Considering a BMW 318

BESman

I'm considering making the big move and finally purchasing a BMW, a used one that is. I've always fancied the 318 coupes, 00-05 models. With the way the market is, I've seen a lot of these advertised in the €4,000 - €6,000 range, mostly 00-01 models with 90k+ miles. After consulting with friends, some mechanics and previous BMW owners, I've been warned to stay away. Expensive to run, not as solid as one would expect, etc.

So I have two questions:

1: Would I be foolish to pay c. €5,000+ for a car that is 9 or 10 years old with 100k+ mileage just to have a BMW badge?

2: What are peoples experiences with BMWs previously, particulary 318 coupes, are my friends right and should I stay away?

Thanks.

bmstuff

Expensive to run if you do not know what you are doing, or if you like your cup of tea at the dealer, that's for sure.

BMW has probably the largest network of aftermarket parts available for some reason, much more choice that Audi/Mercedes and others.

So you can buy Original Equipment parts or equivalent without the BMW logo but for 50% and more cheaper.

Like any other brand they do have issues. But like any other car too, they need to be taken care of to avoid many of them to occur. Like not changing fluids, filters regularly...

Frankly it is easy to pick up parts for a good price. Especially today there are many online shops that are buying unwanted/unsold parts from BMW dealers and are selling them for dead cheap.
Check this for example:
http://www.bmminiparts.com/

People complain about cooling system on BMW too, well guess what, other cars do have problems too, if not changed after a while.

Now for 5000 euro, I would rather buy a e36 M3 from 1995-1996 than a 318i coupe from 2000. There is some very nice example of M3 being sold for that price tag, and they would be in much better condition that your average 318i from 2000.

4 cylinder petrol BMWs are not the job at all.

bazz26

Try and get a 2001 onwards model as that model had the newer 143bhp 2.0 litre engine as opposed to the pre 2001 weedy 1.9 litre engine with 118bhp.

PaulKK

BESman wrote: »

1: Would I be foolish to pay c. €5,000+ for a car that is 9 or 10 years old with 100k+ mileage just to have a BMW badge?

I would say if you could get a good one with history and is pretty fresh you could do worse. As stated though, try and get the newer 2.0L as the 1.9L isn't anything to shout about.

BESman wrote: »

2: What are peoples experiences with BMWs previously, particulary 318 coupes, are my friends right and should I stay away?

Thanks.

One of my friends has a 00 318ci, and I have an 04 320d. Mine only has 75k on it and no problems. His car has 160k on it, the only problem he has had with his have been some worn suspension bushes and a sticky door handle which was easily fixed.


I have found that my car hasn't been too expensive to maintain either btw. If you check out eurocarparts.co.uk you can pick up most oem makes pretty reasonably. I recently got some service parts and brakepads from them and found them great.

Whatever you decide to do just be cautious, when buying an E46 at this kind of age and mileage, the wrong choice could cost you a packet in getting bits and bobs replaced, even though parts are not too expensive.

x in the city

I had a 316 (yes, for the badge :rolleyes:), it was a bitch to maintain, albeit with some comfort to drive.

the bottom line is a BMW is no good without a 6 pot, its just too heavy and sluggish otherwise, and yes, they loveeeee spare parts so be warned.

x in the city

PaulKK wrote: »

I would say if you could get a good one with history and is pretty fresh you could do worse. As stated though, try and get the newer 2.0L as the 1.9L isn't anything to shout about.



One of my friends has a 00 318ci, and I have an 04 320d. Mine only has 75k on it and no problems. His car has 160k on it, the only problem he has had with his have been some worn suspension bushes and a sticky door handle which was easily fixed.


I have found that my car hasn't been too expensive to maintain either btw. If you check out eurocarparts.co.uk you can pick up most oem makes pretty reasonably. I recently got some service parts and brakepads from them and found them great.

Whatever you decide to do just be cautious, when buying an E46 at this kind of age and mileage, the wrong choice could cost you a packet in getting bits and bobs replaced, even though parts are not too expensive.

parts ARE more expensive than most cars

bmstuff

x in the city wrote: »

parts ARE more expensive than most cars

Try Audi then...

