BMW 3-Series Saloon 318i 2d (1990/G) Owner Review
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Economy
Value
Not bad from independent dealer at £2200 in 2001.
Costs
Service costs not bad at small local garage. Tyres reasonable. Exhaust a bit steep.
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On the road
Driving
Brilliant on the twisties and the motorway. Awful, jerky, unrefined in traffic.
Performance
Damned good for a 1.8 of this weight and size.
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Living with it
Reliability
Unlucky to have ECU fail at 85,000 miles. Garage fitted second-hand unit for £230, saving me £200 on new.
Image
Distinctive classic shape - I prefer it to the newer Honda look-a-like 3-series.
Comfort
Fantastic on long runs. Can't fault ergonomics at all. Typically German!
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Security and Service
Security
Alarm and central locking has deadlocks. Not bad for a 12 year old car.
Service
Bought from independent dealer.
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
Failed ECU. New camshaft fitted before purchase (74,000 miles). Noisy tappet.
Other
Sunroof handle occasionally falls off!
Ownership
Did you buy the car new?
Used
Would you buy the same model again?
No
Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?
Yes