BMW 318ci

vectra

Whats the story with these.?

E46 model

Economy?
Reliability?

Good points
Bad Points?

Any info appreciated

listermint

There are vast swades of information in this forum on the 318Ci, Put it into the search field and you will find all you seek.

vectra

listermint wrote: »

There are vast swades of information in this forum on the 318Ci, Put it into the search field and you will find all you seek.

Yeah.
Thanks for that, :rolleyes:

Normally when members post a query I will try my best to be as helpful as possible,

I can never understand how members can take so much of their time to type a message to say "Use the Search" when they have absolutely no interest in the thread.

Tallon

But you will get your answer if you just use the search!

And he was being helpful, you don't need to roll your eyes at the chap!

ants09

vectra wrote: »

Whats the story with these.?

E46 model

Economy?
Reliability?

Good points
Bad Points?

Any info appreciated

what year you looking at from 1999 - 2005 ??? petrol or diesel ??? msports etc ??

PaulKK

I believe the 2.0L 140bhp one is good enough.

The previous 118bhp 1.9L is not great.

ants09

ants09 wrote: »

what year you looking at from 1999 - 2005 ??? petrol or diesel ??? msports etc ??

E46 318ci are all petrol

For what they are they are really overpriced, a 320ci or even a 325ci would be more to tax obviously and maybe to insure depending on the driver but would be cheaper to buy and not much worse on fuel. In saying that the 318Ci is a decent looking car that is quite comfy and they age well.

wersal gummage

I've a 2005 one. It's not a fast car, for sure. However its not as bad as people make out, especially considering everyone seems to be driving 1.5 diesels theae days! I do get a little bit sad when I see a 320ci though but honestly the tax and price of petrol is already enough.

Economy is 40mpg on a long run, driving in a very smooth, sensible fashion but keeping up at speed limits (ie 100 or 120kmph) . Around town I get about 27mpg but that is all cold starts, short runs in heavy traffic stuff.

Reliabity for me has been fine but wouldnt have the knowledge to comment more woidely.

Good points - lots of room, including in back seats and boot. car looks great if you get the right one with rigjt wheels and extras etc.

Bad points - no storage space, not evem a cup holder, nowhere for cds, sunglasses etc. [HTML][/HTML]

listermint

vectra wrote: »

Yeah.
Thanks for that, :rolleyes:

Normally when members post a query I will try my best to be as helpful as possible,

I can never understand how members can take so much of their time to type a message to say "Use the Search" when they have absolutely no interest in the thread.

Your query comes up every 2 days, They are a very popular motor around these parts, so popular that ive had one.

The search function is designed to give you access to vast swades of historical information, inc pros and cons and even the volume of issues people raise in conjunction to this model. So Im sorry put my post was extremely valid. More so in the fact that it would have armed you with some actual questions on issues with the model rather than generic how reliable are they etc.



So you can shove your rolls eyes.

Also if you want a clean one go to the members section in www.bmw-driver.net There are plenty of extremely well maintained models going for sale by people who loved them dearly.


Im a member there, I have an M3 - i think im clued in enough to answer your questions.

PaulKK

wersal gummage wrote: »

Bad points - no storage space, not evem a cup holder, nowhere for cds, sunglasses etc. [HTML][/HTML]

There are cup holders in the rear arm rest.

There is a storage compartment for sunglasses at your right knee.

Your cds should be in the glovebox or boot

wersal gummage

PaulKK wrote: »

There are cup holders in the rear arm rest.
There is a storage compartment for sunglasses at your right knee.
Your cds should be in the glovebox or boot

Thanks! Actually knew that, the compartment at knee level is just the perfectly wrong shape for my glasses case, no boot changer and nothing fits in glove box apart drom manual in its folder. Will try drinking a coffee thats in the back seat amd let ypu know how that one works out!!

neilthefunkeone

Cup holder problem solved... Next!

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=BL92&mospid=47621&btnr=51_3969&hg=51&fg=95

vectra

LIGHTNING wrote: »

I have driven several of them, all of them are slow and quite thirsty.

How slow is slow?
Fuel consumption does not look so bad going on below post.

