kevin@gitpyr.UUCP (Kevin Campbell) (12/30/85)
I am interested in buying a used 320i, and was wondering if someone in
NETLAND might be able to give me some information on the car? I would like
to hear any/all information that anyone might have pertaining to this car,
(ex. good years to buy, reliability, etc).
I was interested in the 77-79 models.
Thank you very much!
--
Kevin Campbell
Office of Computing Services
Office Of Telecommunications and Networking
Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, Georgia 30332
...!{akgua,allegra,amd,hplabs,ihnp4,seismo,ut-ngp}!gatech!gitpyr!kevin
...!{rlgvax,sbl,uf-cgrl,unmvax,ut-sally}!gatech!gitpyr!kevinfigmo@lll-crg.ARpA (Lynn Gold) (01/01/86)
My husband has had his 320i for a little over 3 years. In this time he has had to replace the fog lights a few times and get the air conditioning system and the brakes fixed. It is a sturdy car. A week ago Sunday, we were travelling on I-5 northbound in Oregon when the car hit a patch of ice on a curve, skidded out of control, crashed into a hill and flipped onto the driver's side. The car is now in the shop, but we both got out in one piece through the sun roof. The driver's side was dented a little, but we and our belongings were unscratched. We also found out (the HARD way -- ouch!) that yes, seat belts DO work. I was firmly held in my seat by mine even when the car was on its side with me three feet in the air! I fear that if the car had been something like a Honda (with only a 2 1/2-mile bumper and a flimsy body you can dent with your elbow), I might not be here to write this. Happy New Year, --Lynn
alex@uel (Alex Osadzinski ) (01/06/86)
We have two 320is on our company fleet. They have given no trouble whatsoever. It is important to get the "new" 320i rather than the "old" model. The change came about three years ago, resulting in much improved performance and handling. The old model had a disturbing tendency towards terminal oversteer, especially in slippery conditions. The new model still tends towards oversteer on the limit, but the condition is more predictable. I don't know the relevant details for North America, but in the UK, the new 320i has a 0-60mph time of about 9 seconds and a top speed of about 120mph. Sustained 95-100mph cruising is practical and unstrained. Reliability is high, but servicing is expensive. ABS (automatic braking system) is an expensive but highly desirable option. Both myself and a colleague (we both drive 528is, but the principle remains the same) have had good cause to thank BMW's ABS on at least one occasion. Alex Osadzinski, Unix Europe Ltd, London.