Faults:

The tyres wear quite quickly compared to my Audi 80. They are sticky Pirelli P7s, so that may have something to do with it!

Clutch is hard to judge when the car gets hot/after a few miles.

ABS light has come on permanently, not dangerous, but I need to look into it.

No other problems at all.

General Comments:

A superb car, I can see why people enthuse about the 3 Series BMW.

The handling is excellent, the grip is prodigious, the ride very smooth.

The engine is creamy smooth and does not increase in volume even right up to the rev. limiter.

The seats are very comfortable even if they do not look all that special.

This being the Coupe, I can get quite a bit of stuff in the surprisingly large boot. The reason for this, is that the back seats fold down as standard, unlike the saloon's.

The dashboard is very clearly laid-out and driver oriented, but the overall design 'attractiveness' of it is not in the same class as the Audi 80 (1988 model) that I used to own.

The other thing is that the car attracts a lot of nice comments from friends and strangers alike. I have had people come up to me and offer to buy it pretty much on the spot.

Faults:

The only major fault was with the solenoid after about 2 and a half years. I was told by the repair man that this was a common fault. The starter just wouldn't turn over. The solution (before a new one was fitted) was a foot-long stick of wood and a hammer - one or two gentle taps and it came free.

Useless in snow because of rear-wheel drive. Need studded wheels but they're illegal in this country, although mandatory in some others...

General Comments:

Underpowered compared with 6 cylinder engines, but not short of top speed (125+mph on motorway)

Ergonomically well designed - everything where it should be.

Very comfortable and easy to drive - very responsive.

Faults:

Poor electronic system. Rain drops started going through the electronic box at 60,000 miles. While I was washing my car, water went through. Cost me US$1500 to fix it.

Once a month, the engine went out while I was driving a low velocity at 40,000 miles. I had to wait for 30 minutes, then I could jump up the engine. I have visited the BMW dealer in the states, but they couldn't it figure out. Unbelievable!

General Comments:

This car can protect you in any kind of danger. I had a serious accident on the freeway in 2000. I just walked out of my car. Good car.

Faults:

Main brain of the car was spoiled in the car wash because water entered it.

I heard that this situation exist at all BMW cars.

General Comments:

Its parts and workmanship costs are very expensive in dealers.

Faults:

Factory remote opening of doors a bit intermittent.

General Comments:

Brilliant car, bought in April 1999 with only 17,500 miles on it after 5.5 years. Superb engineering, no rattles or sqeaks. Best compromise if M3 is too expensive. Best handling and most fun car I have EVER had. Definitely a drivers car.

The sound system in early E36 (not sure about later model) BMW's is complete rubbish, so had to spend a bit getting that sorted out, and had another immobiliser fitted. Insurance is a bit high at 17, but who cares. Fuel economy not bad, I have had 34 MPG on a long run. If you own a Vauxhall Calibra, ditch it and get one of these, you will not regret it!!! Next one will be 328 Coupe with M3 body kit!!!!

Faults:

Within 3 miles of purchase throttle stuck wide open. Problems with brake pedal pressure meant it cost dealer approx £2500 in parts to sort. Synchromesh failed on 4/5th gear.

Massive oil leak from rear of cylinder head turned out to be (after I had removed head) a loose oil bung. Took 10 seconds to tighten. Cost me £170 in gaskets etc. to take head off. I was not a happy bunny. Rear shock mount.

General Comments:

The car was O.K. from delivery, but handling was atrocious in the wet. Aquisition of BMW Classic 16" Alloys, Yokohama A510's, sports seats and Momo steering wheel transformed the car into a drivers dream. Mega predictable handling, vastly improved driving position made the car 100% better. I used it as a course car at a local tarmac special stage rally. On one special stage a Metro 6R4 took 2 seconds out of me whilst I blitzed various Evo's and Escort Cosworths. Try it in this spec and love it!

Faults:

Minor electrics, ECU, small trim pieces.

General Comments:

The best handling car I have ever owned - besides small faults, extremely reliable.