Buying a BMW 318 CI ...

Damien. · 23 Jul 2008 at 11:34

Hi,

Well ive just sold my car and with my savings i got enough to get a 318. Ive wanted one for a few years now but before i get one i would like some advice off current or previous owners of one.

When i goto see the car, what do i need to avoid, what does it go like and how economical are they. Also anything else worth mentioning would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance !

[TW]Fox · 23 Jul 2008 at 11:44

A 318 is not a car you 'want for a few years' it is a car you buy if you want a BMW but cannot run to one with a proper engine.

Ok, the later 318i with the 2.0 16v Valvetronic engine isn't actually that bad, but it's a good buy only if you find a bargain. And with people queued around the block to buy low end BMW's it's unlikely you'll find a bargain.

Whats your budget?

peterattheboro · 23 Jul 2008 at 11:48

Fox. Why was the 318 labelled '18' when it's a 2 litre?

[TW]Fox · 23 Jul 2008 at 11:48

Same reason the 323i was a 323i when its a 2.5, or why the current US 328i is a 3.0, or why the current 325i is a 3.0... marketing. The model name has been removed from the engine size for a long time now.

mjt · 23 Jul 2008 at 11:49

bla, beaten

[TW]Fox · 23 Jul 2008 at 11:49

mjt said:
so as not to confuse it with the 6-pot 320

Which was a 2.2

mjt · 23 Jul 2008 at 11:50

not originally

(M52TUB20)

Sone · 23 Jul 2008 at 11:51

[TW]Fox;12143616 said:
Which was a 2.2

ze germans had a e46 320i 2.0

mjt · 23 Jul 2008 at 11:53

indeed, the UK missed out on quite a few engines. the 4l V8 diesel in the E39 was good fun

bmw numbering became more about models in the range rather than actual engine sizes ages ago. the phase 1 e39 523i was in fact a 2.5l, as was the e35 323i, etc..
i haven't a clue what anything is now, but it's all either a 2l or a 3l

peterattheboro · 23 Jul 2008 at 11:54

mjt said:
indeed, the UK missed out on quite a few engines. the 4l V8 diesel in the E39 was good fun

bmw numbering became more about models in the range rather than actual engine sizes ages ago. the phase 1 e39 523i was in fact a 2.5l, as was the e35 323i, etc..
i haven't a clue what anything is now, but it's all either a 2l or a 3l

or 2.5l

[TW]Fox · 23 Jul 2008 at 11:54

Sone said:
ze germans had a e46 320i 2.0

Not at the same time they had a 2.0 318 they didnt

Damien. · 23 Jul 2008 at 11:58

Budget is £7500.

[TW]Fox · 23 Jul 2008 at 12:04

Get a 325Ci.

Damien. · 23 Jul 2008 at 12:15

[TW]Fox;12143755 said:
Get a 325Ci.

Insurance, im only 22 ?

[TW]Fox · 23 Jul 2008 at 12:16

Damien. said:
Insurance, im only 22 ?

So what? I bought my 530i at 22.

Muffin` · 23 Jul 2008 at 12:30

[TW]Fox;12143817 said:
So what? I bought my 530i at 22.

How is that ever a reference? You know that post code can make massive difference for not only allowing a quote to well over 2k difference on V6 Mondeo's.

rG-tom · 23 Jul 2008 at 12:32

i live in a crap postcode and bought a 330i at 20. So insurance at 22 on a 325Ci is gonna be fine.

Muffin` · 23 Jul 2008 at 12:33

I want your postcode

rG-tom · 23 Jul 2008 at 12:34

Muffin` said:
I want your postcode

me or fox? mine is an E rated postcode, so second worst you can get! If i moved to york my insurance would nearly half!

[TW]Fox · 23 Jul 2008 at 12:35

Muffin` said:
How is that ever a reference? You know that post code can make massive difference for not only allowing a quote to well over 2k difference on V6 Mondeo's.

He lives in Haverfordwest. It's not going to attract similar insurnace issues to yourself, living in Manchester.

It's relevant becuase most people assume they cannot insure certain cars without ever bothering to check.