RoverJames wrote: »

E46 318ci are all petrol

For what they are they are really overpriced, a 320ci or even a 325ci would be more to tax obviously and maybe to insure depending on the driver but would be cheaper to buy and not much worse on fuel. In saying that the 318Ci is a decent looking car that is quite comfy and they age well.

Would have to be the 318 as it is for my son, So the slow part would be fine but i am sure it would be faster than the Civic he drives at the moment. ( and safer )

wersal gummage wrote: »

I've a 2005 one. It's not a fast car, for sure. However its not as bad as people make out, especially considering everyone seems to be driving 1.5 diesels theae days! I do get a little bit sad when I see a 320ci though but honestly the tax and price of petrol is already enough.

Economy is 40mpg on a long run, driving in a very smooth, sensible fashion but keeping up at speed limits (ie 100 or 120kmph) . Around town I get about 27mpg but that is all cold starts, short runs in heavy traffic stuff.

Reliabity for me has been fine but wouldnt have the knowledge to comment more woidely.

Good points - lots of room, including in back seats and boot. car looks great if you get the right one with rigjt wheels and extras etc.

Bad points - no storage space, not evem a cup holder, nowhere for cds, sunglasses etc. [HTML][/HTML]

That economy looks spot on. I am actually surprised @ the 40mpg open road return. 27 about town is all the civic gives him anyhow.
Thanks for the reply

listermint wrote: »

Your query comes up every 2 days, They are a very popular motor around these parts, so popular that ive had one.

The search function is designed to give you access to vast swades of historical information, inc pros and cons and even the volume of issues people raise in conjunction to this model. So Im sorry put my post was extremely valid. More so in the fact that it would have armed you with some actual questions on issues with the model rather than generic how reliable are they etc.



So you can shove your rolls eyes.

Also if you want a clean one go to the members section in www.bmw-driver.net There are plenty of extremely well maintained models going for sale by people who loved them dearly.


Im a member there, I have an M3 - i think im clued in enough to answer your questions.

I get annoyed when the first reply that comes along is Use the search function.
I am well aware of a search function thank you very much, I have been using/running forums with 12 years so do know the ins and outs of them

Imagine if everyone used the search function instead of asking?? It would be one boring forum then wouldn't it

Also
An M3 owner.
and as you are well clued up about them.
Would it not have been much simpler to give me an idea as to what you know about them?

vectra

vectra wrote: »

.......


Would have to be the 318 as it is for my son, So the slow part would be fine but i am sure it would be faster than the Civic he drives at the moment. ( and safer )

You might be surprised there, with only a driver in each of them I reckon there wouldn't be much in it at all up to 90mph tbh. Add a couple of passengers and the Civic would be anchored a bit in comparison. The E46 is quite a heavy car.

Chris P. Bacon

LIGHTNING wrote: »

I have driven several of them, all of them are slow and quite thirsty.

How slow?,around a track?,on a country road?,in the city?,what is slow these days.

vectra

@ Roverjames
&
@ Lightning
I think both your posts will put paid to that plan.

Thanks for the helpful posts.

......might still be wortwhile having a testdrive in one though

VolvoMan

I know it's becoming a bit of a cliche at this stage, but personally I wouldn't bother unless it's at least a 320Ci.

vectra

RoverJames wrote: »

......might still be wortwhile having a testdrive in one though

Might be more interested in test driving a 330d when my turn comes round :pac:

listermint

vectra wrote: »

@ Roverjames
&
@ Lightning
I think both your posts will put paid to that plan.

Thanks for the helpful posts.

Well sorry but the are 2 opinions. You should broaden your opinion base.

The 320 is a heavy car and economics and insurance dictate that while it wont cost much more on juice, it will cost your son on insurance as its a 6 cylinder.

The 325 fits the same.


How fast is the 318, Reasonably fast is the answer, Are you looking to drag race people off traffic lights ? or have a comfortable stylish reliable and reasonabley economical 4 cylinder?

Your original post was about the above, your ending posts were how fast is the car.


