BMW 3-Series Compact (2001 - 2004) 316ti ES 3d (2004/54) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Summary
What does this car say about you?
It says I am a mug for believing a company with a good reputation always produces a reliable car!
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
My family have had to rescue me on several occasions when the car broke down, my friends have listened to me moan and my neighbours have put up with the noisy engine everytime I drive in or out of the street - they be as glad to see the back of it as I will.
Would you buy this car again and why?
Absolutely not - I wouldn't take one if it was given to me. This was, without doubt the worst car I have ever had, unreliable, uncomfortable for driving any distance, expensive to run. It's also beyond useless in the snow.
What are you likely to buy next?
I'm going back to Japanese cars - either a Suzuki or a Mitsubishi - and definitely either front wheel drive or 4x4.
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Independent
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£7,000
When did you buy the car?
September 2007
Did you get a good deal and why?
Initially it seemed like a good deal - although having never bought a car on my own before I didn't have the confidence to haggle to achieve a better deal. No warranty was included either, and after owning the car for a matter of months, I realised why!
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
BMW's reputation for reliability.
What was the dealer like?
The dealer was pleasant and prepared to throw in a full tank of petrol and 6 months road tax.
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
Holds the road well, but has no power, finds steep hills difficult to cope with and sounds like a tractor.
What's it like to park?
Very easy to park due to small size and maneuverability.
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
Everything that could go wrong has. The engine has practically been rebuilt since I bought it and still gives constant trouble. It's incredibly heavy on oil and we have been unable to get the tyres correctly balanced and aligned,so it eats through tyres as well. Constantly springing oil leaks, sounds like a tractor and has absolutely no torque. Handbrake also has never worked properly so the car absolutely must be left in gear when parked.
What's most practical about your car?
The extra storage compartment under the lid of the boot is useful.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
The height adjustable seats are good.
