1991 BMW 3 Series 318i e30 Touring 1.8 from UK and Ireland
Summary:
Not a disposable car, a real car
Faults:
Camshaft had to be changed, as because the car was used in a secondary residence, the oil clogged up the oil spray tube above the camshaft.
Exhaust down pipe had to be changed for the MOT.
General Comments:
Nice car to drive on a daily basis, handles really well, you know what's happening.
The 318i is not a rocket, but it goes all right for a 1.8L.
You know that you're in a BMW when you start to hit 60-70mph. 3rd, 4th and 5th gears are the most impressive, like any BMW.
Stable at speed; it feels and is rock solid. The good old German build quality, not like the disposable cars of nowadays...
It will last for ages as long as you maintain it properly.
Parts are quite cheap if you know where to look for them (i.e. BMW specialists, not dealers), and it is easy to work on, as everything is accessible.
Fuel economy isn't the best in its class, but it is well worth that little extra for the pleasure of driving it. On motorways and A-roads, you can expect 40mpg, and in town, depending how you drive, 20-30mpg.
I would recommend a BMW e30 to anyone, providing it has good service history (like any car).
Just a nice honest car with the right amount of electronics, which is becoming a classic.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 4th July, 2007
21st Jun 2006, 09:17
You have a fair amount of miles on your e30, but I can strongly assure you, that with the repairs and maintenance you have completed on your car, you won't have to do much more over the next 3-4 years! Trust me, I've owned 2 e30's so far... the only one I have to aspire to is a mint m3 e30!
You may have to open up the motor in the next 20-30k miles to replace the timing chain (if it hasn't been done yet).
Happy motoring!