (01-03) M3 convertible next year. They're just a nice combination of fun & luxury with a fair amount of practicality thrown in too.

Blues,
Dave

"I AM A PROFESSIONAL EXTREME ATHLETE!"
(drink Mountain Dew)

[Bones 0]

For a good source of information go to Roadfly.org, click on the BMW 3-series forums. It sounds like you're interested in the "E36" models, so go to the appropriate forum.

[TequilaGirl 0]

My 328 was a piece of shit - had to get rid of it with less than 30,000 miles on it.....

[madscape 0]

Look at a diesel model. Better milage.

[kingbunky 3]

i think you'd be a lot happier with the m3 coupe as opposed to the convertible.

stiffer body=better handling

you could add a bunch of struts and stuff to stiffen up the convertible, but it's already heavier than the coupe (at least i'm pretty sure it is.)

"Hang on a sec, the young'uns are throwin' beer cans at a golf cart."
MB4252 TDS699
killing threads since 2001

[Judit 0]

I had a 2001 320d and it was the "love of my life". It broke my heart when I had to sell it cause i left the UK. If i had the money to buy another car it'd definitely be a BMW 3 series. I'm not so sure about the older models but i personally never had any problems. Fantastic fuel consumption (40-45 miles to the gallon), very reliable, very comfortable, very strong bodywork and in general - like german cars usually - a very well built car.

If you decide to buy one have fun and enjoy it!

Take risks not to escape life but to prevent life from escaping

[gmanpilot 0]

Quote

i think you'd be a lot happier with the m3 coupe as opposed to the convertible.
stiffer body=better handling

Or even better, the M Coupe. It's a bucket-o-fun, but with fuel prices across the pond, you had better have deep pockets.

The 4-cylinder is a great engine though.

_________________________________________
-There's always free cheese in a mouse trap.

[chopchop 0]

I have a '96 328is convertible that I bought new.. I have a 110,000 miles on it. The drive train rocks!

The electronics are a whole nother story.. the A/C system has a mind of it's own.. the windows are a little quirky but still work. The top no longer works.. I'd recommend a coupe and the less gadgets the better..

chopchop
gotta go... Plaything needs a spanking..

Lotsa Pictures

[haymangonzo 0]

Be wise and opt for the 320 and not the 318i(s). I bought an e36 320 coupe in 92 and both my brothers both the 318is coupe version. My car still runs with 350000 kilometers theirs have passed away long ago. Both cars are great, but the 4 cylinders have much more strain on them then the 2 liter 6 cylinders. This will result in higher service costs for the 4 cylinder then the 6 cylinders. Ask you BMW dealer about it and they know it.

Good luck with whatever car you buy.

***
Nice to meet you toot!

[livendive 8]

Quote

i think you'd be a lot happier with the m3 coupe as opposed to the convertible.

stiffer body=better handling

you could add a bunch of struts and stuff to stiffen up the convertible, but it's already heavier than the coupe (at least i'm pretty sure it is.)

Yeah, the convertible is a couple hundred pounds heavier and the coupe does outperform it a bit. Still, I'm kind of set on a convertible. I like the Boxster, but it's a bit too rough for long drives. The SLK's are on the opposite side of the spectrum...luxurious, but very heavy & mushy feeling. I know the Z4 would be a better comparison to these, but everybody and their brother has one of those and I'd rather have a car that you don't see on the road everyday.

Blues,
Dave

"I AM A PROFESSIONAL EXTREME ATHLETE!"
(drink Mountain Dew)

[haymangonzo 0]

Dave,

You're right, but forget one main issue. The car will be driven in the UK and as a result anything you take outside the home has to be able to perform the function of an umbrella. So you'd actually be comparing the coupe with the convertible in a closed configuration. A shame isn't it?

***
Nice to meet you toot!

[Adriandavies 0]

Bloody nice looking umbrella though.

Thanks to everyone who has contributed to this thread. I'm going to start looking for a 320.

Cheers.

BSBD

Adrian