1984 BMW 3 Series 318i 4 cylinder from North America

Summary:

A short-lived vehicle

Faults:

Alternator.

Radiator.

Brakes.

Battery.

Driver's seat is very worn out.

Computer system.

AC and CC went out.

General Comments:

This car has just died and I am looking for a new car. It has 140K on it now and should have lasted much longer.

I've had so many problems with this car.

It completely lacks power and has ever since I got it. I'm struggling to make it up hills on the freeway. It is embarrassing.

I think this must have been the worst model BMW made because I expected it to last a long time with few problems.

The cost to fix it isn't so bad, it is the number of times you need to fix it that is so bad and really empties your wallet.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 17th August, 2002

13th Sep 2002, 01:54

I first suspected that you had an automatic by the 'gutless' comments, but it's suprising you've experienced this with a manual. Having said that it is quite a heavy car. I just sold my '85 318i after 5 years of bliss. I'm struggling to think of the biggest problem I had with it - there simply weren't any. It was no fireball, but then being designed for German autobahns you could certainly reach a respectable speed in comfort and safety. It was also supremely reliable, very practical, and impressed the pants off chicks (yes literally)!! Good thing most of them don't realise a 318i is nearer the bottom of the 3-Series food chain...

In reply to 13th Sep 2002, 01:54

31st Aug 2014, 05:47

Agreed on every account! Mine is an automatic with close to 350K miles, and I wouldn't sell it for the world!

1984 BMW 3 Series 315 1.6 from Netherlands

Summary:

A high comfort low budget cruiser

Faults:

The clutch help-cylinder broke down.

There was a leak near the back-right wheel in the brake-fluid-system.

Seats have started to wear badly.

Engine starts difficult in cold weather. The automatic choke starts working too late, but when it works, it works fine!

General Comments:

When you start driving a BMW, you'll never want another brand. I've driven almost any car for my work with a leasing company, but my own old 315 is the one I really love driving! If only the gas-prices would drop...

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th January, 2002

1984 BMW 3 Series 325e 2.7 straight 6, gas from North America

Summary:

Great drive, fun car

Faults:

Nothing "went wrong" that wasn't already there when I bought it, the previous owner didn't take good care of it.

General Comments:

Very good acceleration, the engine is incredible. Still runs perfectly after all those years, doesn't burn or leak oil.

A very fun car to drive, a good performer.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th May, 2001

1984 BMW 3 Series 323i 2.3 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Great car for the money

Faults:

Gearbox failed.

Wipers.

Minor electrical problems.

Driver's seat broke.

General Comments:

Very limited rear legroom.

High consumption in town.

Great performance, great feel for a 16 year old car, bulletproof engine.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th November, 2000