Like the little engine that could (BMW 3-series (1991-99))

Member Name: bored_at_home

Product:	BMW 3-series (1991-99)
Date:	11/01/09 (124 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Reliable, Comfortable, Powerful

Disadvantages: Expensive to insure because of perceived value

I own a bottom of the range 3 series (1996) thats definitely near the end of its life but Im still blown away by it! The ride quality, driver comfort and power are all superior to newer cars I have driven. Everyone rants and raves about how expensive BMWs are to maintain but the only real cost is the actual service, everything else including parts and labour is reasonably priced once a BMW reaches this age. The fuel economy isn't aweful, even a badly maintained beamer like mine can get 40MPG in built up areas and 50MPG out on the road.

Be cautious when purchasing one of these, they all have a fault where the engine sits too far back under the bonnet and the head gasket goes every 75k miles because there is nowhere for its heat to go. If the car has low mileage or you know the last time the headgasket was replaced then I wouldn't worry about it.

The car is extremely reliable, I've broken some pretty crucial parts and its just kept going. I've driven it for months not knowing that the CV joint was cracked and my radiator was virtually useless yet the engine took the heat.

When I get rid of this car its going to be difficult to stop my next car from being another beamer.

Summary: Much better than an N Reg Fiesta

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