I know that the picture above is of a brand-spanking new beemer, but..... I am the proud owner of a 1993 BMW 318i saloon. It has 112000 miles on the clock, but you certainly would not think it by driving and owning it. Moreover at £3800, it was not that hard on the pocket to buy. It is dark blue, and I bought it in February this year, when it had 110000 miles on the clock. It was purchased from a local car dealer, who trades mostly in high mileage prestige motors. It is a smooth car to drive, and the driving position is the best I've experienced. This comes from someone who owned two Subaru Imprezas! The car handles well, giving you the confidence to keep the throttle down in the twisty bits. It might not stick to the road as well as my old Impreza, but that's part of the fun of driving a rear wheel drive car. You feel totally connected to what is going on at the road surface. Driving from A to B has now become an enjoyment in itself. The BMW engine is smooth and doesn't mind being revved a bit. A nice touch is the tool kit that is stored in the underside of the boot lid. Simply turn a small handle, and there you have a small selection of hand tools, and most importantly, the adaptor for loosening the special locking nut on each alloy wheel.
With mileage approaching these levels, it is vital that you check the previous service history. What you are looking for is signs that the car has been regularly serviced. A full service history is a must. The interior controls and trim are of a high quality and therefore are good at resisting wear. The result is that inside these cars still look and feel fresh after 9 years. The same goes for the exterior.
The choice can come down to whether you want to buy a Vauxhall or Ford, that is perhaps newer and probably with less miles, or for the same money have a car that exudes quality from every angle. Parts prices have tumbled recently, with companies like EuroCarParts supplying quality parts at decent prices. The main reason that I would have used to NOT buying a BMW was my perception that parts prices and servicing was high. However this is no longer so. With an older model such as mine, you steer clear of main BMW dealers, and get in touch with a reputable car maintenance company, that has experience with BMWs. They are much easier to pay, and not that hard to find. Headlamp bulbs from only £1.82, spark plugs £2.45 each, oil filter £3.00, air filter £3.99, brake pads £17.45. I've checked this out. When I next get the car serviced, I'll let you know.
So buying and owning a beemer does not have to worry your bank manager. Go buy one. Treat yourself.
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 1 Series - Hatchback - Rear (RWD) - 6 Speed Automatic, 6 Speed Manual - 1995 cc - Max Speed: 127 mph - 122 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
Nice op. We have a 316i. Used to own a 318. The only difference is 13 BHP and about £1000! (They both have the same cc engine!) B
Sheepmeister 12.03.2003 20:46
Nice opinion, I envy you!!!! :( I'm only 18 and could probably (at a stretch!) afford the car, but not the insurance!! What kind of fuel economy do you get? Not that I can afford to run one but I can daydream cant I? :) Sheep
sarsons 02.11.2002 00:56
Not bad intro, but info on what the car has to offer would have resulted in a higher rating (eg comfort, ride, equipment, insurance costs etc.). If you ever redo this op, please let me know and I'll reread it and review my rating :)
Advantages: Power, economy, style, reliability, boot size and access. Disadvantages: Slightly difficult to handle in the wet, slightly cramped in the rear seats.
the_kidda 08.08.2000 ·
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Review of BMW 318i
Advantages: Fair price, electric roof, leather interior, CD player and, of course 'blindingly rapid'. Disadvantages: Quite expensive parts, can tend to guzzle petrol depending on the speed.
tom13 03.05.2001 ·
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Review of BMW 318i
Advantages: Power, economy, style, reliability, boot size and access. Disadvantages: Slightly difficult to handle in the wet, slightly cramped in the rear seats.
the_kidda 08.08.2000 ·
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Review of BMW 318i
Advantages: Amazing control/handling of car and begs to be upgraded (is well worth it) Disadvantages: Need to upgrade a lot of different things, so have money saved/ready
YEODIE 02.10.2007 (10.10.2007)
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Review of BMW318is Coupé
May 17th, 2002
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