1988 BMW 3 Series 318i/A2 review from Australia and New Zealand

General wear-and-tear: brake rotors, tyres, oil/filter servicing.

As a 19-year old I purchased this car on finance. It cost $17,000. At the time I was earning $18,000 per annum. I had to have it, so I sacrificed going out/eating/living for two or three years! This car never cost me money, except for petrol, tyres, servicing etc. Honestly it was faultless. The 318i was a totally excellent car. The only critisism is that the engine was probably a little small for the weight of the car, so it needed to be thrashed to achieve results. Having said that, the handling was fool-proof, and I recieved my first speeding ticket in this car. The Germans just don't build cars this good anymore. I still get teary-eyed every time I see an E30 because, despite the great cars I've had over the years, this is the best car I've ever owned. Would have one again tomorrow - but probably an M3 - or maybe a 325i. If you can find a mint E30 then grab it! The last of BMW's bullet-proof examples.