BMW - The Vehicles Range From the City BMW One Series to High Flying Seven Series Luxury.

The current BMW range essentially breaks down into eight categories, or BMW Series. These include: BMW Series 1, Series 3, Series 5, Series 6, Series 7, X3, Z4, and M.

BMW started changing the way reliable motoring would be measured with the E21 3 Series. Then BMW moved to the E30 and then the E36 was introduced in 1991 to take over from the now iconic shape of the E30.

The E36 has become the ladies favourite shape although I still think most men secretly prefer it predecessors shape. For the E36 BMW used the DOHC engines across the range, with variable valve timing being introduced around 1993. The release of the E36 convertible was delayed by the manufacturer until 1994, while the hatchback 318ti Compact was introduced to the public in 1995.

My personal favorite was always the understated 318iS which had an amazing 136bhp twin-cam 16 valve 1800 engine. The 320i had an estimated 130bhp straight six engine which if you still have one of these models, will quite probably never have given you single days problems. The 320i straight six is quite simply bullet proof. Undeniable reliability still meant that thousands of 320i models were sold then and are still easy to find on ebay and Autotrader today.

The much converted 325i produced a whopping 170bhp from the same straight six cylinder engine and it could quite easily be said that this car set the standard for all other manufacturers to follow for a good 10 years! Not many other car manufacturers had an answer for the raw performance of the M3 which was powered by a 2.3 litre twin-cam 16 valve four cylinder engine producing 200bhp. Styling wise the M3 E30 model with the Alpine badge was the best looking car on the roads of that era, followed closely by the M3. Handling wise the 4 cylinder cars fared better than the straight six engine versions, but that's not always what it's about when you buy a BMW now is it?.

Today the roads are ruled by an altogether more economical, technologically advanced and truly quite beautiful machine that makes excellent engineering and quality craftsmanship available at a price we can all afford. The model I am referring to is the BMW 320d naturally.

Some Known Issues When Buying Older Models Discussed >>

All Models: Word of warning on the speedometer, being electronic they can fail in the older cars and if the vehicle you look at buying if from around 1990 they could fail at any time. Rotting circuit boards are certainly one aspect of this failure. Replacement is around £450 at the BMW dealers and it's really hard to do it yourself as the steering coulomb hinders the dash removal without specialist tools!

Automatic transmission: The automatic transmission may suffer from delayed engagement after sitting overnight because the fluid drains out of the torque converter.

Doors: If the central locking system unlocks itself after being locked or locks itself after being unlocked, the actuators could be defective or the trunk lock may need to be adjusted.

Climate control: Small flakes may come from the vents or a foul odour may be present when the A/C is operated.

Dashboard lights: The hazard flashers may begin flashing by themselves and the turn signals may flash at twice the normal speed due to condensation shorting out the circuit board. (1992-94)

Fuel hoses 1992-93: Can harden and "set" over time, allowing seepage that could result in fire.

Timing Belts: Timing belt failure bends valves on M40 and M20 engines

Excessive Engine Noise: Engine noise on M40 may indicate worn valve gear and fully synthetic oil grades would look after the later model engines nicely. If engines are already very high mileage then always stick to thicker oils as fully synthetic oils are very thin. See your mechanic before making a decision!

Rear Sub-Frame Bushes: If you hear a knocking from rear this will almost certainly indicate rear sub frame bushes or rear damper top mountings are worn out and they will cause you an MOT failure. Repairers are not difficult but will cost you at least £200 - £300 pounds.

Rust: Rust is common around the front area and the wheel arches. Also around sunroofs and the petrol tank area. Rusty rear arches will need to be sorted out as this is another MOT failure area to watch for. It is easily done though if you buy a replacement wing or body filler.

Almost any BMW model loves to be driven hard and twisting roads are easily negotiated by any 3 series. Suspension is a tiny bit soft in the lower spec models when driving it hard into the corners, but the cars always give the driver confidence. BMW ride quality beats many cars with softer suspensions, absorbing plenty of road flaws. Brakes are exceptional and do their job well. In wet or snowy weather, however, these rear drivers can get difficult to handle due to the fact that they are rear wheel drive. Interior space is not that great in any of the 3 series BMW's. Rear space is acceptable only for two small adults and if you have more than one child under 2 then you would find it very difficult to fit 2 push chairs in the boot. The 3 series boots are limited in space to say the least and because the rear seats do not move forward and fold down like in most hatchbacks or estate cars it is unlikely that a family with very young kids would be suited to buying a 1989 to 1994 3 series. Cabins are rather austere, with hard plastic surfaces that do not do the vehicles build quality any justice. Lack of a tilt feature means the steering wheel sits a bit high for many woman drivers too, but analogue gauges are unobstructed and easy to view. They have remained that way for years now with good reason. A 1.8-liter engine was used into 1996, when BMW switched to a larger (1.9-liter) version with the same 138 horsepower but a bit more torque. Most major engine components were said to be either new or "significantly improved" as part of the increase in displacement.

In 2000, the E36 was officially discontinued and now we have the E46 model - Read about the E46.

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The opinions expressed are those of the author and are not necessarily held by the Click4Group unless specifically stated. The material is for general information only. Always obtain independent, professional advice for your own particular situation.