Faults:

Minor electrical problems, headlight and brake light seal is broken, so that causes water to get in when it rains, easily repairable.

Boot leaks when it rains, nothing severe.

Limited room for taller people, (I'm only 5ft. My partner is 6ft and he's only just comfortable)

Isn't the best when it comes to mileage. Great on freeway, but terrible in city and stop and go traffic.

General Comments:

Great car, it's my first (learned on an old Suzuki Swift and a Mitsubishi Delica).

Great handling and steering.

These cars hold up great over the years.

Enough power without being a silly, "teenager hoon" car.

Very classy, love the car's body, definitely a favourite.

Faults:

My clutch line just went out, and I had a brand new exhaust installed.

General Comments:

This car is great, and I have had it for about 6 years. It's my first car. This car just keeps going!

Faults:

Folks, I just purchased this gem and when I say gem, I mean gem. This is the classic, one owner, kept in the garage, driven in dry California.

Although it has 189,000 miles, you could eat off the engine (and it is not steam cleaned, clean - its just isn't dirty).

I did zero research on this model, but from what I am reading, I have really lucked out.

There is not a crack in the leather, the dash and all dash components are perfect. Even the front skirt has little to no wear. It looks like it is a 2 year old car.

Of course I want the car to remain in this excellent condition; can any give me some tips on anything I can do beyond normal. maintenance? Suggestions on oil, etc.

General Comments:

I have just got the car, and will update this posting, but for now, it is a beauty.

Faults:

The car was very slow on take off like it was only running on 2 cylinders. Looked under hood to discover it was missing a 1-1/2” link connecting the throttle linkage cable. Added missing linkage and boy what a difference, I could actually keep up with traffic and sometimes pass them.

The on-board computer and display lights were sporadic which stopped the MPH dial from reading actual speed, replaced all bulbs and reseated cable harness. Works now.

One of the rear door locks didn't work. needs new actuator. haven't fixed yet

The odometer didn’t work found out the gears go bad, haven’t fixed yet.

There is a weird intermittent sound coming from the rear of the car almost like a growling grind, could be the rear diffs not sure. Must be common with these cars.

The leather seats are worn, just a few cracks. Will add seat covers or reupholster.

Power steering was out when purchased, needed hose clamp re-fitted and a power steering belt.

Rear windows and sunroof were stuck closed. A little elbow grease and a can of WD40 on the joints worked like charm. :-)

General Comments:

Wow from stepping out of a 2001 325I into a 325e was like stepping into a historical event, and I had front row seats. Granted it doesn't have all the fancy wood trim, Xeon lights and all the fancy gizmo's that most newer cars have, Yes I do like those, but I must say that I was very impressed to see a car of its era have all the features my newer car had, i.e. outside temp, fuel range, and average fuel consumption and much more at your finger tips, its like it was made for the future for thing to come.

If you are looking to buy an older vehicle you should first do some research on it and see if it is worth buying. Some cars can have rave reviews and the second you go out and buy one you find out it’s a lemon, I know I’ve been there. I actually bought mine based on some of the reviews in this forum. Lastly, but most importantly, make sure if you do decide to buy any older car, make sure you get a decent maintenance history on the vehicle, this can save you a lot of grief in the long run. and a little know how always helps too.