BMW 3 Series 318i E46 Saloon Reviews
Latest Reviews
★★★★★
“Wonderfully awseome car!”
Written on: 28/01/2013
Was origionally unsure about buying a BMW. I have always driven old bombs and my partner has always talked about wanting a bmw, and after much deliberation, we decided to start looking for one. We both liked the look of the 318 I. We came across ours on the internet after a long search, a bottle green BMW 318 I and what can I say, as soon as I clicked on the picture to look at it I knew I had to make it ours. What I liked about this car was that it looked like a family car strait away. It... (read more)
★★★★★
“BMW unreal”
Written on: 29/12/2012 by salsburns (6 reviews written)
What an unbelievable car - BMW makes the bet vehicle out there - well put together and designed. I would suggest going out and test driving this machine. When you get in it you will want to buy one. Great feel to the road and the unbelievable interior is like being in luxury all the time (read more)
★★★★☆
“Nice car”
Written on: 30/10/2012 by Mechanic63 (1 review written)
we just bought a 2004 318i E46 Sport. I'd have to say after reading reviews here & on other sites i had mixed feelings about buying the Beemer, that was until we found the car we ended up buying & actually bought it after driving it. bmw must have improved build quality from it's earlier model E46's, as i haven't heard any creaks or say that there is anything of poor fittment. it is amazingly quiet, stereo is good, handling is great & makes a winding road a lot of fun. it is comfortable &... (read more)
★★★★☆
“Great, but highly-strung”
Written on: 15/05/2012 by rogerzilla (4 reviews written)
You don't buy a BMW for reliability and the E46 is distinctly average in this respect. However, it looks good (much better than the succeeding E90) and performance and handling are superb. Much of the money seems to have been spent on the interior, with some ingenious storage spaces on the Touring model. Watch for diesel engines ingesting their inlet manifold swirl flaps - shamefully, BMW never issued a recall although this has written off many engines and turbochargers over the years -... (read more)
★★★★★
“I own a bmw 318i se,,, and i have owned bmw's for...”
Written on: 09/12/2010
I own a bmw 318i se,,, and i have owned bmw's for almost all my driving years and these cars are by far the best to drive... Many people think this particular type and year of manufacture is a 1.8l engine but this is not true in actual fact its a 2.0l engine but registered as 1.8l so you are actually getting more power and value for money... (read more)
★★★★☆
“I bought this BMW 318i 2003, done only 41000 klms.,...”
Written on: 22/07/2010
I bought this BMW 318i 2003, done only 41000 klms., pre-owned in Japan, on a hunch, from search on auto websites. It is designed to give the maximum luxury feel and drives like a dream. I read up the owners manual later and was surprised at the features like the in built computer that tells you when to service the car, average fuel consumption-average speed, klms covered in the just finished drive, besides clock and outside temperature. The dashboard has icons to cover any fault or needs... (read more)
★★★★☆
“I don't know what people are on about with this car,...”
Written on: 21/02/2010
I don't know what people are on about with this car, its either theyve never owned a car before or they're smoking something!!! Ive had my 98 BMW E46 318i for 6 months now, had some problems with it but they all got fixed. And for a 4 Cylinder car, this vehicle has AWESOME powerm thus the 5 star power rating. My baby keeps up with 200kw 6 Cylinders no prob at 100+, she accelerates better than some, althought admittedly the pickup from 0-100 can be slow at times. She handles like a... (read more)
★★★★☆
“power is not bad for a 1.8 liter engine, the driving...”
Written on: 07/12/2009
power is not bad for a 1.8 liter engine, the driving experience is good this is not a boring car. handling is rubbish, the cars behind will keep on letting go and the car is tricky to drive fast. overall fun but relatively slow. (read more)
★★☆☆☆
“I think this is bulsh.. car,have it for 2 years...”
