BMW 3-Series Coupe (1992 - 1999) 318i S 2d (1.9) (1996/P) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

With the Alpina touches it cuts a understated figure but one that still turns heads. However even before I had the car altered, simply by being a BMW coupe it had a certain respect afforded to it.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

Very impressed. People ridicule BMW drivers and many own the cars for the name alone however their cars are still seen as a 'cut above'. An envious glance is often noticed by the neighbours...

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes although a larger engined version; perhaps a 325 or 328. A wonderful car for those who like performace but not enough to pay too much for it at the petrol pump. Not as powerful as my Omega 3.0 MV6 but there again not much is!

What are you likely to buy next?

I must admit that if I cannot find a 325/328 will be returning to Vauxhall. My heart was lost to the Omega! Sorry BMW!

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£4,000

When did you buy the car?

July 2006

Did you get a good deal and why?

Slightly overpriced for the spec of car I got but they were the only dealers willing to give me a half decent price for my Omega. The car has been very reliable so far (touch wood!) and costs have been acceptable given its age.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

I owned a 318 IS coupe previously and was very happy overall with the experience and due to a change in my job I needed something a little better on fuel than my Omega MV6 but something that still had style.

What was the dealer like?

Didn't give what I would call a service (a full set of green lights went down to three in a 2 hour journey!) but was good enough otherwise.

What's it like to drive?

Never going to worry an M3 but more than enough if you are not interested who gets to the next set of traffic lights first. That said, it will make some more powerful cars look silly when required. Rear-wheel drive and near perfect balance; not much more you could ask for.

What's it like to park?

My car has the Alpina styling and with it the low bumpers and large alloys which, if you are a fussy owner (like me), is a nightmare to park. But on the standard model no such worries. Great vision all around with electric mirrors and good rear visibility.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Needed new front brakes but this was just down to normal use. She has a hunger for rear tyres but that is more my fault than the car. What's that saying? You reap what you sow?!

What's most practical about your car?

Starts every morning. Cold, warm, wet or dry it is always first time. A pleasure to drive and has more than enough space to accomodate a small family (even though I don't have one yet!)

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

The electric sunroof. Perfect for sunny days. Fabulous. Combined with the beige leather it makes the interior look huge!