How much does a 316 or 318 cost you???

[Vandad]

Hi Guys,
I am seriously looking for a BMW 316-318 (98-2001) to buy, buy I have no idea that how much a 2nd hand one would cost me. general costs such as oil, filters etc...
Any one can help me???

[CommanderJameson]

Unless you are barred from it, have religious objections or cannot afford the insurance, please - get a 6-pot. The M44 engine is a fine piece of kit, but once you've heard an M52 sing its heart out at 6000, there's no going back.

You can get a really good E36 328i for £4K.

If you're hell-bent on denying yourself such a pleasure, though, the 318i is the one you want. The 316i is woefully underpowered as it runs a detuned version of the same engine, so isn't much more economical.

Regardless of engine, settle for nothing less than a pristine service history (be it dealer or be it specialist, as long as it's complete) and absolutely top spec. On pre-September 98 cars with a 6-cylinder M52 engine, check that the car's had a replacement block due to the Nikasil issue. In the absence of paperwork, you can check with BMW directly if you have the VIN.

There are thousands of these cars out there, so be patient and get a minter.

[Bodo]

I agree with CJ in general, but I think a good service history is more important than the options fitted. As with seven year old cars, little things will start to go wrong, starting with electrics, exhaust, clutch, brakes, etc.

For example, having a manual seat rather than an electric spares you the fear of having it stuck in an impossible position once a little motor or control unit gets buggered.

[MitchT]

I've got a '99 T 318is coupe with FBMWSH and just 36K miles on the clock. Spec is...

Metallic paint (Techno violet)
Sports pack (Front sport seats, M front bumper, M side skirts, M rear apron, M steering wheel, 16" double-spoke alloys, anthricite headlining, clear indicator lenses)
Rear spoiler (M3 type)
Full leather interior (black)
Rear head rests
Front centre arm rest
OBC
3G remote alarm

Book says £4,500 for a basic spec '99 T 318is coupe with average miles. Mine has half the average miles and a lot of extras, as per the list. Quite where that puts its value I don't know.

Not actually looking to sell it but if someone made me a silly offer...

[richburley]

Yes, but when he says 318i or 318i from 1998 to 2001, I'm pretty certain that he means the newer E46 shape, not the E36 shape to which you refer...

[MitchT]

richburley said:

Yes, but when he says 318i or 318i from 1998 to 2001, I'm pretty certain that he means the newer E46 shape, not the E36 shape to which you refer...

Depends if he means a coupe or a saloon. 1998 to 2001 is E46 saloon or E36 coupe (for a 318) although the E46 328 coupe appeared during this period.

[david87M3]

were the later 316 and 318's fitted with the M44 engine that was infact a 1.9?

Maybe be wrong though

6 pot engines are the way to go. However my dads e36 316i was a beauty to drive.

[MitchT]

david87M3 said:

were the later 316 and 318's fitted with the M44 engine that was infact a 1.9?

Maybe be wrong though

6 pot engines are the way to go. However my dads e36 316i was a beauty to drive.

The 318is received the 1.9 ltr M44 engine in 1997 I believe (might have been '96). Mine has it. 140bhp and a nice engine to work with. Obviously not as smooth, grunty or pleasant to listen to as a six-pot, but compensates by allowing for a lighter car - 14kg lighter than an Esprit GT3 in fact, which means you can actually have quite a good time with it if you keep it on the boil. I've really enjoyed seven and a half years with mine and wouldn't bother trading-up unless it was for an M3.

[Vandad]

Hi Again!
Thanks for all of your replies!
Yes I mean the new E46 saloon, and that's why I can't afford to buy a better one! I know the 318i is not as powerful as 325i and does not drive so good therefore, but as I am an idiot I more enjoy than facilities inside the car and a good looking car rather than a good engine!
cheers

[Bodo]

[CommanderJameson]

MitchT said:

david87M3 said:

were the later 316 and 318's fitted with the M44 engine that was infact a 1.9?

Maybe be wrong though

6 pot engines are the way to go. However my dads e36 316i was a beauty to drive.

The 318is received the 1.9 ltr M44 engine in 1997 I believe (might have been '96). Mine has it. 140bhp and a nice engine to work with. Obviously not as smooth, grunty or pleasant to listen to as a six-pot, but compensates by allowing for a lighter car - 14kg lighter than an Esprit GT3 in fact, which means you can actually have quite a good time with it if you keep it on the boil. I've really enjoyed seven and a half years with mine and wouldn't bother trading-up unless it was for an M3.

I think you're right. It's the 140HP version that's in Mrs Jameson's 318ti, and it's a fine engine for a 4-banger.

[MitchT]

Vandad said:

Hi Again!
Thanks for all of your replies!
Yes I mean the new E46 saloon, and that's why I can't afford to buy a better one! I know the 318i is not as powerful as 325i and does not drive so good therefore, but as I am an idiot I more enjoy than facilities inside the car and a good looking car rather than a good engine!
cheers

The E46 318i saloon has a 110bhp engine IIRC. It doesn't have the M44 lump that was fitted to the E36 coupe. The E46 coupe has a different lump to the saloon which develops about 143bhp. Since you're more bothered about spec and price than the engine I'd advise to to head over to www.autotrader.co.uk and do a search. You'll get some idea of prices from that.