BMW 3-Series Saloon 318i 4d (1995/N) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Economy
Value
You pay for what you get. Quality, refinement, reliability.
Costs
Parts/dealer servicing is expensive, but it hardly ever goes wrong. Best to take it to specialists who are in the know. Come on, if they don't go wrong how else are BMW going to make money?
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On the road
Driving
Bit dangerous accelerating in wet conditions round bends.
Performance
I've put a better air filter on and it lets the engine breathe better. There's nothing under a 1.9 that's un-turbo's that would keep up. The 316 is very sluggish - go for the 1.8.
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Living with it
Reliability
Only had the common things go wrong, like flat alarm pad battery, rear suspension coils snapping at the top - the lug broke off when corroded, but most cars have the improved more meaty springs on now. Mine was unfortunate.
Image
Come on. Everyone looks at a nice BMW when it's got side lights and fogs on. It's the creme de la creme for a 19 year old. Forget you FixOrRepairDaliys, Pug (ball joint failures). Honest it's a mean looking machine. I've never looked back.
Comfort
Always felt comfortable. Not as big as the 5-series in the back, but I've had 4 in on the rear seat a couple of times - Oops. Keep your interior clean, it holds money.
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Security and Service
Security
I've got a CAT 1 BMW alarm with anti tilt, ultrasonics, door, bonnet boot sensors and alloy wheel locking nuts. The alarm even went off when someone tried to key scrape it.
Service
They know exactly what they are doing - plug in you car to a computer and Bob's your uncle, Fanny's your aunt, they know what's wrong and how to fix it. Even if you're a DIY mechanic they'll tell you how to do it and the best makeshift tools to use.
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
None - have frequent oil changes evey 6000 miles.
Other
Battery went flat in alarm pad, totalling to £115 - Need new rear springs on suspension (£45 a spring).
Ownership
Did you buy the car new?
Used
Would you buy the same model again?
Yes
Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?
Yes