buying a 99 bmw 318i

ford fiesta

I'm new to BMW's, so I want some advice on purchasing a 318i, its a 1.9 petrol engine and has fairly low mileage for its age at a nice price..Just wondering has anyone had any bad experiences with them, whats fuel consumption like vs diesel etc, things that need to be checked so often etc...I have heard they need a lot of looking after.

Thanks in advance...

Oilrig

Maintenance wise they are no different to any other car, better infact in that they don't need fancy (VW) oil etc.

All the usual apply, check it for wear and tear.

Good car, well designed, no ambushes.

Enjoy.

Seth Brundle

They need as much looking after as most other cars and are great to drive. Personally, I prefer the straight 6 over the 4 pots but they are more expensive to run. However, the 1.9 lump still could do with a few more horses to carry the weight.
Suspension components are the biggest worry (bushes, etc.). However, I would get it checked out by a professional before you part with the money as the last thing you want is a money pit. Make sure that the service history is totally genuine and that every electrical item is working. Do the usuals - start it up from cold and listen for any noises.
Its a buyers market so I would recommend getting leather, climate control (digital) and any other extras that you can think of. I'd also recommend the coupé over the salooon but this may be dictated by your budget and whether you have kids etc.

ford fiesta

thanks.

kbannon - it is a used 99 car so dont have the extras options.

I just dont want any trouble with the car..it seems to be straight and it is from a dealer.

how much mileage would i get out of a tank of petrol, what is the litreage of the tank. will i notice much fuel consumption changing from a 1.4 astra??

Seth Brundle

Consumption will go up - you should get 30ish but this will largely depend on its use (heavy foot driving / rush hour driving / etc.)
There are absolutely loads of E46 318is out there. You don't need to settle on one from a certain dealer. Bear in mind that if you buy a bog standard car, it will be tougher to sell on afterwards - extras may not mean much to you but they may to the next buyer. However, if you do buy the one you have in mind (or any one) - get it checked by an independent mechanic or specialist? I would also advise against getting BMW to service it - use a BMW specialist - more efficient and cheaper!

bazz26

Just remember that the 1999 BMW 318i had a 1.9 litre 118bhp engine, so your paying the motor tax, insurance and fuel of a 1.9 litre petrol car with the performance of an average 1.6 litre car.

From Sept 2001 BMW facelifted the 3 Series and replaced that engine with a much better 2.0 litre 143bhp valvetronic engine.

If your really worried about economy maybe you should be looking at the 320D, they were available from 2000 onwards. Check 2002 to late 2003 diesels though as they were prone to failed turbos, expensive fix.

ford fiesta

kbannon just sent you a pm

E92

If you're not doing a lot of miles, then a 320i would be a much better choice, though as noted earlier, it would be heavier on fuel. All that said the 318i of that vintage had a very old tech engine, so it won't be a whole pile better than the 320i for economy but as noted by other posters, it's not at all that powerful for a 1.9, so you are paying 1.9 running costs and getting closer to a 1.6 in power. The 320i would offer 2.0 running costs but at least it has 2.0 power.

If you're not bothered about performance, then I'm sure it makes a fine choice, but if running costs are a bit of a concern, then you need a 320d(just don't go for the 02-04 320d though).

Overheating, electrics and suspension issues are what goes wrong in them, mechanically they'll look after you if you look after them(bar the 02-04 320d with it's notorious turbo failure problem)

Balfa

Check for clicking noises when operating power windows: it's a sign the regulators are failing. Don't know how much the repair cost is, but I got the dealer to replace all four before buying the car.
Brake it hard from high speed, 70mph, preferably downhill. Squirrelly steering while doing so means the control arm bushings are worn. Mine are worn, and dealers are quoting about $500 over here to replace both. Apparently it's a self-doable job, if you're inclined. Another symptom of worn bushings is just a general sort of sluggish, imprecise feel to the handling.

See http://www.bimmerfest.com/wiki/index.php?title=BMW_E46#What_should_I_look_out_for.3F
It's not great, but it's something.

richie_rvf

The 1999 E36 was the last run so they normally have lots of extras thrown in such as climate control etc..

Agree with the others regarding the engine, it is under powered, unless you go for the 318is coupe.

I too would prefer the 6 pot, it is very smooth and sounds great.

Fuel wise you will get about 30mpg, less in town or if you have a heavy foot - I think thats why the 6 pot is harder on fuel, the sounds really is brilliant and that will have you flooring it more often

ford fiesta

This model is the first of the new type, early 99..so it is fairly basic to be honest