BMW 3-Series Coupe (1992 - 1999) 328i 2d (1996/N) 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?
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
BMWs (or rather their drivers) still have a bit of a bad image / reputation I think. Was forever getting typical 'BMW driver' comments from friends when I first got the car.
Would you buy this car again and why?
Would not buy the same model (e36) again as i have a feeling BMW built it on the cheap, but would definitely get a newer 3 series.
What are you likely to buy next?
Honda Civic Type R; similar power, less torque, but should be quicker as it's 300kg lighter and designed to be sporty. Hopefully more reliable too....
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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?
£5,500
When did you buy the car?
April 2005
Did you get a good deal and why?
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
What was the dealer like?
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
Fair bit of torque, but not enough power. Sometimes feels like it's running out of breath at higher revs. Handling is quite good (but after almost 100k miles the suspension is probably past it's best). Cruises really comfortably on long motorway journies.
What's it like to park?
Being that you sit quite low, visibility isn't great and the heavy steering doesn't help.
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
Was fine for first 2 years, but in the last 9 months the cooling system impeller disintegrated, a metal brake fluid pipe split, one of the central locking motors stopped working, it has had various little problems with the electrics, the suspension is creaking quite a bit and everything rattles :/
What's most practical about your car?
This is not a particularly practical car. Larger boot than most reviews give it credit for though. The controls and instrumentation have the best layout of any car I have driven (except for the poorly placed clock, which you have to move your left arm to be able to see)
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
