1984 BMW 3 Series 318i review from North America
"If I ever wear it out I'll go looking for a 325"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Replaced seats
Recharged A/C, fixed bracket bushing
Replaced taillight seals, one front control arm and drive line flex joint
Repaired driver's side door check strap
Re-bushed shifter linkage
Replaced shocks and brakes.
General comments?
This car had been neglected by the previous owner and was bought for very little money. The engine and transmission are in excellent shape. With new brakes and shocks it handles very precisely and is a lot of fun to drive. The four-cylinder engine is adequate with the 5-speed transmission and gives 35 miles per gallon or better cruising at interstate highway speeds. Mine is an early '84 with slightly taller gearing than later models.
It's a well-built car and has been cheap to run once it was back in good mechanical condition.
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 2002 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.8 Manual |
| Performance marks | 6/10 |
| Reliability marks | 8/10 |
| Comfort marks | 7/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 8/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 5/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 147000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 154000 miles |
| Previous car | Volkswagen Jetta |
| Date of Entry | 9th December, 2003 |