The post Sept 2001 318Ci is a great all rounder. it moves, (its no drag racer) and has 138bhp. It will actively deliver 30MPG, I have quite a heavy foot and the lowest i was getting was 28mpg.

The car never gave me a days trouble. Maintenance on them is extremely easy if you have a minimum amount of mechanical now how and the car looks superb today as it did some years ago. Some would say the E46 looks better than its E90 follow on.



Any BMW driver worth their salt would recommend a 6 cylinder day in an day out. But if insurance and age dictates for your son. This 4 cylinder is hard to beat in various departments.



Thank you.

listermint

Oh in addition I never had an issue stonking any civics what so ever.

Even with a boot full of detailing gear.

vectra

listermint wrote: »

Well sorry but the are 2 opinions. You should broaden your opinion base.

The 320 is a heavy car and economics and insurance dictate that while it wont cost much more on juice, it will cost your son on insurance as its a 6 cylinder.

The 325 fits the same.


How fast is the 318, Reasonably fast is the answer, Are you looking to drag race people off traffic lights ? or have a comfortable stylish reliable and reasonabley economical 4 cylinder?

Your original post was about the above, your ending posts were how fast is the car.


The post Sept 2001 318Ci is a great all rounder. it moves, (its no drag racer) and has 138bhp. It will actively deliver 30MPG, I have quite a heavy foot and the lowest i was getting was 28mpg.

The car never gave me a days trouble. Maintenance on them is extremely easy if you have a minimum amount of mechanical now how and the car looks superb today as it did some years ago. Some would say the E46 looks better than its E90 follow on.



Any BMW driver worth their salt would recommend a 6 cylinder day in an day out. But if insurance and age dictates for your son. This 4 cylinder is hard to beat in various departments.



Thank you.

Now that's a post I like to see..
Sorry if we got off on the wrong foot.;)

OK
To answer a few of your Q's

When i asked how fast were they i did not mean are they a race machine.
I don't really want anything too fast for him, I also do not want a snail
it will not be used as a drag racer as he is so laid back he just lets the world go by and enjoys his drives.

As for what age car?
I would say '01/'02 so possibly the model you had?

6 cyl 2.0 is out of the question I would imagine as he is only 19 and still a student so will be used as college transport and weekend leisure drives.

Thanks

listermint

vectra wrote: »

Now that's a post I like to see..
Sorry if we got off on the wrong foot.;)

OK
To answer a few of your Q's

When i asked how fast were they i did not mean are they a race machine.
I don't really want anything too fast for him, I also do not want a snail
it will not be used as a drag racer as he is so laid back he just lets the world go by and enjoys his drives.

As for what age car?
I would say '01/'02 so possibly the model you had?

6 cyl 2.0 is out of the question I would imagine as he is only 19 and still a student so will be used as college transport and weekend leisure drives.

Thanks

It has to be post Sept '01 to get the 4 Cylinder economic 138bhp M42 engine. Pre Sept '01 had the 1.9 engine delivering 109bhp, it was sluggish at best and delivered a poor experience for the size of car.

I loved mine, sold it recently to a friend and he loves it just as equally. I make sure he has it washed when he visits.




an excuse my candor earlier, its stuffy in here today and the humidity aint helping

Sheeps

i love my 320ci

listermint

Sheeps wrote: »

i love my 320ci

And i love it too, as long as you keep it clean

wersal gummage

vectra wrote: »

6 cyl 2.0 is out of the question I would imagine as he is only 19 and still a student so will be used as college transport and weekend leisure drives.
Thanks

The 320 is the 6 cyl, its 2.2

The 318 is 4 cyl 2.0

vectra

wersal gummage wrote: »

The 320 is the 6 cyl, its 2.2

The 318 is 4 cyl 2.0

Slip of the finger.
I did mean to put down 6cyl 320

Sorry
you are correct.

Wolverine_1999

The 320ci is a 2.2L which is the 2nd smallest of the 6 cylinders. I have a 2L 6 Cylinder in my own Z3 which I would prefer over the 1.9 4 cylinder of my 318ci any day.

If you are going for an E46, I would highly recommend the 6 cylinder as opposed to the 4 cylinder just for the nice purr off of the exhaust and the smoothness of the engine alone. Over time, the engines are pretty much indestructible with a regular service history.

