I bought a 318i 2004 model with the 2 litre engine, new, in Australia. This model is made in South Africa from parts sourced in Germany, I assume as well as South Africa and elsewhere?
Initially it appeared to be a wonderful machine. The handling was superb, the ride supple and comfortable on Sydney's not very good road surfaces, and the breaking smooth and excellent. But wait, what was this strange rattle coming from the front windows? The glass was too small for the door, and after 4 returns to the dealer, eventually some Teflon strips were apparently inserted somewhere which more or less solved the problem. A friend had the same problem with his car!
All was well until the first disk brake change at around 30 000 km. The new disks were simply not the same quality as the originals. The car developed a creaking sound as one releases the foot brake slowly, and when the hand brake is pulled up and one gets out of the car, this creaking noise happens again and the car rolls slightly.
Returns to the dealer were met with the same denials and nonsense as described by the previous reviewer. I was told the disks were definitely BMW authentic parts - perhaps, but not the same quality as the original disks.
After 50 000 km the front suspension has become distinctly wobbly with many little bumps in the road transmitted through the steering wheel.
Nevertheless a superbly designed car, just a pity that the quality doesn't live up to the name.
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: 140, 143 mph - 163, 177 bhp - Diesel - 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
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 ·
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful
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)
·
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful
Review of BMW318is Coupé
Jan 7th, 2008
helpful by (100%):