And as said already go aftermarket with the original manufacturers who provided the parts to BMW to build the car in the first place, Behr, Sachs etc..Plenty of factors sell them, such as Otto.ie

Gumbo

x in the city wrote: »

parts ARE more expensive than most cars

are you basing that on fact or just from what youve heard "down the pub from the lads? "

trying to get parts for my Audi is alot more expensive then getting parts for any of my previous BMW's, including my X5!

BMW seem to have a wealth of parts available, either online or in motor factors.

Matt Simis

I would say BMW parts arent that expensive. Ive heard Mitsubishi parts are more expensive and seen personally that Alfa parts are pricey too. Audi and VW are expensive too, though also have the benefit of lots of (good) aftermarket support. BMW parts are surprisingly cheap, perhaps the idea they arent comes from Servicing (labour) rates, not parts.

a_v525

Audi A5 mate

a_v525

a_v525 wrote: »

Audi A5 mate

For €5000 ?

a_v525

actually probably not....

Nice car tho..... :rolleyes:

PaulKK

x in the city wrote: »

parts ARE more expensive than most cars

No, their not, and after owning two VWs, I would say that VW parts are more expensive than BMW.

And as mentioned above, you can pick up original equipment parts from a factors very reasonably too. I got 4 OEM glowplugs for my 320d for less than I paid for 4 for my 98 passat TDI.

bmw535d

avoid the 4 cyl lumps tbh you will be dissapointed. try to get at least a 6 cyl even if its older.

JJJJNR

Was told the 3.0 M3 a bit more reliable than the 3.2 M3 something to do with vanos?

ShadowHearth

BESman wrote: »

I'm considering making the big move and finally purchasing a BMW, a used one that is. I've always fancied the 318 coupes, 00-05 models. With the way the market is, I've seen a lot of these advertised in the €4,000 - €6,000 range, mostly 00-01 models with 90k+ miles. After consulting with friends, some mechanics and previous BMW owners, I've been warned to stay away. Expensive to run, not as solid as one would expect, etc.

So I have two questions:

1: Would I be foolish to pay c. €5,000+ for a car that is 9 or 10 years old with 100k+ mileage just to have a BMW badge?

2: What are peoples experiences with BMWs previously, particulary 318 coupes, are my friends right and should I stay away?

Thanks.

Well i said it once, and got my hand allmoust bitten of for that, but meh... ill try it again: Low end BMW is not whats bmw about!

i know some people trying to be smart: getting a less pricy bmw, smaller engine... trust me, if you whant a bmw you need to have atleast 320+++, prefectly 325+++. heavy car with small underpowered engine is horible! You ca say: " but i dont need speed! i need it just as normal daily driver! i say: " remember my words, when you will try to over take something on the road!"

bmstuff lad gave an good idea - get an older m3! will work out same price, but you will get a proper BMW!

Was thinking to offer a e36 318is, if you really whant to stay in low tax/insurance bracket. Its really not bad 4 pot bmw engine ( irony...), atleast you wount feel beaten by micras and puntos...

all cars brake down, moust of the time reliability is solid when previuos owners werent twats! get a better looked after example and you will be sorted. thought bmw have those little annoying/expencive specific things, which can cost you a fortune. Simple service stuff wount be expencive, so i wouldnt worry much.

if i would be buying an bmw for 5k i would go for e36 ( older shape 3 series) or 7 series. thought when you going for these models make sure they didnt had nicosil problems .

p.s. yeah yeah left lane lol!

ShadowHearth

JJJJNR wrote: »

Was told the 3.0 M3 a bit more reliable than the 3.2 M3 something to do with vanos?

heard that aswell, but i cant back it up by facts unfortunatly

Stevie Dakota

BESman wrote: »

1: Would I be foolish to pay c. €5,000+ for a car that is 9 or 10 years old with 100k+ mileage just to have a BMW badge?

I can't believe some of the advice you are getting. You want advice on a E46 318i and people suggest looking at an E36 M3? Ignore all that nonsense, most people who buy M3's have always wanted one, know their stuff and have done their homework. You don't buy an M3 as an alternative for a 318.

