Faults:

Interior light doesn't work.

General Comments:

Bought as a stop gap for my girlfriend who is getting another car next year, but her Audi had problems. Saw this car for sale. As a BMW fanatic who's current stash includes an E60 M5, 740 Sport, 320d, 330ci race car... Well you can imagine I was reluctant with this being a 1.6 auto. Expected it to be rubbish. Actually very impressed. Very well built. Only done 32k after 16 years!!! It's not rapid but tools along well.

Cramped front seats (I am 6'3). No rust at all in this climate. Very stable and solid feeling, probably due to the low mileage. Basic but still has A/C, airbags, electric windows/sunroof etc. Auto makes it a relaxed drive; I imagine some would be disappointed trying to wring this engine's neck with a manual!!!

Faults:

Radiator, clutch plate and bearing, ABS sensor, catalytic converter, rear brake cylinders.

General Comments:

I purchased this car from a friend that had it from 2000. The car was in a relatively good condition when I purchased it. I spend a weekend fixing all those little things that were wrong; replaced radiator, changed rear brake cylinders, changed ABS sensor. After that the car has proven to be very reliable and very economic. I managed to get 42MPG on the motorway in Holland doing 90MPH.

What impressed me most was that when I replaced the clutch at 145k miles, I found out that the actual clutch plate was still the original and it was in good condition, it still had 50 to 70k in it!!! It was the clutch bearing that was gone, and not the clutch plate.

The only negative about the car is that it was too slow, especially when pulling from stationary. I think the 1.6 litre engine is just too small for this car.

Faults:

The alternator went, and the driver's side brake caliper went after after 40000 miles.

The window motors have started to go.

Started to rust badly.

General Comments:

Great car for the money.

Handles very well when lowered, as well as round bends like it's on rails.

Cost of petrol for it is a bit high for a 1.6.

Great pull in lower gears, and great pull past 40mph in 4th, and great pull past 70mph in 5th.

Faults:

I have only driven the car 2,000 miles, so not really experienced anything too bad. I have however replaced the "Brake Light Circuit Switch" as the OBC was being temperamental (the lights were fine however).

I have also done the basic servicing (oil, filters, plugs etc) - this wasn't too expensive due to ECP.

General Comments:

The 328I Sports can only be described as an amazing car.

Very quick, planted and elegant - I have the sport model with the M accessories (bumpers, suspension etc).

My car has an aftermarket Sebring exhaust system fitted, which makes the 6 cylinder growl come out a little more!

Cabin wise - too much plastic for my liking, but still nevertheless VERY nice. The Recaro seats get uncomfortable on long journeys, but are fine otherwise.

The cabin has a good ventilation system, however I believe the AC is not as strong as it used to be.

Paintwork wise - 1996 model with NO rust (yet!). Paintwork does require regular polishing/waxing, as the scratches/swirls are accumulating.

The 328 is all about the engine. I wasn't expecting this much power from an auto.

If you want a 328, and can afford an M-Sport, then just GO FOR IT!

Look out for Nikasil problems and radiator issues.

I have not driven a normal 328, however I bet it's is every inch as good as this one.