BMW 1996 3-Series Saloon

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  • Economy

    Value

    1 out of 5 1.0

    Bought mine from a dealer. I should be shot.

    Costs

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Surprisingly economical, parts can be expesive if you don't look around. Cheap insurance.

  • On the road

    Driving

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Trademark. Far and away the best in the class. If a Ford or Vauxhall owner says their car handles well, make sure they're insured and give them the keys. How cars should drive. The best feature of the car.

    Performance

    3 out of 5 3.0

    120,000 and still enough kick to worry a Puma. Smooth and quiet rather than quick. Most responsive at the top end. Don't be afriad of getting to that red line…

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    5 out of 5 5.0

    6 years. 90,000 hard-driven miles. Nothing to say. Why can't all cars be like this? WHY?

    Image

    4 out of 5 4.0

    I know it's 'only' a 318i but don't debadge it! It's a good car and people know it. Few too many around but clean ones hold thier ground. Oh, and don't dress them up as M3s… it's sad.

    Comfort

    5 out of 5 5.0

    For the driver: perfect. For the rear passenger, not enough space for long journeys if you're over average height.

  • Security and Service

    Security

    1 out of 5 1.0

    Broken into twice nearby without me hearing the alarm.

    Service

    3 out of 5 3.0

    While under warrnty, they were fantastic. As the car got older, they put more effort into selling me new one than into making sure mine was sweet. Find specialst you can trust instead.

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    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