2000 BMW 3 Series 318i SE from UK and Ireland - Comments

I have a 2000 323i, I and all my friends have all fallen in love with it. it has had normal maintenance done and I broke out the window and had that re done, but other than that the car runs great lights all work. rides alittle rought, but that's because I have 19 inch rims with low profile tires. Everyone I know that has a bmw is completely happy with the car and the dealerships service. sorry you might have gotten a not very good one, but don't lose hope. represent the BMW for life.

I have read the postings here and am kinda laughing! The 3 series has been the benchmark car in its class for eons. The original posting is total and utter rubbish! The 3 series BMW, while not perfect, is a very high quality, well made car. Bits and pieces just DO NOT fall off and they wear well to very high mileages. This is quite unlike Citroen (ahem) and Alfa Romeos (ahem, ahem, AMEN!). The handling on the initial E46 ('98 - '01) was not as sharp as it should have been, but this was hugely improved with the '02 cars onwards. However it is still pretty good! Again, the earlier 316 and 318 (1890cc) models were very mediocre engines in terms of refinement, performance and economy. These were replaced in '02; the 316 with an excellent 1.8 litre unit and the 318 with an equally excellent 2.0 litre unit. Also the earlier E46 2.0 136bhp diesel was sluggish, the later 150bhp is fantastic. In petrol models, the 6 cylinder engines are definitely the way to go. They offer class, excellent refinement, performance and good economy. Weak points on these cars tend to be bushings and suspension components, but mechanically, in terms of engines and transmissions, they are very robust and reliable if serviced properly.

My old E30 318i is the best car I've ever owned. Rock solid, not cheap and certainly not boring! The handling is unparalelled. I heard that the newer ones are crappy from my mechanic, a San Diego independent who is probably the greatest expert on BMW in the country. I took his recomendation and bought an E30. I have not regretted it. When I drive newer vehicles, I pine for the old e30, and with that classic boxy look, it LOOKS better than any BMW on the road today.