June 4, 2009...9:55 am

I’ve just bought a Beemer through Auto Trader

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I am a big BMW fan.
Don’t ask me why or even when it started, but somehow the allure of Munich’s famous straight-sixes coupled to rear-wheel-drive and excellent build quality slowly wormed its way into my brain.
And I finally have satisfied a long-standing urge to buy a properly quick, properly rare performance BMW.
Ladies and gentlemen, I have just bought a 1999 BMW 328i Sport via Auto Trader.
It’s got less than 80,000 miles on the clock, a full service history, tan leather interior and has been lovingly owned and maintained for years – and taking it out for a test drive confirmed this. It is really rapid.
The 200bhp 2.8-litre straight-six engine up front feels fresh and responsive, and the suspension feels remarkably sorted considering the M Sport dampers and springs are 10 years old.
My only criticism of this shape 3 Series is the steering, which feels a little slow on turn-in – but as a powerful performance coupe with mini GT pretentions, it is fantastic.
One is most chuffed – and all this for less than £4k.
And that’s the thing about these rare performance coupes. I only saw it last week, did a bit of research, drove it, made all the checks via our online safety and security centre and signed on the dotted line.
From fantasy-Auto-Trader search to sitting-on-my-drive in just five days.
My new (used) Beemer

My new (used) Beemer

I am a big BMW fan.

Don’t ask me why or even when it started, but somehow the allure of Munich’s famous straight-sixes coupled to rear-wheel-drive and excellent build quality slowly wormed its way into my brain.

And I finally have satisfied a long-standing urge to buy a properly quick, properly rare performance BMW.

Ladies and gentlemen, I have just bought a 1999 BMW 328i Sport via Auto Trader.

It’s got less than 80,000 miles on the clock, a full service history, tan leather interior and has been lovingly owned and maintained for years – and taking it out for a test drive confirmed this. It is quite rapid.

The 200bhp 2.8-litre straight-six engine up front feels fresh and responsive, and the M Sport suspension feels remarkably sorted.

My only criticism of this shape 3 Series is the steering, which feels a little slow on turn-in – but as a powerful performance coupe with mini GT pretentions, it is fantastic.

One is most chuffed – and all this for less than £4k.

And that’s the thing about these rare performance coupes. I only saw it last week, did a bit of research, drove it, made all the checks via our online safety and security centre and signed on the dotted line.

From fantasy-Auto-Trader search to sitting-on-my-drive in just five days.

Have you made any impulse petrolhead car purchases?

Vijay Pattni

2 Comments

Filed under 3 Series, BMW, M3, X6, Z4

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2 Comments

  • Keith Ingram
    June 15, 2009 at 2:27 pm

    I cant believe you wrote all that over a clapped out 10 year old wheelie bin.

    Well done you.

    Reply
  • Ian Walker
    June 17, 2009 at 1:02 pm

    I think you,ve made a great choice.
    I have always fancied a BMW, but some how fate always conspired against it. But I sold my motorbike and started looking for a Soft Top car. Crikey, after looking at over priced car that could be considered a ‘bit feminine’ I spotted a BMW 328 edition cabrio.

    I love it, drives great and no way feels like a 10 year old car.

    I just can’t wait to weekends when I can leave the company car at home and have some fun.

    The engine is a peach and compared to front wheel drive cars, the steering is brilliant. If I was being hyper critical, there are a few aircon display issues and a little scuttle shake (but not too bad).

    Best of all, once I’m finished with it I think I’ll get most of my money back.

    Reply

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