BMW 3-Series Saloon (1998 - 2005) 318i SE 4d (98) Owner Review

I own a 1999 318i with the older 1.9 M43 engine and despite a small oil leak BMW themselves have given my pride and joy a clean bill of health.

My advice to anyone who is considering on buying one of these: service history, I cannot emphasise this enough. Make sure that whatever model or engine you're going for has a full-service history (or at least a near full-service history). It's imperative that these cars get good servicing and are well looked after with good quality parts and using the correct lubricants. A BMW worth it's weight deserves the best.

Secondly, check the wheel arches for rust or any evidence of rust beginning to appear, this was the first thing I aimed for when scrutinising mine for the first time. So long as those are in good nick, chances are the rest of the bodywork is in good condition also. These cars are notorious for rusting in this particular spot and I would avoid buying one that looks bad.

If you're looking for speed and power, I'd advise going for the six-cylinder variants, such as the M52 or M54 since they have the grunt to get you there in a hurry. The M43 is a pretty bulletproof engine (especially with frequent servicing) but it isn't particularly fast and isn't really suitable for speed demons who love the rush of acceleration. It'll just get you there and back.

As of July 2023, a full tank of petrol will cost around £85-£100, and with town driving you should get a modest 350 miles on the one tank. Tax is a little eye-watering too, but if you've bagged yourself a good specimen then that detail is merely a minor setback.

It is well equipped for a car it's age also, though the early variants do not have ISOFIX points like it's later counterparts do, so be mindful if you have children and need anchor points for their seats as mine in particular doesn't have any.

Along with a tape player, many models have a six-CD multichanger stashed away in the boot for those who own many discs but lack the space to keep them. The climate controls are quite funky especially on a car this age, and the air-conditioning (provided it is topped up well) is very responsive and the cabin does a good job of keeping cool air in especially on those boiling hot days.

All in all I absolutely cannot fault this car. Despite not looking as modern as its newer variants, it holds up well aesthetically and retains a certain charm that quite a lot of cars it's age lack. This car is the best one I've ever owned, and yes I've even owned a Toyota and a Ford.

So if you spot one that looks good to you and ticks all the right boxes, go ahead and give it a go. These cars can be fun to drive and I will never let mine go so long as she is always able to turn a wheel. She's coming up 25 years old, but she has outlived most newer models and has consistently shown her reliability and dependability where others have failed.

Look carefully, choose wisely. But have fun, and enjoy the moment