The 318i is no flier of course, but it does enjoy most of the attributes of more lofty BMW's, fine build, refined, nicely sorted chassis. For 90% of day to day driving it will do fine. People bang on about how a normally aspirated straight six defines BMW's, but they forget BMW's these days are V8's, V10's, 4's, turbos, and hybrid mumbo jumbo is coming, etc.

bmstuff

Stevie Dakota wrote: »

I can't believe some of the advice you are getting. You want advice on a E46 318i and people suggest looking at an E36 M3? Ignore all that nonsense, most people who buy M3's have always wanted one, know their stuff and have done their homework. You don't buy an M3 as an alternative for a 318.

The 318i is no flier of course, but it does enjoy most of the attributes of more lofty BMW's, fine build, refined, nicely sorted chassis. For 90% of day to day driving it will do fine. People bang on about how a normally aspirated straight six defines BMW's, but they forget BMW's these days are V8's, V10's, 4's, turbos, and hybrid mumbo jumbo is coming, etc.

Nothing wrong with suggesting buying an e36 M3 for the same price tag. For the same money I would rather buy a M3. Now yes my reply was off topic agreed, and yes it will require more information from OP etc, the 318i being much more confortable for city center driving that's for sure.

Anyway agreed, yes the 318i will do just grant to get you to work and shopping too OP.
And yes they are cheap enough to maintain when you know where to go and not to go.

Anan1

bmstuff wrote: »

Nothing wrong with suggesting buying an e36 M3 for the same price tag. For the same money I would rather buy a M3.

And so would I. But the car isn't for you or I, it's for the OP.;)

BESman

Got much more advice here than expected. The Motors forum is definitely a credit to Boards.ie compared to the usual areas I hang out on in this site, where you're lucky to get 1 or 2 replies, so thanks everybody.

In relation to the suggestions that I should go for an older M3, I understand the logic behind this as I'm getting more bang for the same buck, but I am shallow, and I like the image of the 318i coupes compared to the older M3s which are a little too boxy for my liking. I like power, but I will sacrifice for image I'm afraid, and I also am conscious of insurance and tax.

As for details on what I will use the car for: I travel from Galway to Limerick twice a week. Apart from that I do some inner city driving in both Limerick and Galway. So I'd like something solid for the long journey but in between that I'm not too fussed.

The only issue raised here which causes me some concern is the difference between the older 1.9L and newer 2.0L and the 4 cyl vs 6 cyl. From browsing car sites this hasn't been differentiated very clearly on a lot of descriptions. How will I know without driving them? Are there obvious signs, i.e. will 2001 models always be 2.0L and anything prior to this is 1.9L?

PaulKK

BESman wrote: »

The only issue raised here which causes me some concern is the difference between the older 1.9L and newer 2.0L and the 4 cyl vs 6 cyl. From browsing car sites this hasn't been differentiated very clearly on a lot of descriptions. How will I know without driving them? Are there obvious signs, i.e. will 2001 models always be 2.0L and anything prior to this is 1.9L?

I may be wrong, but the facelift version will have the newer engine. I.E indicators sweeping up rather than sweeping down.

Also if your driving the 2.0L you won't be holding up Nissan Micras

heathersonline

Would you not consider a 02-03 E39 5 series? They seem to be available for next to nothing these days, and its a beaut to drive

BESman

heathersonline wrote: »

Would you not consider a 02-03 E39 5 series? They seem to be available for next to nothing these days, and its a beaut to drive

Good value in them alright, had a quick look there. Bit too big for my liking though. I'm fond of coupes.

bazz26

Decent spec on this one:

http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=201025198484507

1.9 litre costs €582 to tax where as the 2.0 litre costs €614 afaik.

Captain Slow IRL

RoverJames wrote: »

4 cylinder petrol BMWs are not the job at all.

What about E30 M3, Mini Cooper S and the E30/E36 318is?!

bmstuff

Captain Slow IRL wrote: »

What about E30 M3, Mini Cooper S and the E30/E36 318is?!

No way you can get your hands on a roadworthy e30 M3 for 5k euro though...

Pixelcraft

I was in the same boat as you, initially looking for a 318, but after advice here and a lot of reading settled on a 323, got more car for my money (due to non desirable large engine) and I think I made the right choice.

edit: obviously tax is a lot more, but it's reflected in the sale price

a_v525

bazz26 wrote: »

Decent spec on this one:

http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=201025198484507

1.9 litre costs €582 to tax where as the 2.0 litre costs €614 afaik.

No offence but some people are getting carried away with what theyd get instead, a key issue is motor tax like ^^ mentioned.

