BMW 3 Series 318 Ci 2002 Review

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BMW 3 Series 318 Ci 2002
3.7 stars
Average rating for this product is: 3.7 out of 5

From 10 ratings and 13 reviews

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mgarvey's Review of BMW 3 Series 318 Ci 2002

12th Jun 2004

Overall Rating

4.5 stars
  • Value for money
    4 stars
  • Length of ownership
    2 years
  • Practicality
    4.5 stars
  • Year Manufactured
    2002
  • Performance
    4 stars
  • Reliability
    5 stars
Good Points

Excellent handling, reasonable economy, good build quality, smooth and willing engine.


Bad Points

Slightly lacking in low-down torque, leather seats have worn surprisingly quickly.


General Comments

I bought the BMW 3 Series 318 Ci , which has the 143bhp 2.0 engine, to replace a VW Golf GTI. The car was a revelation to drive once I had got used to its very responsive handling, which made the car seem 'twitchy' at first but feels balanced and communicative when you get used to it. This car corners like it is on rails and inspires great confidence.

Build quality is also very good - nothing of note has gone wrong in 45k miles of ownership and the smooth 2.0 engine just gets better with age. It now gives over 35mpg on 17" alloys and I don't drive it gently. The leather part of my half-leather sports seats seems to be wearing very quickly, however, and I suspect they will have worn through within another year or so.

Beyond this, my only real gripes are the lack of a cupholder, and the engine's gutlessness below 2000rpm. Come out of a roundabout in 3rd/4th gear, or hit a gradient/try to overtake doing less than 60mph in 5th and you can be embarrassed by how long it takes to get going. Good job the gearchange is slick and positive.

Some people dislike the offset pedals on RHD cars, but you get used to them.

Dealer service is okay but not exceptional; when the dealer told me I had to insure my own courtesy car I was gobsmacked!

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