I have owned a BMW 325is for 14 years. It is an E30, M20 body style. Six cylinder 2.5 litre multivalve engine, rear wheel drive sports car.

Strengths
-build quality better then Mercedes of the same period and faster then most of the AMG models of the period
-super quick acceleration (0-60 mph) in under 7 seconds
-Recaro M-3 heated leather seats are amazing (fits like a glove)
-fit and finish is beyond par, plastics do not crack
-rear wheel drive provides handling and performance equivalent to a Porsche 911
-6 cylinder engine is smooth, lots of low end torque with plenty of power
-original waterpump
-original ignition wires, coil and rotors (never need to be replaced!)
-paint still good after 14 years (still shining, low oxidization)
-ABS was hard to get in the 1980's. This and my Volvo had it. The breaks are unbeatable except by the 911 and the M3.
-Out corners current RSX, Integras,
-solid metal chasis and full North American Aluminum bumpers are super indestructable (you cannot get replacements)do not paint them
-rust resistent metal (under chasis is amazing)
-clear coat was incredible
-suspension is incredibly resilient (except rear shock tower mounts)
-coils are still working 14 years later
-lights were the best (most costly) item. Almost as good as the modern HID at 1/100 the cost
-A/C still works (refilled with Duracool)- now colder then before
-no rust inside
-sound is well insulated for a 14 year old car
-wipers (when they work) are the best. I have driven alot of cars. None compare to BMW.
-Visibility and driveability is 2nd to none.
-You do not sit in a Driver's seat. You sit in a cockpit!
-Front Fog lights are amazing for driving to the cottage. Better then my collogues Toyota Matrix.

Weaknesses:
-Initial purchase price
-Parts are expensive
-mention BMW to a mechanic and watch their eye's light up!
-Total Cost of Ownership is higher than average
-Mechanical failure is high on key components (I have replaced: bearings, batteries, keys (21 new keys cut), Cam Shaft, Exhaust systems (5 in 14 years), Brakes every 2 years, Rotors every 3-4 years, Automatic Transmission and Limited Slip Differential, Electronic Motor Control unit, lights crack due to stone chips, problems with sunroof, shifter knob (3), shifter gate (4), abs sensors and relays
-Timing belt/chain needs to be done every 80k or you will loose the engine
-wiper control arm (broke in the middle of a storm while I was on the highway) damaged my A/C recycler- almost impossible to fix (real pain)
-A/C fan went (very expensive to replace)
-Heater core was replaced under warranty and never worked properly again. Apparently there was a recall due to these units exploiding on the driver's right leg. Anyway the replacement unit sucks. Still works but heat is 20-30% of its former glory.
-window lift relays go periodically
-guibo (transmission tunnel) goes resulting in a shudder when you stop or accelerate
-squeaky bearings

I will supplement with a Lexus IS300 or BMW M3. This one is going to my kids as a classic in 9 years.

DEALER:
-BMW CANADA (especially former Town & Country BMW) are crooks
-refused to honour majority of warranty work.

RECOMMENDATION:
-rent, lease or borrow - NEVER BUY ONE UNLESS YOU HAVE DEEP POCKETS
Amount Paid (US$): 17000
Condition: Used
Model Year: 1988
Model and Options: BMW 3-Series 325is (Automatic)