I recently got an e36 318tds as a good runaround, now for less han a grand more I could have got a beautiful 90s BMW 735/740i, except road tax (and probably insurance) would cripple me!

Keep the eye on the ball lads, youll be payin through the teeth for an M3 in tax & insurance compared to a standard nice 318i

bazz26

a_v525 wrote: »

No offence but some people are getting carried away with what theyd get instead, a key issue is motor tax like ^^ mentioned.

I recently got an e36 318tds as a good runaround, now for less han a grand more I could have got a beautiful 90s BMW 735/740i, except road tax (and probably insurance) would cripple me!

Keep the eye on the ball lads, youll be payin through the teeth for an M3 in tax & insurance compared to a standard nice 318i

Did you look at the link? It is a 320Ci within budget of what the OP is looking for. Both the 318i and 320i of that vintage are 2.0 litre.

BESman

bazz26 wrote: »

Decent spec on this one:

http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=201025198484507

1.9 litre costs €582 to tax where as the 2.0 litre costs €614 afaik.

Spot on, exactly the kind of car I've been searching for, thats a particularly good example, 2.0L, 2001 with less than 100k. Fairly sure could drop seller to €5k too. Thanks Bazz.

PaulKK

bazz26 wrote: »

Did you look at the link? It is a 320Ci within budget of what the OP is looking for. Both the 318i and 320i of that vintage are 2.0 litre.

An E46 320ci is a 2.2L bazz I'm afraid. The car in the link you gave is either a 318ci 1.9L or its a 2.2L, one way or another either the engine size or model is misrepresented!

In fact on closer inspection if you spot the chrome grill and trim around the windows I believe its a sure sign that that one is a 6 pot.

Also the twin exhaust is a giveaway

bazz26

PaulKK wrote: »

An E46 320i is a 2.2L bazz I'm afraid. The car in the link you gave is either a 318i or its a 2.2L, one way or another either the engine size or model is misrepresented!

Thanks, it popped up doing a search by engine size.

irishmotorist

BESman wrote: »

...I like the image of the 318i coupes compared to the older M3s which are a little too boxy for my liking. I like power, but I will sacrifice for image I'm afraid, and I also am conscious of insurance and tax.

As for details on what I will use the car for: I travel from Galway to Limerick twice a week. Apart from that I do some inner city driving in both Limerick and Galway. So I'd like something solid for the long journey but in between that I'm not too fussed.

Just to throw a slight spanner in the works, have you thought about a 320d? I was looking for a 318i a few years ago and decided to take a 320d out for a drive instead and loved the difference. The turbo diesel gives a great lash when accelerating (especially coming from a 1.4 Golf). The model changed from a 120bhp (or so, I think) to 150bhp in 2002. I think that to distinguish the 2 models, you can tell from the rear light cluster - if it's the default that's still there. I think the older one has a larger red cluster at the bottom - like the rear of this:
http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/3-Series/318i-wit/201016197687412/advert?channel=CARS

The newer one (again, I think) has a clear pane in the middle, like this:
http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/3-Series/320d-SE-/200851191254405/advert?channel=CARS

Also, diesel is currently (and typically is) cheaper. The 320d and the 318 are both 2 litre so tax will be the same but insurance will be the lotto draw it usually is.

bmstuff

BESman wrote: »

Spot on, exactly the kind of car I've been searching for, thats a particularly good example, 2.0L, 2001 with less than 100k. Fairly sure could drop seller to €5k too. Thanks Bazz.

Be careful, mileage is one thing, service history is another one.
You could have a car with 120k miles with a tip top service that needs nothing and another one with 80k miles with very poor service that would need lots of extra money to service right after purchase.
It is a combination of things really.

SouperComputer

I think a well cared for 318iS might be the best allrounder for you..Its hard to describe how slow the smaller engines are, eg 316. Overtaking is more of a stress than it needs to be.

Low Energy Eng

I bought a 316 couple of years ago... And the lack of power made me sell up and buy a 106gti...with insurance & tax i didn fancy going over 1.6litre at the time.

Older and wiser, if i was to buy a BMW again I'd buy the coupe model, at least a 320 engine, (I'd love an M3,but if theres one thing that bugs me its tax), ideally with a nice M Tech kit and your away in a hack.

Best of luck with your hunting...