Other problems with the E46?

- My heater/blower resistor went, €30 fix DIY
- My driver's side door brake went, €35 fix DIY
- My driver's side Electric Window Actuator went, €25 fix DIY
- Rear shock mounts and shocks, €100 fix

Mr Benevolent

Has anyone mentioned rear subframe cracking? They're known for it. Anyway, don't you have a vRS? Why would you swap it for a crappy (in terms of performance) 318Ci? Like Lightning says, a Focus would be a better bet in terms of handling and reliability.

vectra

Confab wrote: »

Has anyone mentioned rear subframe cracking? They're known for it. Anyway, don't you have a vRS? Why would you swap it for a crappy (in terms of performance) 318Ci? Like Lightning says, a Focus would be a better bet in terms of handling and reliability.

I have a vRS but it is not for me, This would be for my son.
As I said already, when my turn comes i may be looking at a 330D or similar

Incidently, I had forgotten about the subframe issue,
Was this sorted at some point?

Mr Benevolent

vectra wrote: »

I have a vRS but it is not for me, This would be for my son.
As I said already, when my turn comes i may be looking at a 330D or similar

Incidently, I had forgotten about the subframe issue,
Was this sorted at some point?

http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/bmw/3-series-e46-1998/?section=bad

According to the net it was never solved. Apparently the issue isn't the subframe, it's the boltholes connecting the subframe to the floorpan. Generally the symptoms are loose handling and clonks from the rear.

Daniel S

vectra wrote: »

Might be more interested in test driving a 330d when my turn comes round :pac:

vectra

mtb_kng wrote: »

Oh Yeah Man :D

Ferris

Two friends of mine had the rear springs fracture and also had to replace the coil packs. Both had the 2L NG4 engine.

Also they can use a good amount of oil, up to 1L per 1000miles. Don't know why but I've heard of it from a few people. Compression test might be a good idea.

The NG4 is a good engine though, it won international engine of the year when it came out. One of the lads does 100miles a day in his and gets 40mpg. They're not a rocketship but they don't embarass themselves either. Plenty fast enough for a young fella.

Idbatterim

if going for 318ci just make sure its from 02+, for the more powerfull and fuel efficient engine. In relation to the 1.6 focus being quicker than a 02+ 318ci, is that meant to be a joke?

veetwin

Idbatterim wrote: »

if going for 318ci just make sure its from 02+, for the more powerfull and fuel efficient engine. In relation to the 1.6 focus being quicker than a 02+ 318ci, is that meant to be a joke?

Agree completely.

I had a 02 318i and a 1.6 Focus at the same time. Both nice cars but the Focus wouldn't beat it on any front really. Economy from the BMW was reasonable about 30mpg but I had a heavy right foot. The 02+ ones had air con as standard. Most paddy spec ones before that didn't. Avoid the 1.9L ones. They are nowhere near as refined and much less powerful.

Idbatterim

i thought it was 143bhp, regardless, 1.5 seconds from 0-60 is appreciable. My bro has 318ci and considering that engine is now 9 years old the bhp and combined cycle is impressive in my opinion. Yeah air con did come as standard from 02 on, mfsw is nice addition, as is leather... the 6 cylinders are much nicer, but for every 6 pot, there are atleast 10 four pots!

Rowley Birkin QC

Just resurrecting this, hopefully it's not too old for that, to see if there is any more wisdom out there on the 1.9 318Ci?

I'm aware that they are not a speed machine but at the moment I'm happy to take style over substance, I think they are a fantastic looking car and quite simply cannot afford a 6 pot at the moment. Have looked at the 2.0 model but with the cash I am spending it's quite hard to get a one with good spec. On the other hand there are quite a few nice 1.9 models with decent spec.

Any info on this particular model is welcome, I have looked on BMW-Driver before anyone asks, just looking for the boardsie point of view as well.

Thanks.

Idbatterim

i am current trying to sell my 318ci, have a 325ci and yeah its a nicer engine, but when your in dublin and the only thing you are racing to is the next set of lights or ramps, and paying extra E400 in tax... the 318ci isnt a bad option...

