BMW 3-Series Saloon 318i SE 4d (98) (1999/V) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
-
Economy
Value
Bought before recent price drops and specification improvements.
Costs
Servicing and fuel economy reasonable. Relatively high depreciation caused by UK price reductions on new cars.
-
On the road
Driving
Excellent handling (especially with the optional sports suspension), but be careful in the wet as ASC cannot react quickly enough if you overcook it.
Performance
The new Valvetronic engine should boost performance as the old 1.9 was a bit tepid.
-
Living with it
Reliability
Broke down twice in a fortnight due to the failure of sensors in the engine.
Image
Getting a bit common now.
Comfort
Roomy with good seats, though the offset pedals don't suit everyone.
-
Security and Service
Security
Like a bank vault.
Service
Misdiagnosis of original engine fault by the BMW Emergency Service technician caused problem to recur within a week. Local dealership excellent.
-
Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
Thermostat failed. Camshaft sensors failed causing poor starting and erratic running.
Other
Squeaky driver's door window.
Ownership
Did you buy the car new?
New
Would you buy the same model again?
No
Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?
Yes