Faults:

Well, I somewhat knew what I was getting myself into when I bought this car, it was one step away from the junk yard, minus the drive train. the engine has pulled great since I got it, just everything around it is falling apart, I thank the P/O for not providing maintenance, I got it for $600, so I shouldn't be complaining too much, but some things were horrific on it, the fact the car still ran despite all the hacks and all the worn or broken parts is amazing. the fact it had little or no fuel pressure and pulled hills without sighing is crazy in itself. despite all the repairs, problems, and urges to destroy the thing, I still love it when I drive it.

General Comments:

Great car when it is running, if I had gotten the same model from an original owner who maintained it, I do believe I wouldn't even known these cars could have problems at all! the 325e gets a lot of flak for being the "slow" model (max speed: 118 mph, compared to the sportier "i" models which get 140 mph), but for a daily driver, the acceleration and torque this little beast has is perfect, good fuel mileage, and I rate it high on comfort because of how the car handles, it has comfortable handling, 18 point turns are not a problem, if you know anyone learning how to drive, have them practice on one of these.

Faults:

Nothing that has ever stranded me on the road.

Coolant hose busted.

Struts started leaking. Upgraded cheaper than stock.

Oil pan leaked oil.

Rear transmission seal leaked.

Both tie rods replaced.

Shifter rebuilt. Upgraded cheaper than stock.

Cracked dash from sun.

Cruise control broke (who cares)

General Comments:

Everything that goes wrong is easily repaired and upgraded. Engine is super strong, and build for many years of service. This car can take severe punishment like no other. Extremely cheap to maintain even with the dealer (scum alert). Once a year service with synthetic oil allows to do whatever you want mileage wise. As long this car is maintained, I hope it lasts forever.

Faults:

Exhaust rusted to pieces.

Sticking air valve.

Corroded brake lines.

Track rod ends wore out.

Dials failed.

Things starting to rattle.

Four sensors (brake light, coolant, washer fluid, brake pads) warning of non-existent problems.

Fuel line leaking.

General Comments:

This car had a full BMW service history from one owner when I bought it, and I hoped for some trouble free motoring. I was very wrong. The last service came in at £500, and that wasn't a BMW dealer.

Very unpleasant car to own; I was led to believe these were fun to drive, but it lacks any spirit unless you really thrash it. The power doesn't come in till about 4000rpm, and even then it isn't that great.

Although the car is quiet to drive, the suspension is harsh and doesn't seem to deliver stable handling either; it all feels rather jumpy when taking a corner ambitiously. I'm sure this could be sorted with uprated suspension, but considering the firmness of the ride, I expected better from the stock shocks.

By far the worst thing about the car however, is the truly diabolical fuel economy. When I first got the car, I thought there was a fuel leak; that's how bad it is. It could be expected in a fast or heavy car, but this car isn't fast or heavy; I simply don't know what it's doing with it all. I don't drive fast, but this car will happily empty its tank in just a few hours of gently driving, and it will take £50 in the tank.

It's got to the point now that I dread driving this car, and I don't know why I've kept it as long as I have. It's going up for sale now and I'll be glad to be rid of it.

On the plus side, it's given me plenty of problems, but has never left me stranded. It always starts and never stops.