Rowley Birkin QC

Idbatterim wrote: »

i am current trying to sell my 318ci, have a 325ci and yeah its a nicer engine, but when your in dublin and the only thing you are racing to is the next set of lights or ramps, and paying extra E400 in tax... the 318ci isnt a bad option...

Do you have it online anywhere?

How did you find it in terms of fuel on the motorway? That's where I'll be doing most of my driving.

Thanks

Idbatterim

i can average about 50 mpg on motorway, when i keep it at constant speed in 5th gear. see below link...

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2326487

price drop to E3500 btw, just have not changed it in ad yet.

coolbeans

Idbatterim wrote: »

i can average about 50 mpg on motorway, when i keep it at constant speed in 5th gear. see below link...

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2326487

price drop to E3500 btw, just have not changed it in ad yet.

No offence but there's something wrong with your sums there.

Idbatterim

how so?

coolbeans

You're not getting 50mpg from a 318 unless you're hypermiling and even then I'd be sceptical. It's not diesel, it's not an economy car, it's just not credible.

Idbatterim

well often when going down hill i would throw her into neutral... but the mpg indicator when I keep it at about 110kmph, on a flat with only myself in car does read about 50mpg...

coolbeans

Idbatterim wrote: »

well often when going down hill i would throw her into neutral... but the mpg indicator when I keep it at about 110kmph, on a flat with only myself in car does read about 50mpg...

i wouldn't take much notice of what your car tells you. Anyway, I don't think 50mpg is credible, the 320d barely gets that.

Dardania

do you have any records on fuel consumption versus distance on sprit monitor or equivalent?

If this is your car type: http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/specs/Detail.aspx?deriv=16332

this is what people have recorded for it: http://www.spritmonitor.de/en/overview/6-BMW/37-3er.html?fueltype=2&constyear_s=2000&constyear_e=2000&exactmodel=318ci&powerunit=2

averaging 32.77mpg

also, when the car is neutral it is still using a small amount of fuel to tick the engine over - you'd be better off leaving it in gear with no engine load, and less the forward momentum tick the engine over - it'll pause the fuel pump if there's no engine load

x in the city

vectra wrote: »

Whats the story with these.?

E46 model

Economy?
Reliability?

Good points
Bad Points?

Any info appreciated

you will be told to buy a 323i for sure....:)

RoverJames

RoverJames wrote: »

E46 318ci are all petrol

For what they are they are really overpriced, a 320ci or even a 325ci would be more to tax obviously and maybe to insure depending on the driver but would be cheaper to buy and not much worse on fuel. In saying that the 318Ci is a decent looking car that is quite comfy and they age well.

x in the city wrote: »

you will be told to buy a 323i for sure....:)

Nearly 2 months ago

Idbatterim

2001 BMW 3 SERIES 318i SE 4dr Saloon from autotrader.co.uk
Performance And Economy
Attribute Value
Fuel consumption (urban) 25 mpg
Fuel consumption (extra urban) 47.1 mpg
Fuel consumption (combined) 35.3 mpg
0 - 62 mph 10.4 seconds
Top speed 128 mph
Cylinders 4
Valves 8 v
Engine power 118 bhp
Engine torque 133 lbs/ft

I was asked what mpg I get on motorway, i.e extra urban... the point about not believing the cars claimed mpg may be true, but it does tell me 50mpg, when on the flat, at a steady 110kmph...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKTOyiKLARk

the above is a bit of an OTT example, but alot of it is about how you drive, not what you drive!

vectra

Idbatterim wrote: »

I was asked what mpg I get on motorway, i.e extra urban... the point about not believing the cars claimed mpg may be true, but it does tell me 50mpg, when on the flat, at a steady 110kmph...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKTOyiKLARk

the above is a bit of an OTT example, but alot of it is about how you drive, not what you drive!

I am still not convinced.
I drive a modern 2.0 Turbo diesel car and at 110kph i would not get 50mpg.
In fact i dont think I have really seen much 50mpg to be honest.

I would say realistically you should average 34mpg