BMW 3-Series Compact 318 ti 3d (1995/N) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Economy
Value
Not too expensive to buy, but lost £2000 in 18 months. Running costs are very high if it goes wrong. Economy is shocking.
Costs
MPG varies from a credible 35 mpg to a pathetic 24mpg if you put your foot down. Shocking for a small 1.8 engine. Best I ever got was 250 miles out of a tank. To put that into perspective, a 2.8 Z3 does more than that when driven hard.
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On the road
Driving
Watch it on corners. The rear axle comes from the previous E30 series, so in the wet it kicks out straight away. Also gets stuck on damp grass. Driving position is good.
Performance
0-60 not too great for 140bhp engine. Makes a nice noise and will do 140mph. Heavy car, so engine isn't really big enough for it. Hence, why the new compact has a six cylinder engine in it.
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Living with it
Reliability
Was all going good until a viscous coupling went (apparently a common and poorly documented fault with the 3 series) which led on to a blown head gasket and a blown radiator. The result of that was a new engine costing £1200. Ridiculous
Image
Young people liked the look of it. But expect to get comments on why you didn't get the normal saloon. Try and explain that one!
Comfort
Quite comfortable. Mine was the sport model so had bumpy ride, but seats were good and it did feel quite sporty.
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Security and Service
Security
Ok as it didn't get broken into. But, constant problems with car unlocking itself when you weren't even near it. Returning to a multi storey to find it open isn't exactly re-assuring.
Service
Services it privately as BMW would charge the earth.
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
New engine fitted, hence no good comments to make here.
Other
This car was traded in as soon as the new engine was fitted. I have had a 306 diesel since and it's been a breathe of fresh air.
Ownership
Did you buy the car new?
Used
Would you buy the same model again?
No
Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?
No