1999 BMW 3 Series 318i SE 1.9 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Like a glass of water - however fast you drink it, it never tastes of anything

Faults:

Front brake discs disintegrated.

Rear bumper became unhinged over a speed hump.

General Comments:

An appliance. Passionless, funless, also flawless. It annoys me when people stare in envy when I drive past - those folks must never have driven one of the most anodyne motorway sample-carriers ever. I deeply regret choosing this car.

It is slow and has massive flywheel effect.

Perhaps a 330 is fun, but as a 4 pot - awful. Does what it says on the tin - cruises without effort for miles and miles, but don't expect any fun at all. A self drive bus.

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

Review Date: 15th November, 2000

21st Jan 2001, 09:16

Don't worry, unfortunately your comments apply to the 328 also. Must be *very* annoying after having owned an Impreza Turbo.

Your comments are spot on.

21st Feb 2001, 07:01

Yeah, I've got a 323i - nice engine, absolutely loads of grip but pretty anodyne and the interior is so boring. Almost too good to be fun. Overpriced also. And why do BMW feel the need to fit that fuel consumption 'guilt' needle which goes quite literally off the bottom of the scale when you accelerate?!

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1999 BMW 3 Series 323i SE 2.5 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Bavarian autobahn stormer

Faults:

Outside air temp erroneously read between -40 C and -23 C whenever it got wet. This appeared to play havoc with the climate control. If the car thought it was really cold outside it wanted to heat your feet no matter what temp the aircon was set for.

General Comments:

Fantastic. Love it. It's a really great car. Quick and quiet. Handling is a little wallowy compared to E36 3 Series but it's not bad. Roadholding and manners are exemplary.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th May, 2000

1999 BMW 3 Series 318i SE 1.9 petrol from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Nearside front door lock has failed twice in first 4,000 miles.

Annoying rattle in dash about to be fixed.

Nothing else.

General Comments:

True luxury. Outstanding economy 37 mpg average and never less than 30 mpg even hacking it. Add very low depreciation and you have good value.

More power wouldn't go amiss.

Very happy, but, knowing what I know now I would pay a bit more for the 323.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th July, 1999

6th Jan 2001, 19:01

You must tell me your secret, I never get better than 23mpg in urban use out of mine!

3rd Apr 2001, 14:23

I was the original poster for this 318i.

Now replaced with a Freelander, but I never got below 30 mpg, although it was used weekends and longer journeys rather than local.

Expanding family required a bigger boot, but BMW make superb cars (and Freelander engines).