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I'm looking to buy a late 80's or 1990 BMW 320i. Do you have any advice on which year (or possibly other model eg. 318i or 316i) would be better?

I already realise the parts problems of buying a european car, but apart from that what other problems should I be aware of?

Leighton

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 14 December 2009

You must have your reasons for wanting to purchase such a vehicle, so if you go ahead, be prepared to spend plenty.

Regular servicing is not the problem, its when / if the vehicle develops electrical, cooling system, engine or transmissions problems the costs can mount up.

What can go wrong? Well any vehicle heading towards 20 years of age is likely to develop some mechanical problems. Just what, who knows.

Remember also, they are not the type of car that every corner garage is keen to work on either, so be prepared to pay for a BMW specialist from time to time depending on the problem.

You may be lucky, but the risks associated with an older European car are much greater than mainstream Japanese.

The 320i runs a cam belt which needs to be replaced every 4 years or 100,000kms whichever comes first.

As a matter of interest and to get a handle on potential repair costs, phone around a few garages and ask for an estimate to have the belt replaced.

The car would have to be in mint condition and come with a proven service history before I would even consider it.