BMW 3-Series Saloon
  • Economy

    Value

    4 out of 5 4.0

    You can get a very good example for £1500 these days. I did.

    Costs

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Parts can be rather expensive, even when using non-genuine. Good mpg, I get about 36.

  • On the road

    Driving

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Really good driver's car, especially considering the age, even with the smaller engines.

    Performance

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Can't ask much more from a 1.8.

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Very reliable if looked after and serviced properly.

    Image

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Looks dated now, but does have a classic look about it. Some ownership profiles lower the image somewhat.

    Comfort

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Very good cabin, especially the dash layout. Good driving position too.

  • Security and Service

    Security

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Fairly good strong locks, especially with the deadlock system. No immobiliser or alarm though.

    Service

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Very good service from the local franchised BMW dealer, extremely hepful when it comes to requesting technical information. Expensive to have any work done there though, and a long time to book in.

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    Tappets have become very noisy at 120,000 miles.

    Other

    Ownership

    Did you buy the car new?

    Used

    Would you buy the same model again?

    No

    Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?

    Yes