Written on: 04/12/2009 by STEELWAYS (1 review written)
I think this is bulsh.. car,have it for 2 years now.The cooling system is c..p,always a water leak somewhere on it.Had to replace the cam sencors in the first 5 months i had it.Not powerfull enough and loosing value to fast.103000kms on the clock,dont think it will last till 200000 though.I never should have bought it and will not recomend to anybody.Waste of money. (read more)
Ashmi817's Response to STEELWAYS's Review
Written on: 17/11/2011
Is your car an import? changes in climate affect the seals (toughens them and breaks) and causes them to leak oil and water.
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★★★★☆
“I have had my BMW 318i E46 now for 2 years and will...”
Written on: 22/10/2009
I have had my BMW 318i E46 now for 2 years and will not go back to any other manufacturer. The mileage is on 98000km and the only problem has been a catalytic converter which had to be replaced which was still covered under motorplan. All in all an excellent car and would recommend to anyone. (read more)
See next 10 reviews
Showing 1 - 10 of 33 Reviews
★★☆☆☆
“it is a lovely car i have a soft top 2004 mtec 318...”
Written on: 06/10/2009
it is a lovely car i have a soft top 2004 mtec 318 .it is not a car you can drive fast .but i have only just turnt 20 2weeks ago so enythink faster would kill on insurens ,.i would recomend that you save your money and get an m3 .... the car is good looking but very vey slow (read more)
★★★★☆
“At 175,000 kms the BMW 3 Series 318i E46 Saloon centre...”
Written on: 03/03/2009
At 175,000 kms the BMW 3 Series 318i E46 Saloon centre bearing and tail shaft universal joints went also 1 wheel bearing reliable Engine, torque, fuel economy (read more)
★★★★★
“The BMW 3 Series 318i E46 Saloon is a very well built...”
Written on: 24/02/2009
The BMW 3 Series 318i E46 Saloon is a very well built car. excellent handling. such a smooth torque engine. very good on fuel ,providing you drive sensibly,its very quiet inside, excellent sound system, and drives as if new every day. Exhaust systems are very expensive. My first bmw e46 2 litre, and I love the car. definately not my last. (read more)
★★★★☆
“This is my first BMW and overall am very pleased with it. ”
Written on: 13/11/2008 by Dennis Gill
This is my first BMW and overall am very pleased with it.
Servicing is a little expensive, but I guest with the extended service periods doesn't work out too bad!
Good points certainly outway the few bad ones.
Still on original battery.
(read more)
★★★★★
“The quality of manufacture is good, the car is stable...”
Written on: 01/09/2008 by amisoft
The quality of manufacture is good, the car is stable on the road and reliable to overpass other vehicles. (read more)
Joeclark's Response to 397179_amisoft's Review
Written on: 06/04/2013
If your BMW parts are expensive, you are buying them from the wrong place!!
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★★★★★
“Overall - excellent rating. Excellent drive....”
Written on: 09/07/2008
Overall - excellent rating. Excellent drive. Considering to other models BMW feels like a part of you. Everthing is on its place. Not flashy - conservative (in a good manner). Excellent engine stats (especially for a 318). (read more)
★★★★★
“The BMW 318i is a truly beautiful car. Having been in...”
Written on: 07/06/2008 by turbo1
The BMW 318i is a truly beautiful car. Having been in the automotive industry (auto body repairs) for many years I never though I would fall in love with a motor vehicle.
Well, theres always the first time!
(read more)
★★★★☆
“This is my first BMW - an 09/2003 318i, 2 Liter 143...”
Written on: 12/03/2008
This is my first BMW - an 09/2003 318i, 2 Liter 143 bhp in metallic silver. I don't think I will ever go back to anything else. I've had Opel, Renault, Citroen and Peugeot - and none of these compares to this car. (read more)
★★★★☆
“This is my first BMW and i am really impressed I don't...”
Written on: 06/03/2008 by robirish72 (1 review written)
This is my first BMW and i am really impressed I don't think i would go for another model. I got the 318i SE Sports British Racing green and fat alloys a 4 door and it looks so sweet and the ride is tight you point it and it go's. Not a real beast but the build and quality is fantastic and it still enjoys a little fun when you toe it... For anyone that has never owned a BMW & heard! if you buy one that has had some love put in to it. you really will be nodding and saying the same thing. YOU... (read more)
★★★★☆
“I bought my BMW 318i E46 during December 2007 and I'm...”
