BMW 3-Series Saloon (1983 - 1992) 318i S 2d (1990/H) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

I enjoy driving and like to think differently.

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

Mainly have a positive reaction. Most like the looks. Deffinately doesn't have the negative connertations associated with newer BMWs.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Another one may not give me the same hassle this one has, but I will always associate that model as the car that sat on my drive for months with the engine in pieces. With this in mind I will probably buy something else.

What are you likely to buy next?

Alfa Romeo 156, possibly a Mercedes 190e 2.5 16.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£850

When did you buy the car?

August 2007

Did you get a good deal and why?

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

What was the dealer like?

What's it like to drive?

Handles exceptionally well. Takes corners very flat, and nicely kicks the tail out if you put the power down on the way out. However isn't that exciting until you get nearer the limit, and given the handling is very good reaching the limit involves driving disconcertingly fast through the corners. Very competant on the motorway, even if the fuel consumption gauge is a bit distracting when you decide what speed to cruise at. Suspension is fairly firm but not jarring. The car is easy to drive around town as the steering is light and it isn't particularly big for a saloon.

What's it like to park?

Fairly easy, small boot spoiler ensures you know how far back you can reverse before hiting anything and all round visibility is good.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Yes. After a very short time blew a head gasket, leaving me stranded with alot of steam coming from the bonnet. Unfortunately it turned out the cylinder head was in a very bad way so the gasket could not be simply replaced. Valves were also hit hard, two are chipped and the others all need replacing. Cylinder head needs to be machined before it can be put back on the road, this would be uneconomical to repair if I didn't know a machinist to do it for free.

What's most practical about your car?

The boot is a fairly decent size, but the rear seats do not fold down. Plenty of space inside for 4 people and probably the biggest glovebox the world has ever seen.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Fairly sparse in terms of equipment, but the electric sun roof is a nice feature when the weather's good.