Faults:

One rear wheel bearing failed at 9000 km

(warranty repair).

Clutch failed at 9000 km due to oil leak (warranty repair).

Catalytic converter heat-shield loosen at 9000 km, making a rattling noise at idle.

AC compressor bearing failed at 9500 km, the whole compressor replaced (warranty repair)

Note: The compressor worked fine, it was just a small noise - it would probably have worked for a couple of years more. But the dealer replaced it anyway =)

General Comments:

Very nice engine! No problem to drive at high gears at slow speed. Very quick when pressing high RPM:s =)

Good looking car, very nice interior!!

Nice handling windy roads (if it is good), very fun to drive!

Fuel consumption is no big issue if it is driven moderate, but it sure is when driven hard! I normally get away with about 8,5l/100km...

Pretty stiff suspension, is a little "bumpy" on bad roads (I have 17" wheels and 225/45 tires, I suppose it would be much more comfortable if I had had 15" or 16" wheels...). It can also be a bit instable on bad roads, it may be time to replace the shock absorber...

Not very quiet, pretty much noice from the tires.

Not the cheapest car to own, assurance and service are pretty expensive - but I don't think it's more expensive compared to other cars with the same performance and qualites!

"Vandal magnet" - got it scratched once!

Summary:

Don't by this car if your highest priority is comfort (or economy) - by it if you like to drive!

Faults:

Passenger door central locking failed.

Minor oil leak.

General Comments:

For a 1.8 this is a very quick car probably due to its considered gear ratios and 168Nm of torque. it's easy and very relaxing to drive. The engine and transmission are both extremely smooth. The gear change is also very slick.

The handling is excellent, very responsive with almost no body roll. Just going to the shops is rewarding. The brakes are also first rate.

The build quality is first rate, nothing rattles (at 109000 miles it still looks and feels like new) The cabin is simple, but nicely laid out. Being an SE its got some nice extras ie, electric sun roof, a few leather bits and nice alloys.

The seating position is almost perfect, the seats are very comfortable and supportive making long distance travelling a pleasure.

In many respects this car is a 'grown up' GTI, quick, great handling, but very refined.

Faults:

Only fault so far has been a leak round the wind-screen, caused by a badly fitted replacement (not by BMW). Otherwise it's been perfect.

General Comments:

Very smooth engine, effortless motorway cruising, acceptable fuel consumption - 32mpg on a steady run.

Model without a sun-roof, has excellent headroom. Rear headroom not so good, but passengers can walk if they feel that strongly about it!

Seats are firm but very comfortable on long trips.

Faults:

The air-conditioning, other minor problems.

General Comments:

This car accelerates slow, but after the rpm passes 3500, you can really feel the speed.

Seats are uncomfortable, stiff.

Very responsive and good cornering.

Faults:

Nothing at all apart from one rear spring which was apparently damaged and cost £30 to repair at the BMW centre.

However, I have spent since then loads on it buying the new light clusters (clear white ones) and alloys for it.

There is some slight rattle on bumpy roads but this is due to the 17 inch alloys and low profile tyres ;-)

General Comments:

Overall an excellent car that could do with more power, however the new 316i's have 1.9 litre engines in them so maybe they are slightly quicker......

Faults:

ABS went off line, independent dealer fixed by cleaning a sensor, but cost £150.

General Comments:

Excellent reliability, cheap to service using independent mechanics, although insurance expensive. It is a little thirsty at 27MPG.

Avoid main dealers like the plague - they rip you off by replacing parts that do not need replacing! Build quality excellent, interior excellent quality - everything colour coded, very comfortable, comes with air conditioning.

Excellent image with the coupe, I am often told how nice it looks.

Faults:

Brakes were squealing for most of the time I owned the car. The dealer couldn't rectify this problem at all.

One or two dashboard rattles the dealer did manage to rectify.

At the time I sold the car it didn't feel like a car that had covered 11,000 miles but like one that had covered 4-5 times the mileage. I don't know why the transmission felt like that but it certainly didn't feel as tight as it should have.

General Comments:

With front fogs, full body colour and alloys, a very stylish car (for 1996!).

Generally a 'nice' car at the time I owned it but I was disappointed at the transmission's sloppy feel after just 11,000 miles. Aside from a Golf Convertible, probably the worst car I've owned. Believe it or not, the 1.4ieS Fiat Tipo I owned before this car was much more fun to drive and at least its transmission didn't feel sloppy at 20,000 MILES !

Faults:

Problem with the central locking.

New radiator.

General Comments:

Fabulous car, wonderful to drive, very fast, very expensive. Who needs an M3?

Faults:

Headlight bulb went (but you only replace the bulb, not the entire unit).

General Comments:

Not a huge amount of room in back. Driving position amazing, dashboard layout brilliant. Could use a bit more poke but best car I have ever owned.