Faults:

One of the locking nuts seized on a wheel, and a rear spring was broken on a pothole; neither really to do with the quality of the car.

Other than this, no problems.

General Comments:

Leather needs looking after; I suspect it might wear quickly.

Hood benefits from frequent water and U.V. proofing.

I miss an outside temp display.

Nicely specced with leather, digital climate / air con.

Suspect it's not as solid as an E36 coupe, but it's not bad at all for a convertible.

Exudes old school charm; still prefer the style over the later 3 series.

Boot is a bit on the small side. I like the lid mounted toolbox, spare wheel well storage tray, etc.

Interior did take a bit of getting used to, as it's all black with a black headliner, but I quite like it now.

A few nice thoughtful touches, like the torch in the glove box, and the ICE speed dependent volume control.

Handles well, auto box took a bit of getting used to, but it's five speed, probably old hat now though.

Bodywork lasting very well, no rust problems at all.

Faults:

Nothing major, until the steptronic gearbox failed when trying to reverse in heavy snow.

This will cost more to fix than the car is now worth! (as of Dec 2010, the value is around the £2000 mark tops)

General Comments:

Heavy on the juice at around 22mpg in town. 104000 miles on the clock, but this car still drives tight, and is seriously quick. This model, 328i SE, is top spec, all leather, with all the gadgets you would want.

I have owned this car for 6 years, and it's without doubt miles ahead of any car I have owned, but this incident in the snow has made me think twice about rear wheel drive, especially with the bad winter weather we now seem to be having every year.

Really can't fault BMW for the build quality of their cars, but rear wheel drive automatics really are useless in the snow!

Faults:

The only thing I now have is a clutch judder in heavy traffic, and I had to replace a ball joint at 95,000. All the major parts including the exhaust and cat are original.

General Comments:

A superb car, always reliable and comfortable to drive. The comments comparing it a Subaru are ridiculous, that car is just a cheap horrid car with a big engine, the interior is appalling as well, and it reminds me of a cheap minicab.

As for the BMW being a soulless car? Are those who stated this being serious? The Japanese cars are just copies of every other car on the road.

Faults:

Passenger side window wouldn't open.

Tinny rattling noise coming from exhaust upon acceleration.

General Comments:

This car is an absolute joy to drive.

I've wanted a BMW 3-series coupe for some time now, and I am very happy with it.

It has a great specification level (tan leather, air con, climate control, electric pack etc..) and a wonderful engine.

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong with the car yet.

There is a slight knocking noise on the near side, though, which I think might be a bearing.

General Comments:

It has the same power and engine size as the Primera I owned previously, but the power delivery of the BMW is just so much smoother. It also responds a lot quicker.

The engine is so flexible and feels quite powerful, even for a 1600. Plus everything feels so 'tight', considering the mileage. The Primera, by 90,000 miles, felt very loose and a bit sloppy.

The interior, even though it is the basic model, is very clean, well thought out and it is extremely comfortable. It's been extremely well looked after and had only 1 previous owner from new.

I didn't imagine I could afford a BMW so soon. It is a '99 'S' plate (of the older shape) with 81,000 miles and it cost me £4000. A bargain, I think!