What can I say!! 25 year old bloke who buys a lot of 'boys toys' and subsequently sells them on Ebay...
What can I say!! 25 year old bloke who buys a lot of 'boys toys' and subsequently sells them on Ebay when the novelty has worn off. Normally in about 5-7 days. Not to genned up with the whole review writing malarky but having a go!
Member since:03.11.2003
Reviews:6
Whilst being in uni for a few years and absolutely slogging it and living on a shoe string -theres was always one car that I wanted more than any other!! That was a 3 series Coupe! Ideally a 330, but when it came to insuring the little beauty I realised given my age, and a few points that I managed to pick up along the way, that the 318 was the only feasible option (As the numbers go up - so does the engine size 318 -> 320 -> 330 etc. those chaps at BMW are very clever.)
The 318 is a smaller engine (1.8 - 1.955 dependant on year) but it is a fantastic car.
Im not going to talk about Spec and bhp and stuff like that, because the technical jargon is readily available on a number of sites - so Im going to talk about what they're like from a drivers perspective. They're quality - from the few I test drove, to the one I bought! Absolutely a dream to drive, with the extra punt under the bonnet if you have any boy racers you want to put to shame!! (Not that I condone that behaviour in any way)
Its also a beautiful looking car! From the window-frame-less doors to the big and shiny wheels (you can tell Im an expert.)
Everything about the exterior of the car oozes class and finesse - the interior can be a bit basic nd teutonic-looking but are you seriously considering buying this car on the grounds of what its interior looks like? I didnt think so?
The stereo controls on the steering wheel are a nice touch as well - but they're not necessarily the deal clincher!
Prices are still expensive (I paid £15,750 for mine which is a 2002 model with 16,000 miles on the clock (private)) but they hold their price well, and if you look after it and maintain the full BMWSH (BMW service history) if possible, then its a pretty safe investment. Obviously there will be some depreciation but it won't be substantial.
I will advise anyone who is going to spend this amount of money on a car that they mandate the need for a test drive before parting with any cash - this review is completely subjective! I think its a fantastic drive - but that may differ for you!
Also - the 2002 models and younger are now capable of an Ipod conversion! so you ca plug your little Apple bundle of fun into the interior and listen to your entire MP3 collection! I thought this was a major selling point!
So the upsides? Beautiful, fast, classy, head turning, Ipod compatible, low depreciation, not too common. Fantastic drive.
Downsides? Still a bit costly (not far off from a young TT), insurance can be costly, BMW SH arent the cheapest!, not the most economical of cars.
N.B. You only live once!!
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
BMW 3 Series - Saloon - Rear (RWD) - 6 Speed Manual, 6 Speed Automatic - 1995 cc - Max Speed: 137 mph - 150, 170 bhp - Petrol - Available Trims: ES, SE, Sport, M Sport
BMW 3 Series - Saloon - Rear (RWD) - 6 Speed Manual, 6 Speed Automatic - 1995 cc - Max Speed: 130 mph - 143 bhp - Petrol - Available Trims: M Sport, Sport, SE, ES
BMW 3 Series - Saloon - Rear (RWD) - 6 Speed Manual, 6 Speed Automatic - 1995 cc - Max Speed: 140, 143 mph - 163, 177 bhp - Diesel - Available Trims: ES, SE, Sport, M Sport
I just took one of these for a test drive and found your review really helpful to get a third party's opinion on this car.
badgirl99 14.11.2004 23:41
ipod compatible? What will the world think of next? Sounds like an amazing car though and one day, who knows I might go for one! Love the pic of it. Mmmm. Very nice. Amy