1991 BMW 318i

[Fiona C]

What are the general thoughts about a 1991 BMW 318i, 4 cylinder, manual? It only has 190,000Km. Is it a good car, bad car? Are there any hidden warrenties or recalls on it? What are the things that generally break down on it? Would it be a good buy?

[The General]

It's not a bad car. The only thing issues I can think of are parts prices and electrical problems. If you can find a parts store that sells them at a reasonable price and your are handy, it should a fine car to drive.

[apl16]

nice car, fiona. they can be expensive to maintain, especially as they get older and electrical problems become more frequent. german cars usually have high parts and labour prices.

[Punisher]

Yes I owned a BMW! 1979 320i. Or rather it owned me, I had to become my own mechanic, I innstalled a few major things on it(thank you HANES GUIDE) before the head gasket went on it replacement cost was approx $2,000! Parts were very expensive and it was quite unreliable, fun to drive but was prone to break down just when something important was needed to done that day! My advice to you is if you have the money go for it, if you don't as king aurthur in the holy grail says" RUN AWAY!...........RUN AWAY!..........RUN AWAY!"

[Fiona C]

Thank-you for replying. I did in fact buy the BMW...I've had it for about 4 1/2 months. So far, so good. I haven't had any problems. There are some electrical problems (I know...shocking!) that I haven't even looked at getting fixed because they are only cosmetic things. The cluth is about to go and I know that will cost me a bit (a lot) to fix. I am also not too worried, because the car was cheap (I got a GREAT deal), so if something to fix that will cost me a lot of money...I'm considering it just a part of the cost of the car. Again, thank-you all for replying...
Drive Safe...but have fun!!!

[Punisher]

Glad to hear that as BMW's are the best in road handling, by far I driven fords, Austins, Chevs and my fave has to BMW you can really feel the road and cornering is a dream! Cars are money pits period hope you get a good deal on your clutch! ENJOY!

[Pritch]

I wouldnt hesitate to buy one. I make friends with every mechanic I meet for this reason. Just 2 weeks ago my friend did about $1500 worth of work to my car for about $500. Anyone else?

[Punisher]

Same here I've got a friend that I've known since we played with model cars (when I was 10)and now he owns a shop with 4 employees! And my other friend owns a car audio shop so I'm set that way! Connections in the auto business helps big time!!!!! And I have another guy who werks out of his house(auto electrical specialist) and I go over and help him for fun and for education and he's open from 5-11 pm(after he gets off his 9-5) So I'm pretty secure if my Asuna has about ANY problems, plus I have 2 other guys one 2 streets over, and the other one just outside town!!!! So yes SEXY you are right it's nice to have friends that can werk on cars!!!!! 8)

[Pritch]

youll need an electrical guy driving an Asuna...thats built by Isuzu right...i had one of those old I-Mark Turbo's....what a diasater. Total hoot but PLAGUED with electrical nightmares

[Punisher]

Well yes I'm chasing a few clectrical probs now....it'll take some time, but with any used vehicle there are always quirks! Wether it be; electrical, engine, suspension, wheel noise, steering problems or anything! Hell even brand new vehicles right off the lot end up with major recalls! I was talking to my neighbor and his Dodge Caravan needs seperate ECU's for the ABS and the power steering each costing him he said about $2,000 each!!!! Where as my ECU for the idle control is only $125 used $350 OEM new! But thats the nature of the BEAST RIGHT?
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