2002 BMW 3 Series 318i Touring SE 2.0 Valvetronic

Summary:

Good car, superb chassis, concept engine destroyed by poor development

Faults:

Front suspension bushes.

Exhaust failure.

Air con fail (condenser).

Heater failure.

Massive oil consumption due to worn valve seals.

Head removed to find piston cylinders disintegrating - engine was scrap.

General Comments:

I've had a variety of issues with this 318i Touring, which was a lovely car to drive and my wife's favourite of her own cars to date. Unfortunately, the glowing reviews seen here and elsewhere for the 2-litre 318i Valvetronic engine are somewhat rose-tinted.

Engine failure is inevitable on these motors due to the poor design and vastly optimistic service intervals. I would advise all parties to steer clear of the 318i versions.

Fortunately, I have a workshop and the wherewithal to sort this by engine transplant, which is my next job for the winter - I've bought a 320 with rusty bodywork to swap the running gear over - but it's far better to buy a reliable 320 or 325 from the start. The E46 BMW Tourings are good cars as long as you avoid the diesel engines and the four-cylinder petrols.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th October, 2014

7th Feb 2015, 23:49

Why? What exactly is wrong with this engine? Timing chain tensioner needs to be replaced and it does spring the odd oil leak, but it's otherwise tolerable and performs quite well.

In reply to 7th Feb 2015, 23:49

24th Feb 2015, 14:12

Unfortunately I have found the same with oil consumption. Got mine at the end of last year, and unfortunately didn't notice the blue smoke. It had 117k on the clock with a full service history. I had read of the timing chain issues, but nothing else!

First thing I noticed was the blue smoke when pulling away from the lights, and then the oil light came on. I get under 500 miles for every litre of oil used. Yes there are also some leaks (VCG, Vanos seals), but nothing major. I do have 6 months warranty, but opted to pay for a garage to replace the CCV (breather system) as this is a common issue which cost nearly £400 (assuming if bigger issues arise I could use the warranty). This made no difference to the blue smoke or oil loss, so I reported it to the warranty company. I won't bore with the headache there, but 6 months down the line it is not sorted due to my reluctance to approve stripping down the engine at my own 'risk'. The specialist seemed to think valve seals are the likely culprit and rings less likely, but I can't risk it so am stuck with a car heading for its MOT next month, which I am sure it will fail. This is my first BMW and I now learn it's not the best engine they have built, but it's a shame; a great looking and driving car, even 17 years after its design.

2002 BMW 3 Series 325 M Sport convertible

Faults:

Failed to start (one occasion).

Front bushes worn (general wear and tear).

General Comments:

Equipment in the car is to a very high level; electric heated seats, climate control, auto anti dazzle mirror, rear park sensors, multi function steering wheel, cruise control, electric roof etc.

Not much room for those unfortunate enough to be in the rear of the car, but if they are in the rear I guess they are not as important as those in the front (I'm joking).

The back end is very light when pushed; it's stepped out on me a couple of times in the wet.

Ride is fairly comfortable, as best 18 inch wheels with low profile tyres, can be.

The car is relatively fast, but it's never going to set the world on fire; it's a heavy convertible with an auto gearbox.

Fuel consumption is averaging 26.7 MPG (not that I am counting).

Obviously best when the roof is down, turns into a different car when the sun is out. In the dry it handles extremely well and has a sure-footedness that is difficult to find in a lot of other cars. The car still looks good and is always commented on about how nice it is. Orient blue metallic with black leather and blue hood; a nice combination to my mind.

In general, the car is well built, has a good level of equipment, good standard ICE, smooth gearbox, relatively quick, nice tone to the engine, slightly thirsty, but be careful in the wet, the difference in performance from dry to wet is almost staggering.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th December, 2013