Faults:

Nothing at all. It has been problem free which is what I expected given it had a full service history and was in excellent condition. I had to replace the stereo, but this is not a mechanical problem.

General Comments:

The car feels tight and well put together. The doors are tight, as is the gearbox and general drivetrain. There are no rattles or squeaks and the interior feels as it it will last forever. All of the switches and controls work perfectly. BMWs are expensive, but quality is engineered into the car and you feel it every time you open the door.

Faults:

Cylinder head warped 60,000 miles - due to failed water pump leading too failed radiator - very expensive to repair.

Passenger door rubber seal wearing.

Diagnostics computer giving false readings such as water level low or coolant level low. 75,000 miles.

Glove box hinge snapped - difficult to find matching replacement part.

General Comments:

Even though I have had my fair share of problems with this vehicle, I still love it, owned it close to four years now, and I still think the E36 is a great looking car, I can't think of another car in the £12 -14,000 price range I would rather have than a 3 series coupe.

Regular servicing should guarantee you a classy car for many years and miles.

I drive my cars hard so expect my fair share of repair bills. Friends have 3 series and have had no problems at all.

Handling is superb - but icy conditions can catch you out.

Performance isn't as good as I hoped 2.0L Astra GSI's can just keep up.

Comfort - it's a BMW a real driving pleasure... make sure if you have leather you have air conditioning.

Economy - I average 28.5 miles to the gallon and I like to take it through the rev range.

Faults:

Slight leak coming from the steering rack,

Rear drums required replacing,

General Comments:

Generally very impressed with the vehicle, expected the car to be as slow as hell, but isn't too bad at all once it get's moving.

Have added some M-Technic styling and 17" wheels which make it look very nice.

Handling is excellent and is quite low as standard as well.

Was a bit dubious about getting a 316 again after owning an E30 one, but have not regretted it at all and being 21 a higher engined 3 series will be a joke on the insurance.

Faults:

The one touch up facility on the passenger side electric window is playing up. I think this is a fairly common problem on these and it will be fixed under warranty.

General Comments:

I'm the third owner, but the car looks as though it's only had one.

Not as many toys as my Clio 172 (have really missed the climate control with the recent hot weather) but it's so much nicer to drive. Comfortable too with the fully adjustable sports seats.

Although I've got 17" rims on mine, a long motorway stint recently showed how smooth and relax the car is. Even with only 170bhp for a car this size, putting the right foot down feels as though there's a lot more under the bonnet.

Fuel consumption is not good, but it's what you'd expect for a 2.5 litre 6 cylinder motor.

Now, how long will it be before I can get my hands on a M3...

Faults:

Fuel gauge needle has stopped working, so cannot tell the level of fuel left in the tank.

Some wind noise from window, seal probably needs replacing.

General Comments:

This is a superb car. Performance is extremely good, as is fuel economy - over 30 miles to the gallon. Handling from rear wheel drive set-up is brilliant. The straight six engine is so smooth, it is an absolute peach. No serious problems - touch wood. However, I did buy one with a full BMW service history.

My only gripe is the comfort, I do not find the seats particularly comfortable.