Written on: 11/02/2008 by jgv1205 (1 review written)
I bought my BMW 318i E46 during December 2007 and I'm thus far very impressed. What impressed me the most was the reliability of the engine - I drove about 2000 km in the deadly heat of a South African summer and had the car serviced shortly after during a regular interval. Upon this service they discovered a serious leak in the cooling system, however the car never had any trouble such as overheating or boiling. A few year ago I had a bad experience with a Land Rover overheating and feared... (read more)
See next 10 reviews
Showing 11 - 20 of 33 Reviews
★★★★★
“BMW 3 Series is a great looking car, easy to maintain,...”
Written on: 22/12/2007 by jassisekhon
BMW 3 Series is a great looking car, easy to maintain, drives excellent. sexy interiors, great control and handling. Only bad point is muffler on only one side. (read more)
★★★★★
“Overall the BMW 3 Series 318i E46 Saloon is a very...”
Written on: 30/04/2007 by mark1984
Overall the BMW 3 Series 318i E46 Saloon is a very nice car and very pleased with it so far. The only thing that I can say really annoys me is the creaking coming from front windows. (read more)
★★★★★
“I bought a 2002 BMW 3 Series 318i E46 'face-lift'...”
Written on: 15/11/2005 by cdc281275 (2 reviews written)
I bought a 2002 BMW 3 Series 318i E46 'face-lift' saloon 6 weeks ago. I had a problem with the door seal leaking in bad rain, taking water into the rear foot well, but I got it sorted no problem.
I previously owned VW's (Golfs and a Polo for the wife) due to their reliability and build quality being good, but this BMW is so so much better. It has got me smitten. I don't think I will go back from BMW now. It has grown on me so much. It's 3 years old but feels brand new, and everything is...
(read more)
★★★★☆
“Overall this BMW 3 Series 318i E46 Saloon has not put...”
Written on: 01/07/2005 by ian betsho (1 review written)
Overall this BMW 3 Series 318i E46 Saloon has not put me off buying a 3 series, but thay are not as good as first thought.
The traction control was without doubt the biggest let down, especiallly the fact that it is a safety device.
The only other worry is value for money, a little over priced even when used.
(read more)
★★★★☆
“Own 2002 143bhp 2 litre BMW 3 Series 318i E46 Saloon...”
Written on: 08/08/2004 by Sanj (1 review written)
Own 2002 143bhp 2 litre BMW 3 Series 318i E46 Saloon from new. Significant improvement over old E46 118 bhp unit which was as fast as a combine harvester. New 143 bhp unit could have a bit more low down grunt for city driving but has impeccable performance 70 mph upwards. Excellent handling and ride but slightly notchy gear change. If you de-badge it, add a twin exhaust and 18" rims you could be mistaken for driving a 6 cyl model with half the cost of ownership. (or go for sport version)... (read more)
★★★★★
“I have the facelift model BMW 318i E46 Saloon.. it is...”
Written on: 11/02/2004 by alexanda (1 review written)
I have the facelift model BMW 318i E46 Saloon.. it is a beautiful car and have had no problems with the car at all! it has the upgraded 2.0 litre engine so with 143bhp it makes the car more exciting to drive!!! Overall its a beautiful car and i would recommend it to anyone lookin for FUN!
From,
Alexanda in LEEDS!!
(read more)
★★★★☆
“My first BMW and nearly my last; ”
Written on: 06/06/2003 by Crispy.
My first BMW and nearly my last;
Poor build quality over 70,000 miles. Had problems with, drivers door rubbers creaked and numerous visits to dealer, water pump leaked, boot opened when lights turned off, wheel bearings, trim working loose, heater fan had mind of its own.
Now own Y reg. 320iSE auto and totally different and better car, but needs more power under right foot.
