2009 BMW 3 Series 318i SE 2.0 petrol
Summary:
Not bad at all
Faults:
Nothing while I have had it, but I have owned it less than a year. Has full history and there are some expensive repair bills listed in there, but looks like a well looked after car that has given no major problems besides the wear and tear expected of age and mileage.
General Comments:
318i SE saloon model in silver, very smart looking car with original alloy wheels.
Bought this as a daily driver and it has not disappointed me in any way - very nice to drive, handles very well, gear change is smooth, and the petrol engine pulls very fast when you need it while averaging 43 - 44 mpg.
For this fairly basic model, tax and insurance are reasonable, but be aware with these cars repairs are expensive. As a lot of people always say, look out a good independent garage, BMW main dealers are very expensive for servicing and repairs.
Interior is very comfortable, not quite as spacious as I thought it would be, but suits me just fine as I usually drive on my own.
For a 2009 car it is getting on a bit, but I see myself keeping this one for a few years to come, has been a great car so far, and still feels very modern. Buy nothing less than a full history looked after car and you will enjoy it.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 31st August, 2022
29th Sep 2023, 20:07
You're still lucky. I have a 320i automatic, same year, I only manage 10 km/L (around 28 MPG Imp.). My previous BMW was a manual that got to around 11 km/L (31 MPG Imp.). The best I ever got from the 320i auto was 14 km/L (37 MPG Imp) on a long, out of town trip 600 km away, with the air conditioning on. If it weren't so hilly, in parts I averaged 16 km/L (45 MPG imp.) But anytime you have stop-and go, or hills driving at urban speeds, the fuel economy drops immediately.
30th Sep 2023, 23:15
True, I had a 318i manual transmission years ago. Did 32 - 34 mpg at best in realistic driving conditions (barely getting out of 3rd or 4th gear in busy stop start traffic). Average mpg from manufacturers stats said 38 - 41mpg on average, this was possible but only on an endless motorway at 60 - 70 mph long distance cruising with light/no traffic. Pretty good for a 1990s petrol engine actually.
Friend of mine had a mid 2000's diesel 320d, very fast and regularly managed 50 mpg, but again would drop to 40 or even into the 30s mpg (very poor mpg for any diesel) in heavy traffic.
I always advise people that whatever car they buy, to expect a few mpg less than the stated mpg average figure, realistically. But it is very possible for a good driver to get the average or even slightly better than average mpg depending on the roads where they live. Also most trip computers are accurate, but you are better working out the averages yourself to be sure.
29th Sep 2023, 16:41
I'm only getting 37 mpg out of mine, you must drive at 50 mph everywhere to get over 40 mpg from a petrol 3 series!