...
The foot pedals are very close together in true BMW style, which can be a pain sometimes, i'm only a size 7 and i still find myself hitting 2 pedals when braking.
Handling.
Not very good, the car really needs to be in the high revs (4000) for any performance, which will of course use ... Read review
This review already contains more than 120 words. As a Ciao member you could earn up to £5 with this review.
A review by Dannymc69 on BMW 318i Convertible December 5th, 2008
Author's Car rating:
Safety
Satisfactory
Comfort
Satisfactory
Customer service
Poor
Security
Poor
Looks
Excellent
Advantages:
Good mpg, looks fantastic, feels just like a hardtop when the roof is up
Disadvantages:
Storage, legroom and lack of power
Recommend to potential buyers:
no
Full car review
I have a 318Ci Sport E46 Cabriolet (2004).
The car looks brilliant, even more so with the roof down, however, looks just a nice and sporty with the roof up.
Safety. All in all the car is safe enough. It has a rollover protection system that will operate in the event that the wheels leave the road, these are situated behind the passenger headrests. And the front windscreen pillars are reinforced as well.
Comfort. Not a lot of room, especially in the back, very cramped and not alot of storage space in the cabin, which tends to mean the door bins are always full. The boot is suprisingly deep and holds a lot.
The sports seats are fully electric, with 3 memory settings, and heated, however, your outer thighs feel really cold against the unheated side cushions.
The foot pedals are very close together in true BMW style, which can be a pain sometimes, i'm only a size 7 and i still find myself hitting 2 pedals when braking.
Handling. Not very good, the car really needs to be in the high revs (4000) for any performance, which will of course use more fuel. It's quite a heavy car to drive and can be quite shuddery in the low revs, like the 3 series is. It does lack a bit of a punch.
Engine. Be aware that there appears to be a common fault with these cars for cutting out and losing power (intermittent). I've spoken to 3 other owners who experience the same intermittent fault. Pulling away from roundabouts and junctions can be a little daunting, as sometimes it just crawls out, the garage is struggling to source the problem.
The power hood packs away in about 15 seconds, which is really good and folds back up about the same. There's no problems with water ingress or wind noise, even at high speeds, very secure.
The roof does require waterproofing treatment every so often, however, i use waterproofing for tents and outdoor clothing, a good deal cheaper than BMW's products, and does the same job, 1 can does the whole roof for about £6.
Once up and running the car cruises great on the motorway, which is where i do most of my driving, and does return a decent MPG, especially if you stick beow 60. Operating the car from the wheel mounted controls in cruise control is very easy, even for braking.
Insurance is very reasonable and not as expensive as some think, it was cheaper than my 4x4, only £200 a year.
I wouldn't get another one though, they really are for single people/ couples, or a 2nd car, your passangers won't like being in the back too long, it does get uncomfortable and cramped, so definetly not a family car, which is why it's for sale.
I'm in the process of changing to an X Type Jag, so hopefully that will be better, i'll let you know.
More Reviews
Sexy Car! Car review ofBMW 318i Convertibleby
Jimoige
Advantages: Fantastic in Summer. Looks great. Disadvantages: Wind noise. inside temprature with roof up. Safety.
...top of the door...... The BMW 3 series is no different.
It simply looks amazing. It has a presance about it that ouzzes confidence in an elegant sort of way. Its the type of car you expect to see a property developer in. It breathes success.
If that isn't enough for you, the 1.8i engine is smooth and boasts a beautifully crafted, typically German reliability. The car is not fast exactly, but then thats not what it was made for. Its a cruiser. It'll ... ...but the acceleration is not quite what you'd call punchy.
DRIVING: The car drives beautifully with the roof down, but when it's up there's a lot of wind noise especially when you're on the motorway. The gearbox is smooth and light, as is the clutch. The car corners well and with rear wheel drive has a more sporty feel. The seats are comfortable and hug you like a bear in heat. SAFETY: The car is built like a tank, but you only get a drivers air ...
Read review
Ciao members have rated this car review on average helpful
Safety
Comfort
Customer service
Security
Looks
helpful
17.10.2005
BMW 318I E30 Car review ofBMW 318i Convertibleby
cashmiri
Advantages: looks, great to drive in the summer Disadvantages: None
...E30 is the best looking BMW model.
My particular model came with a power hood (the hood is controlled by motors not manually). After a few weeks use the motor decided to stop working, and I felt it was to expensive to replace. That is one thing to bear in mind when buying one. Do you want the power hood or want to operate the hood manually. I find pulling the hood down a nusiance sometimes.
Another point to keep in mind is that BMW are heavy cars, ... ...is not going to be sufficient. I made the mistake of buying my convertible in late spring/early summer, the most expesive time to buy one!!! Wait till the winter when it is cold and wet, and you will pick up one for slightly cheaper then in the summer.
You might think that the insurance is too expensive for a convertible. I was paying silly amounts on my insurance untill I was told that my car is considered a classic car by some insurance companies. ...
Read review
Ciao members have rated this car review on average helpful