(read more)
115557_Raak.'s Response to 104813_Crispy.'s Review
Written on: 14/07/2003
1. buy "Gummi Pfledge" from BMW dealer to help reducing the creaking noise from driver's window seal
<br>2. The problem with A/C blower can be fixed by replacing the blower motor controller's resistance. It is covered under warranty.
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Hel.'s Response to 104813_Crispy.'s Review
Written on: 31/07/2003
I have an X reg 318iSE. My car also has squeaky windows. I have taken the car to the main dealer 3 times to get the problem resolved without success. They have adjusted the door hinges, fitted new door and window seals and the windows still squeak. I haven't tried Gummi Pfledge yet but have seen it recommended elsewhere. It amazes me that the BMW dealer hadn't seen this problem in other cars before or maybe they had and didn't want to admit it?
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★★★★☆
“The BMW 318i E46 Saloon is a lovely smooth quiet car...”
Written on: 24/09/2002 by Mr Hughes.
The BMW 318i E46 Saloon is a lovely smooth quiet car to drive (mine is the 318i E46 2000/W plate). Performance will not blow your socks off (unless you opt for the larger engined models). I have not encountered any prob's yet. Service intervals have been improved but are still very expensive - if your car is over three years old opt for servicing by independent BMW specialists, same service record stamp, half the price !!. (read more)
Joe Cottrell's Response to Mr Hughes.'s Review
Written on: 29/04/2006
must agree with comments. notchy gear change, underpowered for a 2 litre car, slow to respond when you put your foot down. great ride and looks good.
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★★★☆☆
“When I first got my 2000 BMW 318is I was very happy....”
Written on: 23/06/2002 by Andy.
When I first got my 2000 BMW 318is I was very happy. Then when the initial euphoria passed, I started to pay close attention to the interior build quality. Very disappointing. Plastic seemed to creak and crack whenever the car accelerated or changed direction or when I or passengers shift in the seats. Had the center console (trinket tray to you and me) replaced because it was sooo shody. Windows rattle in their frames (altho' the back ones are fine) and there is a horrid plastic "crack"... (read more)
Suchi35.'s Response to 28990_Andy.'s Review
Written on: 27/01/2003
Right on the money! My 318i/2000 makes all kinds of noises inside the cabin. Very annoying!!
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Stephjp's Response to 28990_Andy.'s Review
Written on: 30/04/2005
Thanks for the info... I curently have a VW Golf and have set my heart on a BMW next! Thought the 318i would be nice enough for me but you (and the other comment) have put me off!! Think I shall take your advice and go for the bigger engine BMW!
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Sisonke's Response to 28990_Andy.'s Review
Written on: 23/02/2009
Was planning on buying a 318i 2003 facelift, not sure anymore these comments are a little concerning.
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★★☆☆☆
“When i could finally afford a new car i went for this...”
Written on: 29/05/2002 by David Andrews.
When i could finally afford a new car i went for this BMW 318 E46 saloon. I wanted the badge etc. Then I found the badge was really not that good. It did not have the grunt to keep up with faster rivals and was looked down on by faster 3 series. The 318 is the bottom of everyone.
However it was a nice car with a good ride. Not bad looks, not as good as Volvo S60.
I continued on with my 318 and found it only had a 4 cylinders - that's why i had not got such a smooth ride, i had felt better...
(read more)
26616_Dantheman.'s Response to 25631_David Andrews.'s Review
Written on: 06/06/2002
If you want a fast car get a rice-rocket, if you want a driver's car get a BMW. If you can't afford a very fast driver's car ie. M3, M5 etc., then blame yourself of not being able to afford it! Why should you be so surprised that it only has 4 cylinders? Didn't you read the sales brochure? Tell me how do you buy a car - "Pardon me sir, but I'll take the blue one. No, I don't need to know the details of the car, I just want a BMW". Are you for real??
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29072_Spoons.'s Response to 25631_David Andrews.'s Review
Written on: 24/06/2002
Didn't know it was a 4 cylinder .... Oh, please. Quite agree with the above...and a Saab....ZZZzzzzzzz good luck!
