Faults:

Interior trim was always very flimsy and breakable.

Air conditioning failed at 94,000 miles.

Electric mirror mechanism failed at 109,000 miles.

General Comments:

Apart from a tiny number of interior and electrical problems, the M3 was a very solid and reliable car.

It never gave me any major problems.

But I would have enjoyed it anyway, thanks to its blistering performance and great handling.

Maintenance costs were very high though, and it could have done with a bit more legroom in the back.

Faults:

Rear suspension bushes resulted in excessive rear tyre wear at 100,000 miles resulting in both new bushes and a BMW dealer 4 wheel track adjustment, together with new rear tyres.

Heater solenoid valve required replacement.

Fan viscous coupling failed at 120,000. This doesn't give any warning as the blade keeps rotating, but allows the engine to overheat in hot weather...

Expansion tank split, which is integral with the radiator, possibly linked to fan coupling failure.

Front supspension bushes worn around 125,000 miles.

Cloth front seats becoming a little threadbare now.

Bodywork still outstanding at 8 years old - it's polished twice a year.

Servicing costs at Dealers are quite high.

General Comments:

Despite age and mileage, the car remains pleasing to drive, compensating with its stable handling for its moderate performance.

Engine and transmission still faultless.

Returns 36 to 40 mpg.

The overall quality still surprises friends owning other cars of different makes.

Faults:

Failed MOT with rusty steel brake lines - over £400 to fix! And this was when I was ready to sell the car : (

Front seats groan and creak.

Very slow to speed up from 50-70 on motorway, frequently have to drop lock into 3rd on the auto 'box.

Tricky in wet/snow, even with the modest output from the 1.6 with auto.

Fuel economy okay, especially on a long run.

General Comments:

Built like a tank. When looking for replacement cars I am amazed how flimsy they feel, despite the BMW interior having a few minor squeaks. On the motorway they disappear and it cruises smoothly and quietly.

Keeps up okay on the motorway providing you aren't looking for mid-range. Rests on 80-90 no bother once you are there.

BMW servicing decent, £220 for an inspection 2, £80-ish for an inspection 1 if the car is over 4 years old.

Handling is very good. But as this website says the 1.6 4 cyl doesn't do the rest of the car justice. Definitely go for a 6 cylinder if you are considering one of these, especially in automatic form!

There's a lot of Kev'd up 3-series with suspicious M3 alloys around nowadays... Can't help the cars already dubious stereotypical-owner image!

Keep in mind although these may be quite cheap to buy you could probably do better with something that doesn't have a propeller badge on the top of the bonnet for the same money.

Looking into at a Peugeot 306 GTi-6 next!!!

Faults:

Passenger door central locking failed.

Minor oil leak.

General Comments:

For a 1.8 this is a very quick car probably due to its considered gear ratios and 168Nm of torque. it's easy and very relaxing to drive. The engine and transmission are both extremely smooth. The gear change is also very slick.

The handling is excellent, very responsive with almost no body roll. Just going to the shops is rewarding. The brakes are also first rate.

The build quality is first rate, nothing rattles (at 109000 miles it still looks and feels like new) The cabin is simple, but nicely laid out. Being an SE its got some nice extras ie, electric sun roof, a few leather bits and nice alloys.

The seating position is almost perfect, the seats are very comfortable and supportive making long distance travelling a pleasure.

In many respects this car is a 'grown up' GTI, quick, great handling, but very refined.