BMW 3-Series Compact (2001 - 2004) 316ti SE 3d (01) (2003/52) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Trendy.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

Trendy.

Would you buy this car again and why?

No. Never. This generation of BMWs have disappointed me big time. I've had 2 terrible experiences and on talking to people it seems like these are known faults.

What are you likely to buy next?

Japanese. Heart is set on a Honda.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£2,500

When did you buy the car?

October 2012

Did you get a good deal and why?

Not at all. Initially I thought I had a good deal, giving my old and trust car in part-exchange and just over a thousand pounds. With 80,000 or so miles on the clock I thought it would last me a good few years of pleasurable motoring.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Looks. Not many on the road.

What was the dealer like?

Looked nice. However, lied through his teeth. "Regularly serviced by ourselves including a recent service": air filter, cabin filter, oil and oil filter were filthy; the oil filter disintegrated while removing from its housing.

What's it like to drive?

OK for a 1.8 litre petrol car. Gets 20 miles per hour for every 1000 rpm so noisy at motorway. Fairly comfortable. Good handling in dry. Can be a handful in wet and snow despite winter tyres.

What's it like to park?

Small car so not too bad. Rear parking sensors just go mad even without an object behind the car.

Have you had any problems with the car?

1. Fan blower resistor, also known as the hedgehog. Initially the fan was intermittent then stopped altogether. Part £50 and despite my best efforts it wasn't a DIY job. Labour £35 2. Central locking. Intermittent problems initially then the passenger door locked completely. I changed the central control module that sits behind the glove compartment. £30 used. Made no difference. Eventually got the actuators changed; over £100 each from BMW; £35 each used plus labour £50 at an independent garage. 3. Oil leak. The main reason for getting rid of this car. 4. Clutch or gearbox is a bit notchy. I don't know whether I'm looking at another bill.

What's most practical about your car?

Small-ish car.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Cruise control. I love it.