Faults:

When I purchased the 1986 BMW 325e, I did some general maintenance for my own peace of mind. I first replaced the timing belt, hoses, belts. I drove it for a few months and then the exhaust going to the cat, so I brought it to a shop they said they could not fix the part, but I could buy a new one for $900. I got a second opinion and the bill was $35. I have since replaced the struts, shocks, and a few minor things, But still a great runner, and they don't rust very easy.

General Comments:

I purchased this car when I graduated from college, and Was looking for a great car at a price of $2500, I found this and went on five test drives and told the owner I would buy it if it passed from my mechanic. I am really glad I bought it, it is a blast to drive. It corners very well, and the acceleration is quick. make sure you look for one that has been well cared for, because there are many one that are not worth the money.

Faults:

The dynamo gave out at 233000 km, which wasn't surpising since it was the original one.

Due to the broken dynamo, my battery needed to be replaced.

Fuel pump replaced at 233000 km, the membrane in the pump had cracked because it hadn't been kept wet. (My car hadn't driven for 3 months because of the broken dynamo.

General Comments:

A great car.

The engine is comfortably quiet.

Incredible acceleration, especially in low gears, in the second gear my car can do 100 km/h.

The driving position is relaxed, which makes for comfortable long trips.

The leather (ricaro-like)seats give good support, but begin to show some wear.

The car is cheap to drive, because it weighs only 967 kg and fuel consumption can be kept at around 1:12 (l/km)

Faults:

Alternator regulator packed in.

This caused the battery to overcharge, overheat, and melt spectacularly.

Rotten boot lid under the rear spoiler allowed water to seep into the boot.

Differential clunked on slow gear changes.

Gear linkage failed - just £17 for a BMW main - dealer part.

Wheel bearing at 120,000 miles.

Had a bit of an appetite for brake pads.

The body was far from pristine.

Seats wear and get torn easily.

General Comments:

Interesting performer. Throttle response from the bottom of the rev range was awful - I don't know if it's a general characteristic of the car, or maybe I just got a dodgy one.

I managed 130mph once, and it felt like she'd pull more than that given more road.

There are few things that sound as sweet as that straight six motor screaming up to the red-line - it's totally addictive.

Sideways motoring was not a problem. Dip the clutch and floor it and you're on the next ship to Planet Opposite Lock :D.

The power steering is probably the best weighted and most responsive I have used to date - nothing like the super light assisted steering found in many of today's cars.