BMW 318 with 93k on clock

nandonine

Hi guys,

Going to look at this tomorrow
http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/3-Series/318-Ci--/201012197313501/advert?channel=CARS

And was wondering what I should be looking out for, given its mileage? It's due to do an NCT this evening, and I know it failed last time due to bushings in front which have been replaced.

I'm right in saying this has a timing chain rather than belt so no concerns here unless an audible rattle?

What does anyone think of price? My limit is 8k.

And finally, there was a couple of threads some time back that weren't too flattering about Motorvation - any further thoughts?

Thanks
J

Nissan doctor

The bottom arm bushes are a very common issue with 3srs so I wouldn't worry about that.


The main and most important thing with these engines is over heating. The suffer severly with cracked cylinder heads if the cooling system isn't perfect. Make sure its fully up to temperature when you view it and when up to temp check that the heating blow hot air and when you drive watch the water temp, and don't just go around the block.

Check under the oil cap for white/creamy residue and check in the coolant resevoir for the anything other then clean water/coolant.

If there are any issues withthe above, walk away as repairs are expensive.

Stiffs

Personally i would'nt touch a beamer after or close to a 100k. I have 140k on my own and have trouble in the last 30k.

But its a nice motor and always ends up being better to repair compared to what i could afford to buy instead.

Head gaskets go on them, they eat rear tyre inner walls and bushings. But there super to drive and that one looks tasty. You'll know by driving it. As the last post said - take it for a good spin and not just around the block.

Hope it works out.

Idbatterim

no real comments other than that I would not pay over 8k for it, but you have already mentioned you wont anyway! do you plan on getting it checked out? I definetly would if I were you.

displaced dub

i bought a new 318ci in Jan 2002 and it ended up on the back of a tow tuck 4 times, from memory they changed the engine in 02 and i was having problems with the cylinders. It would be working away fine and then all of a sudden 2 cylinders would go and i couldn't drive it. Thats the only thing you should look out for otherwise a good car for the money even when i paid £38k for it.

Gumbo

displaced dub wrote: »

i bought a new 318ci in Jan 2002 and it ended up on the back of a tow tuck 4 times, from memory they changed the engine in 02 and i was having problems with the cylinders. It would be working away fine and then all of a sudden 2 cylinders would go and i couldn't drive it. Thats the only thing you should look out for otherwise a good car for the money even when i paid £38k for it.

yeah the 318Ci went from a 1.9 to a 2.0 around that time.
My mam bought new in 2001 and again in 2004 and both cars have onle ever required routine maintainance. she didnt do a lot of miles though.

My cousin is now driving the 2004 one and touch wood, no problems so far.

the car looks good, but as you say i wouldnt pay 8k for it, 7k max imo.

Idbatterim

99-01 318ci were 118bhp, 02-03 143bhp and o4 on 150bhp...

Idbatterim

Op, did you view this car? how did it go?

Heroditas

nandonine wrote: »

And finally, there was a couple of threads some time back that weren't too flattering about Motorvation - any further thoughts?

I bought my current car from these guys last July.
Didn't have any problems with them and found them very polite and helpful.

Bit of bargaining over the price but they won't drop the asking price by much because they're one of the cheapest dealers out there. Hence they will give you a poor value on a trade-in because they sell the cars at the lower end of the asking price on the market.

Did you not ask to take the Ferrari for a spin? :pac:

Idbatterim

Regardless of what they want re. the asking price, I would not pay more than 8k for it! the next buyer wont give a toss if the OP bought it for 8 or 12k!

nandonine

Hey guys,

I went out for a look. It's spotless inside and out. Took her for a spin, and everything seemed perfectly fine (but I'm no expert). Wasn't too taken with the colour of it - it's that purple/blue that you see now and again in Beemers, i thought from the pictures it was a navy blue.

It was in to repeat the NCT and passed it after new bushings were sorted.

I offered him 8k. He said he was confident of getting 8,900 so I left him to to it, and left my number.

He called yesterday, and said he would give it to me for 8,500. I passed. I guess we'll see how it goes. If he comes back for 8, I'll tip out with a mechanic and would take if for that.

nandonine

Heroditas wrote: »

Did you not ask to take the Ferrari for a spin? :pac:

He claimed I was dribbling too much to allow that

Eoin

nandonine wrote: »

Wasn't too taken with the colour of it - it's that purple/blue that you see now and again in Beemers, i thought from the pictures it was a navy blue.

I think it's a gorgeous colour combination.

Idbatterim

The colour combination would not be my cup of tea. I like Titanium Silver with black leather or black with black leather. But each to their own! Take a look at the below car just sold. pretty much the same as the one the Op looked at expect, it has 74k miles as opposed to 93k, is E7950 instead of E8950 and is an 03 v an 02. Whoever bought that car got a good deal.

http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/3-Series/318-CI-*/201007196945551/advert?channel=CARS

Cloth looks so cheap in BMW's. The Alcantra leather is ok, but if you are going for a slick look with the coupes then cloth doesnt really fit the bill!

Idbatterim

How about the below car Op? its the facelift. There are 2 issues with it in my opinion, that if I bought id get sorted quickly! 1. The front bumper on the standard facelifts i.e non msport looks crap! 2. Half leather looks crap, you could probably get that rectified up north for cheap enough though! Other than that it looks good, it is better value for money than the one you viewed anyway...

http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/3-Series/318-COUP/201010197164606/advert?channel=CARS

listermint

Hi OP

Keep a eye out on www.bmw-driver.net we have guys changing their cars all the time and are as equally well looked after as anything out there.

As for the mileage. never mind the rubbish above. as with any vehicle if its well looked after and serviced regularly bmw with bash the competion around. if not looked after as usual you'll get a ringer. simples!;)

Best of luck either way. Ive an 02 318 Ci myself and its a delight to drive. wouldnt change it and id buy another. :cool:

nandonine

Idbatterim wrote: »

How about the below car Op?

http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/3-Series/318-COUP/201010197164606/advert?channel=CARS

Seems to have been snapped up already