2002 BMW 3 Series 318Ci 2.0 petrol
Summary:
A poor car with an unjustified image
Faults:
Starter motor (under guarantee).
Rear wheel or differential bearing (~20,000 miles).
Ignition coils all changed by dealer free of charge (~30,000 miles).
Coil failure, (45,000 miles).
Interior mirror fell off windscreen, only fix is a new windscreen (60,000 miles).
Vacuum pump, resulting in no brakes (65,000 miles).
Drivers side electric window switch (70,000 miles).
Coil failure, (77,000 miles).
Coil failure, (78,000 miles).
Front suspension bushes, car failed National Car Test, (78,700 miles).
Bump stop rubbers front need to be replaced + gaiters over shock absorber rods front and rear.
Air-bag light on, seems to be a problem with the "wiring or sensor" on the passenger seat.
General Comments:
Excellent handling and comfortable to drive.
Not too bad on fuel on long journeys.
Jerky and hesitant on acceleration almost all the time.
Traction control too enthusiastic, this cuts the power just when you need it, i.e. pulling away
Reliability and cost of repair very disappointing.
My previous car, a Volvo S40 turbo, was a lot quicker and gave NO trouble over 90,000 miles, other than the battery, which was replaced under guarantee.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 21st July, 2008
8th Jul 2009, 17:44
Well I wrote the original piece so this is an update:
My 318Ci ran OK for the last 7000 miles, but now at 85,000 miles the timing "slipped" due to the camshaft tensioning system disintegrating, allowing the chain to go slack and jump teeth on the camshaft sprockets.
The camshaft chain tensioning system is plastic - just great!
The car is still under repair and it is unknown at present if any valves have been bent.
Repairs will cost a small fortune, and if I have bent valves, a big fortune.