BMW 3-Series Saloon 318i Lux 2d (1990/G) Owner Review
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Economy
Value
Great all-round car if you can find a good one, which is getting very difficult. Older abused examples are looking very tatty indeed.
Costs
Servicing is simple and can be done by home mechanic. Parts fairly cheap from specialists. Many are now in breakers yards so there are plenty of spare parts around that would otherwise cost you dear from BMW.
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On the road
Driving
Underpowered for its weight, but engine is powerful in light of its age. Handling is very good if sports suspension was fitted. A real 'drivers car' - just an engine with a gearbox, and brakes - no farting about with fancy electrical gizmo's.
Performance
Sluggish, but will sit at 90 on the motorway quite happily once its got there.
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Living with it
Reliability
Excellent. Is yet to let me down.
Image
Original examples with good bodywork still look great when polished up. However, the classic BMW driver stereotype still haunts it even at this old age. Make sure you use your indicators and you won't get branded with the E39 drivers
Comfort
Interior build quality is mostly good, seats are confortable, although leg-room in the back is very limited. Excellent visibility.
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Security and Service
Security
Very good. Most lux's come with the 'anti-theft device' - deadlocks basically.
Service
Rarely dealt with BMW dealerships, but when I did service was very good. A parts desk even gave me advice over the phone while i was in a breakers yard, knowing full well I wouldn't be buying anything from them!
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
Hydraulic tappets can get noisy on high mileage cars. Had to get head re-built to cure this, but was well worth it. Should do up to 200k+ now.
Other
Some electronics can fail, but are easily fixed if you know what you're doing.
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