BMW 3-Series Touring
  • Economy

    Value

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Available for under £2000 now for a good example, with air con, remote central locking and leather along with 135mph performance = bargain

    Costs

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Very expensive to maintain if you use a BMW dealer. Best to go for a recognised German specialist and buy aftermarket products such as Bose Shocks etc.

  • On the road

    Driving

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Positive steering and usual rear wheel drive involvement. Can be a little bit daunting in the wet if pressing on - LSD on the M-Tec model helps to combat this.

    Performance

    5 out of 5 5.0

    0-60 in 7 seconds, 135 mph and masses of mid range overtaking. Also has the usual lovely 6 cylinder sound.

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Failed to start once due to a duff battery - other than that nothing to report.

    Image

    5 out of 5 5.0

    The classic BMW shape. The E30 looked best in Touring guise as well.

    Comfort

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Due to the dated design can be a little tiring on a long journey (3 plus hours) due to slight noise intrusion. The model with the Recaro seat is a better option for comfort, mine had the basic leather seats.

  • Security and Service

    Security

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Never had a problem personally.

    Service

    1 out of 5 1.0

    Dealer servicing costs way over the top for a model of this age.

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    Nothing.

    Other

    Sensitive to air pressure adjustments - if tappets are adjusted the various vaccum pipes get stretched and crack causing a reduction in efficient combustion and a resulting lumpy tickover.

    Ownership

    Did you buy the car new?

    Used

    Would you buy the same model again?

    Yes

    Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?

    Yes