BMW 3 Series 318i E46 Saloon Reviews

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BMW 3 Series 318i E46 Saloon
3.7 stars
Average rating for this product is: 3.7 out of 5

From 25 ratings and 24 reviews

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Average Ratings for BMW 3 Series 318i E46 Saloon

  • Performance3.6 stars
  • Practicality3.8 stars
  • Reliability4.1 stars
  • Value for Money3.6 stars
  • Reviewer Ratings4 stars
  • Overall Rating3.7 stars

24 Reviews For BMW 3 Series 318i E46 Saloon

  • Guest 22nd Oct 2009

    Reviewer rating: 4 stars


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    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.

  • Guest 6th Oct 2009

    Reviewer rating: 2 stars


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    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

  • Guest 3rd Mar 2009

    Reviewer rating: 3.5 stars


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    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

  • Guest 24th Feb 2009

    Reviewer rating: 4.5 stars


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    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.

  • Dennis Gill 13th Nov 2008

    Reviewer rating: 4 stars


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    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.

  • amisoft 1st Sep 2008

    Reviewer rating: 4.5 stars


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    The quality of manufacture is good, the car is stable on the road and reliable to overpass other vehicles.

  • Guest 10th Jul 2008

    Reviewer rating: 4.5 stars


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    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).

  • turbo1 7th Jun 2008

    Reviewer rating: 4.5 stars


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    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!

  • Guest 12th Mar 2008

    Reviewer rating: 4 stars


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    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.

  • robirish72 6th Mar 2008

    Reviewer rating: 4 stars


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    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 WILL ...

  • jgv1205 Rank: Lance Corporal 11th Feb 2008

    Reviewer rating: 4 stars


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    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 the ...

  • jassisekhon 22nd Dec 2007

    Reviewer rating: 4.5 stars


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    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.

  • mark1984 1st May 2007

    Reviewer rating: 4.5 stars


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    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.

  • cdc281275 Rank: Lance Corporal 15th Nov 2005

    Reviewer rating: 4.5 stars


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    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 so ...

  • ian betsho 1st Jul 2005

    Reviewer rating: 3.5 stars


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    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.

  • Sanj 8th Aug 2004

    Reviewer rating: 4 stars


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    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) Opt fo ...

  • alexanda 11th Feb 2004

    Reviewer rating: 4.5 stars


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    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!!

  • Crispy. 6th Jun 2003

    Reviewer rating: 3.5 stars


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    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.

  • Mr Hughes. 24th Sep 2002

    Reviewer rating: 4 stars


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    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 !!.

  • Andy. 23rd Jun 2002

    Reviewer rating: 3 stars


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    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" noise h ...