BMW 3 Series 318ti Compact SE Reviews

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BMW 3 Series 318ti Compact SE
2.9 stars
Average rating for this product is: 2.9 out of 5

From 8 ratings and 10 reviews

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Average Ratings for BMW 3 Series 318ti Compact SE

  • Performance3.5 stars
  • Practicality3.3 stars
  • Reliability3.5 stars
  • Value for Money3.3 stars
  • Reviewer Ratings3.6 stars
  • Overall Rating3 stars

10 Reviews For BMW 3 Series 318ti Compact SE

  • Guest 20th Oct 2009

    Reviewer rating: 4 stars


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    I have a 1996 one since May and cannot say a bad thing about it, well the radio that came with it wasn't great but i changed it and it was fine then..it is a very nippy and most of all...100% reliable.
    It happens to be my very 1st Car and coudn't ask for a better one...

  • Guest 25th Jun 2009

    Reviewer rating: 4 stars


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    The BMW 3 Series 318ti Compact SE is a great car to own and drive, a bit sluggish but a sexy head-turner. Even I find myself admiring the car after 5 months of ownership.

    After owning a 150i Honda Ballade sedan for 3 years, I'm still quite enjoying the toque pushed out by the compact, if compared. The sunroof, when in a closed position, is great and doesn's whistle even if travelling at high speed. The exhaust purr is also exciting, however, one finds yourself driving after the sound, which dir ...

  • bridget jones 11th Jun 2009

    Reviewer rating: 1.5 stars


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    BMW 3 series 318i compact is generally a good vehicle as I have just owned one until I had an accident in it as the cruise control failed to disengage at 50mph. I know there are many faults that have occurred with the cruise control on BMW's so not alone.

  • Big Dave Midlands Rank: Lieutenant 3rd Jun 2009

    Reviewer rating: 4.5 stars


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    My review is for the whole E46 BMW Compact range.

    Introduction:


    If the E46 coupe is a bit pricey and the Saloon or Touring a bit too big, then welcome to the E46 Compact. Looked down upon by those who are not in the know the E46 Compact is a well kept secret. Essentially replaced by the 1-Series in 2004, The E46 Compact enjoyed a short production run of only three years from 2001 -2004 and for some enthusiasts was replaced prematurely, especially as the new 1 series appeared to be a poorly pa ...

  • Kermiscal 3rd Feb 2008

    Reviewer rating: 4 stars


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    This car was built to last with inexpensive maintanence, but with all BMW's you have to get them serviced regulary and book stamped so no cheating or holding off like other cars.
    This is a brill car for my wife but not for a me.
    After much thought I decided to buy the 318ti for my wife, this is the first BMW I have owned and have to say what a car.
    Air-Con, reverse sensors, airbags CD system etc.
    As for the power well some might say sluggish, but when you have driven boring family cars this is g ...

  • PUL54RGT1R Rank: Corporal 9th Nov 2007

    Reviewer rating: 3.5 stars


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    I've read some of the reviews on the 318ti sorts I read that the vicious coupling broke which caused the head to crack and had to buy a new engine, can someone please tell me what this vicious coupling is and what it does or where it is as I think I should replace mine before I have the same problem many thanks

  • PUL54RGT1R Rank: Corporal 9th Nov 2007

    Reviewer rating: 5 stars


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    I have been reading the reviews it seems the vicious coupling is a common fault on these, I read a review which said the vicious coupling broke and caused his head to crack etc, can someone please tell me what this vicious coupling is and where it is as I think I better replace it to be safe, and is it a big job.

    many thanks

  • twentycrows 2nd Jul 2006

    Reviewer rating: 3.5 stars


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    Overall i would say it was a great drivers car, very nibble, but some more power and an extra gear would be fantastic...

  • adamturnbull1 7th Apr 2005

    Reviewer rating: 1.5 stars


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    When I first bought my BMW 3 Series 318ti Compact SE I thought what a good car it was. Unfortunately, 10,000 mile further on, the viscous coupling broke (which is apparently common in E36 models across the range) without me knowing which in turn blew the radiator and the head gasket. Yes, you've guessed it, this resulted in having to shell out £1200 for an engine just so I could get rid of it. This car also drinks fuel like you wouldn't believe. I would get 250 miles on a tank which cost & ...

  • quiller Rank: Lance Corporal 24th Aug 2004

    Reviewer rating: 4.5 stars


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    I own a BMW 318ti SE Compact 2001 reg (Company car)- new shape model

    Despite being the entry-level series, it provides all the usual BMW qualities - well built, smooth, fast, reliable and satsifying. The finish and fit are really excellent as you'd expect but what surprised me was the refinement of the new 4-cylinder engine range. Although a bit sluggish low down, at motorway speeds it excels and is a comfortable and quick drive. Handling is superbly precise at any speed with very good brakes ...