Pre-Facelift e46 318

Curly Watts

Should I steer clear of one of these or are they ok to buy second hand.
Looking at a few 99-01 models. Anything to watch out for other than suspension bushings and suspension bits and pieces.

Will I get nothing but trouble?

jopas83

Hi Curly Watts.
Try to find facelift model 02 up.Much better,improved(inside,outside)
318i(R4) not great even in face lift models(chain tensioners,problems with overheating,coils)
320i(R6) and bigger 325i,328i,330i not that bad,less problems if you will be lucku and find unabused model.
What exactly you lookin for?

Curly Watts

Thanks for the reply.

I've seen some clean "looking" e46's, maybe they have something to hide.
Looking for something circa €2000, not wanting to spend too much really as I have a van for work. The facelift models tend to be a fair bit more expensive.

So a 318 will be a money pit then? Maybe go for a 320? I don't really know much, I just like them as a car I suppose

jopas83

Beautiful car to drive!!
I had '02 318i but chain tensioner issue and o2 sensor problems i decide to sell.
Go for 320i or 325i(more fun)if fuel prices dont scare you.
thanks

Curly Watts

Basically trying to stick with the 318 for tax reasons.

I doubt a 01 1.9 318 would be anymore economical than a 320 though?
Or are 318's not tooooo bad on fuel?

jopas83

My one '02 318i 143bhp was not that bad.
When my girflend driving 9liters for 100km was enough(city/traffics)
99-01 propably little bit more.

bazz26

Pre LCI e46 318i is 1.9 litre but only has 118bhp which is very weak for a 1.9 litre engine. LCI e46 318i is 2.0 litre, has 143bhp and is actually better on fuel too.

jopas83

bazz26
Agree!

Curly Watts

Can't find one within budget though Bazz, although I would love one.
Being less powerful wouldn't bother me, although it would be nice to have a bit of go when needed.

What other options would you suggest opposed to the 318?

Curly Watts

What other option would be good, stylish and in around 1.6 good economy petrol?

Thanks