Faults:

Central locking has stopped working.

Disc rotors showing wear.

Small transmission oil leak.

General Comments:

I love these cars. This is my 3rd E30 BMW, and I plan to keep it for as long as I can.

This one was assembled in South Africa, and comes with nice leather sport seats, trip computer, Mtech steering wheel, basket weave wheels, cruise control, sump guard, and a long range fuel tank.

While I have only owned this car for a few months, it's already a lot more reliable than the E39 528i I just sold, and gets much better fuel economy.

It can still keep up with much newer cars on the open road and around town, without any real effort. Would be nice if it had a cup holder, but this wasn't common on cars back in 1989.

In the near future I plan to convert it to manual, so that it's more like my last E30.

Faults:

- Muffler detached itself from the rest of the exhaust ($75 to fix).

- Thermostat replaced.

- Cracks on dash.

- Rust bubbles starting on sunroof (minor).

General Comments:

I absolutely love this car!

I'm 20, and I have owned 7 cars in the last 5 years, simply because I get bored with them. I honestly believe I could keep this car for years and years! It's just fun to drive, and people look at you (especially people who remember the car from when they were younger, and when it came out).

The handling in the dry is amazing; in the wet it's scary to say the least. If you touch the accelerator while turning, even slowing, the back will slide out with no notice.

My particular car is the same as the 325is (just rebadged for NZ and Australia). It has everything I need in a car. Air-con, electric windows, mirrors sunroof etc. I got a euro style personalized plate - JOY IS for her, and I feel it really completes the look.

I have been surprised with reliability, but do have a huge list of things I want to do to get it back in absolute mint condition. The wheels need to be reconditioned, a stainless exhaust, sunroof re-sprayed and suspension overhauled...

Plan to add to this review.

Faults:

Indicator light; stainless steel exterior seal.

General Comments:

This is the first car I have actually owned myself, and my first review.

This BMW is a 25 year old West German design, built in Apartheid-era South Africa ca 1989, bought with 155000 km on the clock. This review takes this into account; I don't expect the car to either perform as it did when it was new or to compete against modern technology. My air filter is also overdue for servicing, so this may affect performance.

PERFORMANCE: I find acceleration and speed to be passable; I can overtake other vehicles when going up hill, for example, though overall acceleration itself is still slow. On the other hand, I drive over the Rimutaka Mountain Ranges frequently - a narrow, windy mountain road - and braking and cornering ability are excellent, despite the lack of ABS. This car handles wonderfully and is very stable. Petrol consumption is perhaps what you'd expect from an 80s car; I get about 9L/100km motorway, a bit more around town. For a compact car, this is thirstier than I'd like, but then the 80s were a different time.

RELIABILITY: This car has been almost perfect since I bought it. The engine is about 1/2 to 2/3 through its life, but I've experienced no problems with that. Have had no issues with rust; the car has been kept in unsheltered conditions. All that's gone wrong is in the electrics - the heater sometimes cuts in and out when I switch it on, and my indicator flashes double-time. One piece of stainless steel exterior has come off, I think in a carwash, but this seems mainly cosmetic. I've been happy with this car's reliability, given its age.

COMFORT: I often travel around 1-2 hours in this car. I'm about 6ft in height and admittedly a bit overweight. The car has enough legroom; the ceiling could be a little higher, but generally this is not a problem. The steering wheel is not adjustable, but fortunately is about the right height and distance from my arms regardless. This car loses points in this aspect for its front seats, which are unfortunately the 'sports' version. If by sports BMW meant narrow seats with hard sides that cut into the sides of your legs, well then I think I'll get these changed to regular ones sometime soon, which are simply flat. They are a pain in the butt as is. Also, I deduct a point for lack of cupholders, which you really miss. Otherwise, the car is roomy enough with a large boot. Road noise is also a little on the loud side.

My overall impression of this car is good, and I would give it an 8/10. If you get one, you'll probably want to avoid or change the 'sports' seats though, especially if you plan on going any length of time in this vehicle. Reliability is excellent; performance is a mix between superb handling and not-so-good acceleration; comfort is generally good, but particularly let down by the 'sports' seats, so look for one with regular seats, or install them or aftermarket seats.

Faults:

Weird noise comes from the front; sounds like static from the radio.

Metallic sound from the engine when cold.

Some slight steering knock.

Engine (cooling) fan noisy.

Factory tyre size 195/65 R 14 too big, better off with 195/60

General Comments:

Comfort much better than older E30s or any other vehicle I've driven.

Fuel economy seems to be quite good when driven gently- 7-10 L/100 km Regular Unleaded 91.

For a 1.8 litre engine has good performance; hopefully after its major service, it will go even faster.

Faults:

The car had not been looked after when I purchased it for my daughter. I spent around $1000 replacing noisy valve lifters, worn brakes and electric fan. The radiator was 70% full of sand (apparently from the cast engine block).

Some electric switches do not always work. The car is always left outside. I think it has not been garaged for many years by previous owners. Even so, the paint work is very good and there is no noticeable rust.

General Comments:

A little care has gone a long way with this car. The performance has increased since the valve lifters were replaced. It is great to drive around town and is solid as a brick. Driver vision is terrific and my daugther has gained her drivers license in it then gone on to become a confident driver.

The car can be driven in a nippy or sedate way in traffic. I generally drive it hard and it never complains.

Just another example of the fabulous BMW heritage.