BMW 3 Series Problems

BMW offered two 3 Series wagons in 2007, the 320i and the 323i. The list price for the 320i wagon was $65,800; the 323I wagon was $71,500.

Trade it in on an M140 or one of BMW's many performance-oriented models.

While you can theoretically make a 318i faster, you're wasting money - and potentially making your car illegal to drive on the road - when there are faster models available from BMW.

While they've grown physically larger over the last 35 years, BMW's 3-series has been an excellent mid-size car and continues to be. While they aren't cheap they can be optioned from basic transport to luxury runabout, though servicing costs through BMW dealers can be expensive compared to Japanese rivals.

It is paramount to service them on time and look after them by driving sensibly.

The official combined cycle fuel economy of BMW's 318i is 5.4L/100km.

There is a cooling-off period in Victoria. You have three clear business days from the time you sign the contract of sale to change your mind, but you automatically lose that right if you accept delivery of the car within that period. By taking it home your wife forfeited the right to the cooling-off period.

You would be able to move up to a 2011/2012 model for the money you have to spend, and for that you get a much safer car, with much lower kilometres, which should be much more reliable. Even though your 20-year-old car has been very reliable, there’s nothing to say that won’t all change tomorrow, and BMWs can be expensive to fix.

My best advice to you is to not buy an old used BMW; they will only soak up whatever money you might have saved up. An ageing BMW with high mileage is a money pit; it will cost plenty to service and keep on the road, whether you use a dealer, which I would not recommend, or an independent mechanic. Buy a well-respected Japanese brand, such as a Toyota Corolla, Mitsubishi Lancer, or Mazda 3.

Yes, it is important to change the coolant, particularly with a BMW with its alloy head. When you do it it’s vital you use the correct coolant as specified in the owner’s manual. Older BMWs, particularly the 3-Series, can be troublesome with high mileage. There are a number of plastic fittings used in the cooling system, including the radiator, and they are known trouble spots. The power steering can also give trouble, the suspension bushes often need replacing, and there are many others. Only buy one if it’s a low mileage car with a known history and a full service record, and only if you’ve got deep pockets.

Parts are readily available for the E90 3-Series and won’t be a problem in the foreseeable future. They will be relatively expensive if bought from a BMW dealer, but are more affordable if you buy from the aftermarket, and they can be imported from overseas at a very reasonable cost.