A high performance star and is perfect in every way
I needed a new steering rack at 110000 miles.
I needed 2 ABS sensors at the same time.
My car has never let me down and goes like the wind.
She is comfortable and handles great.
I use Mobil 1 oil as she has never had any other oil used in her, resulting in the engine being just like new.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 7th January, 2003
Reliable performance bargain
The exhaust fell off at 155000 miles which I replaced with a Scorpion stainless steel system (lifetime warranty and sounds aw-some). Drivers side electric window motor packed in, replaced with second hand one. SI/On board computer gremlins replaced SI board batteries and no further problems.
Factory fitted immobilizer screwed up one time leaving me stranded RAC man sorted it out thankfully. Water ingress into boot, replaced light seals and boot seal, but still getting a damp boot??? Drivers side seat worn easily repaired. Broken rear coil spring picked up at last M.O.T. replaced for £80.
This car has been a bargain as I only paid £1000 for it.
Car was bought with full BMW history.
Wet weather handling leaves a lot to be desired though.
Still holds it head against more newer machinery.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 8th November, 2002
If BMW still made these, I'd buy one from new!
Had used a small amount of water since bought. Developed into a severe failure at 133000 miles - cylinder head defect. Repaired with epoxy resin!
Damaged linkage on carburetor prevented correct idle. Repaired soon after purchase.
Driver's seat fabric wore through at just over 100000 miles.
122000 miles - Fitted Weber replacement carburetor.
126000 miles - changed back to original carburetor!
This has to be the most enjoyable car I've ever owned. Once a few initial problems had been rectified, the car proved itself to be economical and reliable. Fuel consumption was around 36mpg, worst was 32mpg and best was 43mpg.
The Weber carburetor solved an unsteady idle problem, but drive-ability and economy suffered badly. Average fuel consumption went down to 28mpg.
Even though the car had 205-55-VR15 tyres and did not have power steering, the steering was incredibly light and precise. Driving any car with power steering after driving the 316 felt like the steering coupling was made of elastic!
Servicing: You can service these yourself - use a good quality oil and the engine just won't wear. The cylinder honing marks were still visible on mine at 133000 miles!
Be aware that most mechanics don't understand the 2BE electronic carburetor on this model.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 9th August, 2002
358,000 miles ain't bad!
Nothing really, just general wear and tear.
I'm not lying about the mileage, it's the same engine, she is serviced every 6 months.
Very reliable, drinks quite a lot of fuel. FAST to drive.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 22nd September, 2001
Very good car, gets from A-B FAST
Nothing yet touch wood.
Very fun car to drive, annoys younger Vauxhall Astra and Nova drivers as I pull away from them with great speed. As the car has been tuned to produce a much better 210BHP, they wonder what the hell is under the bonnet.
You should see some of their faces.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 31st March, 2001
You seem to like this car. Why did you give it a poor rating?
Well good on you for tuning it up, but what spec engine do they have? 2.0 16v? Oh you should see the faces of some BMW drivers as I pull away from them in my Impreza! Then again, unless its an M its not a threat.
Rear drums.
Throttle cable.
Drivers seat worn badly.
Electric window motor.
Battery.
The car still has heaps of street cred even though it's quite old now and the ladies love em!
The car tended to slide in the wet weather (spun it 360' at a wet roundabout), but 17 inch alloys, fat rubber and lowering it soon sorted that out.
The car has more power than I expected it to and the rear wheel drive is great fun, but it's no M3 and I bought the car with the faults above so I can't complain.
I was thinking of selling it but as I'm 18 and insurance being what it is it's well worth keeping!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 9th March, 2001
Hi mate. I have just got a 1985 318i auto, and I'm 18 too. Whats your insurance like.
Have also added Webber carb to my 316 and sports filter which made a lot of difference to performance. Once the car got going didn't notice that much difference between it and a Clio 16v. Added GMAX suspension which improved handling, but had to much trouble keeping facing the right way in the wet after that so sold it.
9th Dec 2004, 13:24
Is the car still running? What's the mileage on it, now? Has it hit 400,000 miles yet?