1996 BMW 3 Series 316i SE 1.6i

Summary:

The 316 can be thirsty due to its weight, but it's comfortable and nippy

Faults:

OK generally this car has been excellent; common problem is the driver's seat wears on the door side, due to getting in and out. Can't be helped.

Had to have the head gasket replaced at about 80+k, but that was my fault, forgot to check the water level on a return leg of a long journey. Dealer wanted £90 an hour plus parts to replace the head gasket, and quoted more than £900.

I found a specialist BMW garage who gave the car a service, MOT and replaced the head gasket for £600.

Another common problem is the wiring from the cabin through to the boot-lid; opening and closing this causes the wires in the loom to bend and eventually they snap internally. So rather than re-loom the car (I didn't even ask the price from the dealer), I inserted a new set of wiring from inside the boot-lid grommet to the rear wing grommet. This problem was found when it failed the MOT on a number plate light out.

The only other problem I've had is the remote for the central locking/alarm, doesn't always work. I don't know if they re-tune the remote or what, but at the moment my alarm isn't always on.

General Comments:

Overall opinion is I will buy another, but the 1600 engine is a little weak for the heavy car; next one will be a 318 or 320.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th September, 2007

11th Sep 2007, 08:49

How can you call the 316 nippy, its sluggish and gets left behind by corsas, saxos, etc.

11th Sep 2007, 17:15

Add Nissan Micra 1.3 to that list!

12th Sep 2007, 09:18

Also add fiat punto 1.2 to that list.

In reply to 11th Sep 2007, 08:49

7th Oct 2011, 18:54

316i sluggish; what, and Corsas and Saxos aren't, wow.

A normal Saxo would manage 0-100k in 13-14 seconds if you're lucky.

And the Punto would barely get off the line due to the Italian's legendary reliability.

1996 BMW 3 Series SE 318i

Summary:

Very over rated rip off!

Faults:

Thermostat failed.

Alternator bearing failed.

Electrical gremlins.

02 sensor failed.

Radiator leaked.

Could not get handbrake to work properly after lots of attempts from my local garage.

General Comments:

Boring cabin lots of road and wind noise.

Driving position is very good.

Acceleration and handling very disappointing.

These are a very over rated unreliable expensive to run cars.

It's cost me hundreds just to keep on the road with ripoff costs for parts from dealers.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 14th May, 2007

1996 BMW 3 Series 316i 1.6 petrol 4 cylindar

Summary:

Cheaper than a new 3, more economical, and better.

Faults:

Apart from slight tear in the center console, this is a reliable, well made German saloon. The heating is the only real trouble; it overheats at any given minute despite the small 1.6 litre engine.

General Comments:

My model is a 1.6, I know that sounds like it's going to be life-less, but trust me, the 1.6 is possibly the best engine in this range.

So far it's never needed anything new, but it's way past it's original warranty, so if it did, I'm in trouble.

My only real complaint is the firm ride, but that compensates for much better handling.

It is, despite the small engine, very fast (the speedometer reads to 160mph!), and actually sounds good.

I would like to see better trim quality, but other than that, one of (if not the) best car I have ever owned, driven, ridden in etc.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th November, 2006

24th Sep 2007, 16:20

It may say 160 although it won't do it lol, although yeah good choice of car.

8th Jun 2009, 10:34

Yeah I was also a bit amused at the comment that the speedo reads to 160 mph. :-/ That's totally irrelevant.

9th Jun 2009, 17:35

You can expect 120mph out of the 1.6 engine. I would suggest that the 1.9 16v 140bhp is the best 4 cylinder that BMW made at that time. The larger 6 cylinders are better though, much better. I've had both. Currently have a 328i.

27th Aug 2012, 05:45

Don't want to be a hater - but the 316i isn't a 1.6l engine - it is a 1.8 ;)