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34803_Cooties.'s Response to 25631_David Andrews.'s Review
Written on: 26/08/2002
It sounds like you should have bought an IS200 Lexus. About a second quicker to 100km, and much better equipped for the price. BMW should up the standards of the base model I agree. Too many buy it for the badge, and it's worked so far, but will give BMW a bad name with build quality etc. Maybe they should scrap the base model to protect the name.
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Corvenus.'s Response to 25631_David Andrews.'s Review
Written on: 27/10/2002
Yo! I would really like to find out more details about your E46 318. Is it the one with valvetronics and revamp headlamp units? If not, u gonna try the new one with all the above-mentioned improvements including multi-valves and double vanos. It's a totally different car. I think BMW had done a great job at improving the power and transmission smoothness over the old E46 318. Believe me... try it and you'll definitely feel the difference. Its awesome!
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57160_Paco.'s Response to 25631_David Andrews.'s Review
Written on: 10/12/2002
Agree with dantheman and Spoons. You proove having no knowledge of cars at all paying that much and not knowing what's under the hood. Drive a 325i or a 330i and you will find out it's a different car. A 4-cyl. Saab or 5-cyl. Volvo cannot and never will meet the refinement of a straight six BMW. Maybe the IS200 comes close. I only think the upgrade to the 6 cyl. bimmers is overpriced. For that reason you don't see many 6 cyl E46's on Dutch roads (which is a pity).
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67261_Andy.'s Response to 25631_David Andrews.'s Review
Written on: 22/01/2003
BMW scrapping the base model? Whoever wrote that obviously has no clue about other markets, where tax and fuel prices dictate engine size. In the country where the 318i comes from, that's Germany, a European country, the 318i is not "looked down on" by other 3ers.
Also a look at the specifications of the car will tell you its performance capabilities. I find this quite useful if I want to, ooh, I don't know, find out about its performance capabilities.
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Chumley.'s Response to 25631_David Andrews.'s Review
Written on: 16/07/2003
I thought this review was a spoof written for "Our Story" on Radio 1. "We were so in love until I heard other guys in the bar talking about her."
<br>But no, I checked under the bonnet and there are definitely only four cyls. Duh!
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Wattsthis's Response to 25631_David Andrews.'s Review
Written on: 12/08/2003
The 318 is not that quick but buy it for a good reliable, quiet and nice ride (with the wife and kiddie) and yes for the money you have a reasonably spacious, good looking and well designed car. I bought mine new just to serve that purpose. If I had the cash and not the kiddie on board, yes I would opt for something faster in the BMW range. It beats hands down the similarly priced Mercedes which drove like a flimsey tin box designed for old men. The Volvo is classless, ugly and irritatingly heavy to drive. The Audi is nasty and not built to last. Don't like Saab ! and British cars are off to a non-starter in comparison - and I'm a Brit !!!
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Atlau's Response to 25631_David Andrews.'s Review
Written on: 10/08/2004
I bought a 318i 2.0L. It's fantastic. I know it's not a rocket, because I wasn't after a rocket. And yes, I AM after the BMW badge - what does that say about me? I am vain? NO! It means I want to buy a car which drives as THE ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE! Not the FASTEST driving machine, or the DRIVING MACHINE that puts me to sleepppp (Volvo, Saab?!!). The 318i is probably the most important model for BMW, as it allows poor sods like me to be able to afford one. Now that I've owned one, I'll probably upgrade to a 325i next, then a 525i... maybe eventually when I'm president I'll drive a 740iL. Once you've driven one you can't let go. PS: My neighbour across the road owns a Saab 9-5, with PDC, and he still manages to back into our tree on THIS SIDE of the road... IF he owned a BMW He'd care more..
