Faults:

Differential problem.

Alternator.

General Comments:

When bought new in 1992, the design was fantastic, and after all these years it is still a good looking car.

Handling is good in the dry after lowering and fitting 225/50 R16 with original BMW wheels. Dangerous in the wet however, with a nervous back axle and probably the most twitchy car I ever owned.

Expensive dealer maintenance even for a simple oil change; stopped going there at 118k km and adopted the old BMW maintenance schedule.

Good reliability, except the BMW dealership stopped changing the diff oil and it went pop due to it.

Faults:

Voltage regulator blew.

Interior trim on the doors fell off.

Headliner sagged.

A/C is weak

Automatic locks stopped working.

Window slider clips fell off.

Ignition barrel jammed up.

Electronic instrument pixels burned out.

Rear wheel bearings replaced.

Automatic transmission is slow to respond.

Cooling system is crap (water pump failed, thermostat jammed, radiator cracked).

Eventually the head gasket blew.

General Comments:

Stay clear of high mileage BMW 318is with no service records. I must have spent over $3,000 in repairs over 8 months, and it still ended up at the wreckers. They gave me $200 for it. The cooling system has plastic composite parts, which literally disintegrate over time. The water pump impeller exploded inside the motor. Nothing worked on this vehicle, despite all the repairs. It made me conclude that these vehicles do not go beyond 250K often.

Faults:

Water pump weak.

Headliner sags.

Interior trim looks cheap.

Radio electricals.

General Comments:

I operate six BMW 318i vehicles as part of our "A to B" fleet. Although not as reliable as our Mitsubishi fleet, they certainly make up for it in customer satisfaction in regards to "Road Feel". The BMW still feels tight on the road.

Parts prices can be an issue, but normal wear and tear items cost no more than Japanese models.

The first thing to do when acquiring one of these vehicles (other than roadworthy item inspection) is to recondition the cooling system with a quality water pump, thermostat and coolant.

Faults:

My 1992, 325i convertible is over 20 years old with 178,000 miles. Still great gas mileage!

Just replaced the 3rd muffler, the car is low and speeding over bumps causes pin holes in the muffler, which get loud over time.

Replaced convertible top when the car was under warranty, mistake... the replacement was not properly fitted by the installer the dealer recommended, so the top is no longer air tight, but it looks good and the roof does not leak.

Replaced the back window due to a fold down tear after about 12 years; that cost $300 for such a simple zipper process.

Just replaced the 3rd battery in June 2013.

Water leak since 2003, in the brake light on top of the trunk. Lifting the trunk top allows the water to drain

Re-painted car in 2003, because of a 1993 dent that was neglected.

Corrosion occurring on the driver's side where the wheels are; not noticeable.

Seats held up very well while the car was kept in the garage, but seams are splitting after being kept in the driveway over the last 12 years.

The last 2 years; a slow automatic transmission fluid leak.

The overhead light inside has been out for the past several years

Motor on the automatic top went out in 2002, and the bar that holds the top cracked while lowering the top in frigid weather in 2000. The top can be dropped manually though.

Spend between $600 and $1200 a year on the routine recommended service by an authorized BMW service mechanic.

Never any engine or transmission problems, passes annual city inspections, good emission readings, the A/C works... best car I have, and I rely on this car when my 2003 500 G breaks down, which is too often!

My mechanic says this car is so easy to work on, it even came with its own tool chest.

Love the performance and the way this car still handles. My driving age grandchildren now understand why I still have this car... it is just durable and reliable!

We also have a BMW 1999 5 Series. Obviously it's a great car as well, we still have it, but the steering has not remained as tight as my 325i convertible.

This car is worth every penny I spend, including the yearly service.

General Comments:

Everything about this car is durable and reliable, and continues to perform well after 20 years.