BMW E36 318i?

[davey_boy]

Hi chaps and chapettes

Im a bit of a newbie on here so please bare with. Im 18 and have been driving for around 9 months and was thinking of gettin a BMW E36 318i. Anyone got one? Any opinions?

Positive and negative more than welcome

[bob1179]

A mate of mine had the saloon version. They are not a bad car, will do everything you ask. look out for rust on the older ones, they go around the sill and arches and also around the jacking points. Check for the usual clonking suspension too. The M40 4 cyl engine can be a bit clattery with age and mileage but they are pretty much bullet proof if looked after. They use a cam chain instead of a belt too so that is one less thing to worry about, but again, the chain can become noisy with age.

Have you thought about looking out for an e30 318i (or 318is)? Far cooler looking, lighter, and you can also insure them on a classic policy now.

Worth a punt.

[CommanderJameson]

Great drive, bit slow. But that's probably a good thing for you right now.

[bob1179]

Thought I'd also add that even the 316i and 318i can be a bit tail happy in the wet. It might be a good idea to get some practice or a bit of training in if you are just used to front drivers.

Good car though!

Edited by bob1179 on Tuesday 17th April 13:29

[peaktorque]

bob1179 said:

A mate of mine had the saloon version. They are not a bad car, will do everything you ask. look out for rust on the older ones, they go around the sill and arches and also around the jacking points. Check for the usual clonking suspension too. The M40 4 cyl engine can be a bit clattery with age and mileage but they are pretty much bullet proof if looked after. They use a cam chain instead of a belt too so that is one less thing to worry about, but again, the chain can become noisy with age.

Have you thought about looking out for an e30 318i (or 318is)? Far cooler looking, lighter, and you can also insure them on a classic policy now.

Worth a punt.

The M40 has a belt (up to L reg), the M43 is chain driven (newer and much better)

[davy9449]

If you need any spares mate, I have loads from my 318i as the engine's goosed!

Cracking car when it drove!

Dave