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344964_Marcoalex's Response to 25631_David Andrews.'s Review
Written on: 13/02/2008
I drive a 318d SE (E90). It's doesnt go like a rocket (unlike its twin 320d brother which is fast as YouKnowWhat, in fact almost as fast as a 330d). But it's not a slow car at all, it just takes time to build its power and you dont realise how powerful it is until you accelerate from 70 to 100 mph when it shoves EVERYTHING (I mean all other makes of car) clear off the right lane. It really is ONLY a motorway cruiser and does the job effortlessly with supreme confidence and power that comes with just a little tap on the gas. It's usually awfully slow from about 20 to 50mph.
But in city traffic, A and B- roads and dual carriageways, you'd be better off with a 320d (esp if your intention is the kick these little boys in smaller sports cars).
BUT everything else about the car is faultless, its built to last, it looks good, has the badge, engine is smooth, chassis is mechanically strong, ride quality is magic carpet, noise is well insulated, the on board technology is awesome, and best of all, the car HANDLES BRILLIANTLY. Just a little bit more of power would add the icing to the cake.
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Sam1977's Response to 25631_David Andrews.'s Review
Written on: 30/07/2009
I own a 1999 318i, the 118bhp vers. Its not very fast but is a nice looking car which drives well. I am a BMW man through-and-through and currently own two "weekend machines" - an E39 M5 and an E38 740 Sport. Until recently for work I used an old E34 520 but it was on its last legs with sloppy auto-box etc. I replaced it with the E46 318 as I wanted something that was BMW but which gave decent mpg and was value for money. For what I bought it for its perfect.
<br/>
<br/>You don't buy one of these to keep up with boy-racers, you buy it to get from A to B comfortably and in a nice looking vehicle. Even when I am in the M5 I don't allow myself to get goaded into racing people off traffic lights, unless they are in another M car or something pretty fast, it says a lot about you that would try to race Saxo's etc. in a 318.
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See next 10 reviews
Showing 21 - 30 of 33 Reviews
★★★★☆
“After the BMW 318i E46 Saloon car I will place order...”
Written on: 18/03/2002 by khairi.
After the BMW 318i E46 Saloon car I will place order for 325i (read more)
39622_Mr Hughes.'s Response to khairi.'s Review
Written on: 24/09/2002
Need's to add more information.
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★★★★★
“I bought the car in May, but had problems with the...”
Written on: 21/11/2001 by Gurch.
I bought the car in May, but had problems with the Solid black Paintwork. BMW eventually ordered me a new car, fortunately for me I I got the new new shape in November. Lines are great, the standard Spec on the SE model is brilliant. The mods to the Engine, suspension and body do the car justice. The ride is superb and road noice has been reduced quite considerably. Price I'd say is reasonable too. Watch out Mercedes and Audi. the BMW 3-Series is back. (read more)
6207_Ang.'s Response to Gurch.'s Review
Written on: 24/11/2001
Great stuff, I went out and test drove one the day after your post.........and You were right the ride was absolutely superb......Ordered a 330ci
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9044_Alex Chua.'s Response to Gurch.'s Review
Written on: 10/01/2002
Totally agree, test drove one and put in an order immediately n getting the car in March...cost a bomb though due to the high taxes in Malaysia....car price USD59,200.
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★★★★★
“I had the previous BMW 3 series (318i E36) which was...”
Written on: 04/04/2001 by Nick Short.
I had the previous BMW 3 series (318i E36) which was on sports suspension and was better handling than the updated model. However, I like the refined ride which has improved tremendously. Also, the engine sounds and performs so much better. This car is a must to testdrive. The latest model now has clear indicators and a few extras BMW introduced to avoid dropping their prices last summer.
The car exudes quality but is still overpriced in the UK.
(read more)
Jgv1205's Response to 1285_Nick Short.'s Review
Written on: 18/12/2008
I definitely agree with this review. As a BMW 318i E46 owner myself I would recommend it to anyone. I love to drive the car and it has a gem of an engine which is extremely reliable!
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Patriciacollin's Comment
Written on: 13/04/2013
I also have the same feeling when I am going to buy a new luxury car but it is worth it. Mine is BMW Series 3, a bit consuming in gas but it is a good way to show off with my friends.