BMW 3 Series 323 SE

I HAD A BMW 323I SE 1999 REG FOR 2 YEARS AND I LOVED IT 170 BHP SO IT WAS QUICK AND NEVER LET ME DOWN, I HAVE HAD ABOUT 12 CARS OVER 15 YEARS FORD, VAUXHALL RUBBISH , AUDI, HONDA, AND THE BMW IS THE BEST CAR I HAVE HAD, BUT THE HEAD GASKET WENT SO HAD TO SCRAP IT 2 WEEKS AGO AND I MISS IT, BMW ALL THE WAY RECOMMENDED CAR,

I bought the standard version, not the SE. I did not want rear electric windows etc., and I wanted it as a Q car - understated. I added half-leather, Air Con, and a few other bits. This car is so great to drive. The 6-cylinder engine is so flexible, and the ratios just right. I am an advanced driver, so I use it to make good progress in a safe manner. With the gear ratios, and the torque and power, you can enter an M road, slip quickly into the right hand lane and be back to the LH lane keeping a cocoon of safety margin around you all the time. After nearly twelve years you realise why this is probably the best BMW (or even car) made. The turning circle is tight, the controls are just where you want them. The exterior mirrors have an increased bend at the end. What needs to work automatically (e.g. auto-dimming rear mirror) does - and perfectly. The 2 grand for the scrappage scheme is an insult to a car like this - mine is staying!!!

A state of the art luxury semi race car with lots of storage and comfort. Mine is a 323iaT. Its 11 years now, and the engine is showing wear and tear. Time to make a youngster happy, old pal.

Overall this is the best of the 10+ cars I have owned. I'd recommend it to anyone and it would be hard to to better it. I was going to get a 5 series, but I'm glad I didn't as this car a dream to drive and easy to park.

I have owned this car for a year now, and although have spent a bit maintaining it, it is definitely worth it. It is a practical sports car, it handles like a car half it's size and the power is always there. I have the automatic version of the BMW 323, and whatever people say, this is as quick as the manual and so smooth.

I would recommend this car to anyone, but I would warn you that you may not pass many petrol stations without popping in for a refuel.

I have had my 323i SE for over 5 years and 50k miles now and I still love it. I had meant to change it after 3 years for another manufacturers estate (growing family) but I just could'nt. The snarl of the inline six as you gun the accelerator and the precise handling can only really be bettered by a balls out sports car with no boot space and room for only two.

This is all the car you would ever need as long as you do not have more than two kids.

Alas as they get bigger they would find that the lack of leg room is a pain, aswell as the boot is far too small to take the family's luggage for a two week trip to the South of France or Devon.

The car is very thirsty in London traffic where I average 17 mpg but on a long run at autobahn speeds I will get 30mph. Once, due to a missing wheel nut and BMW's advice to keep it at 50mph, we got 50mpg on a 500 mile run through Europe overnight.

Service costs are high, even using a specialist rather than a 'real' BMW dealer but they only come about every 10,000 miles, so they are easy to bear.

Body work costs are astronomical, this due to alot of vandelism in its early life, so I do leave the dents and scratches for a meaner look, although it is still kept shiny and bright.

I have to say that this is the first car that I have owned that I have longed to get back to after having a brand new hire car, even including BMW's own Z4.

I have had mine over a year now, and can say it is a fantastic car.

I do a lot of miles so need good economy, but wanted something quick.

This car was the answer for my prayers, excellent motorway driving. Smooth engine and sounds awesome when it starts from cold.

Considering it's as quick as a new toyota MR2 and confortably cruises along, even with 5 people in the car.

Not bad for a family car, and with >30 mpg.

I love it.

Mine is a 323 SE 4 door but to make it a bit better for me it has the half leather sports seat option which are great. Driveability is excellent. Its very positive but the traction control is a must in the wet if you've had a long day at work and your just trying to get home quick. Switch it off and you'll find out. Fun if you do it on purpose, not so fun if it catches you out. Use the rev range and enjoy the 170 horses to play. It'll cost some fuel but then you dont really want a 323 if your worried about that as the price of your fun. Cruising on the motorway is also good and you will get reasonable economy. I'd recommend one which is why I cant put anybad points really. Nothing is perfect but as a package its great.