BMW 3-Series Saloon (1998 - 2005) 316i SE 4d (99) (2000/X) 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?
They love the comfort and room in the back, and think it looks really nice.
Would you buy this car again and why?
Yes, but probably a 318i at least.
What are you likely to buy next?
Possibly a 318i or above.
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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?
£0
When did you buy the car?
June 2013
Did you get a good deal and why?
I think I got a great deal. It was sold with an 11 month MOT but I asked for some money off to resolve some of the relatively minor advisories. Its had a couple of electrical niggles, but have been easily resolved at minimal (£20) cost. Very pleased.
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
What was the dealer like?
Really friendly, easy to talk to and seemed fair.
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
It seems to be a perfect balance between comfort and stability, so holds the road really well and goes round corners like its on rails. Beautifully balanced. The power is alright, but I would have probably preferred the sharper 318i.
What's it like to park?
Reverse sensors make it a breeze. The visibility out the back is pretty bad so wouldn't really have one of these without them.
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
Like I said, a couple of electrical niggles such as: - Heater blowers not working properly, resolved by replacing the final stage resistor (£20 from ebay) - Air conditioning compressor shorting due to the degradation of the enamel coating on the wire to the magnetic clutch, resolved by re-wiring and sealing connections (<£10).
What's most practical about your car?
Four doors, decent boot space, but most of all it is so comfortable. The combination of the nice seats, suspension and quietness set up take away a great deal of fatigue on long journeys.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
To have cruise control on a car this age is fantastic, and it works beautifully.
