current 318i

Puny

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Hi Amex,

I'm currently driving an early 2002 318i.

So far, there isn't any major issue at all with the car (nothing at all actually *fingers crossed*). Being one of the earlier cars of the batch, it problems should have surfaced by now and fortunately, there have been very few complaints based on past literature.

The decision to hold out and wait for the E90, or take the current 3-series ultimately depends on you though. It may be prudent to wait the extra 4 months or so. Personally, I would find it quite difficult to decide too, if I really like the E46; unless I really need a car now - otherwise, the wait may actually be worthwhile.

Cheers.
 
318i Sport

hi,

I faced the same dilemma as you. But finally made up my decision last month to go ahead with the E46 318i Sport. I will be collecting my car soon.

My decision as follows :

1) E46 today will likely to have less technical / design-related problem since it's been in the market for 7-8 years. Previous problem found in the 1998-01 E46 like the water pumps for the wipers, electrical problems in the windows, lack of feel in the steering-rack, lack of oomph in the engine and general fitting quality has been improved after the facelift. In another words, you're buying a more reliable, better equipped BMW , never mind the aging looks.

2) 2002 E46 has a new engine which has Valvetronic. Valvetronic is the latest BM invention to boost the engine efficiency and you will see this technology gradually in all future BMW engines over the coming years. So in another words, the 318i N42 engine today is regarded one of the latest. In the forthcoming E90, you probably see the new 320 has the same engine carried over of 318i E46. In BMW tradition, it's been seen that usually a new engine is normally introduced in the mid life and not when a new model is launched. It's too risky in business because the sales volume of the 3-series can really turn BMW's profitability up-side down.

3) why didn't I wait for E90 ? simply because I know E46 does not have the i-drive. Ergonomic of the E90 dashboard (to the driver) is also thought to be not as good as the E46 (imho and you can see also from some car reviews).

4) PML is giving the discount today (as PML is starting to clear stocks). I expect launch price of forthcoming E90 to be relatively higher. Even if they are at the same price, you will see that the first batch of E90 will have very minimal option and very basic accessories. (history tells) This is usually PML sales strategy. PML has thrown in lots of options in the E46 today. ( instead of giving direct discount which will eventually depletes the brand value.) If you are looking for a BM for its sheer driving pleasure, the E46 today is a good buy . Imagine that the OMV of the 318 sport today is about 44K which is as good as or higher than that of a 320i some years back. If you want a car that shows you have the latest 3, I would suggest to wait for the E90. Otherwise, E46 is better-value-for money.

Gve me a call at 96950359. I can tell you more because I have carefully thought through this over the last one years - when is the best timing to buy. I can also share with you some of my research work of car reviews that showed E46 of today is a good & complete car. Also, I can tell how to go about getting the best deal from the agent who's selling you the car.

good luck.
 
Re: current 318i

Amex said:
hi, anyone here can advise whether the 2L 318i is it a problematic car or not?
Any other reasons why I should not buy the sport edition @ $130K+ except the new model will be out mid next year @ $160K+.
thanks.

Hi,
I've been driving for 2 years and 10 months.. No problem at all. You're lucky to get the BMW at 130K+.. .sigh. which I bought at 158K :shoot:
 
i just got my 318 sports edition a month back...no regrets since....nice handling car and with all the things that PML throw in like the M-tech bodykit and sterring wheell...i would say its the best value for money deal u will get for a 3 series.

As per norm....every new launched Beemer comes with a certain no of problems and u need to upgrade the system once in a while so its kind of a hassle...

I dont think i would be wrong to say that....to get the dace-lifted model would be a more reliable car...so if u gonna wait for the E90 to get face-lifted.....that would be a long long time till u get one.
 
pls also be reminded that there're also several threads on problems with the valvetronic like gear-changing on slope, rough engine, etc.

do a search in the forum for an all rounded view of the car.
 
Racebred,

could you assist by directing me to those threads? i did a search but can't find. thks.
 
hi, does anyone know if PML is only offering the 318 Sports Edition? e.g. is there a 320 Sports Edition and how much would it cost? thanks.
 
dicezrt said:
Yes there is a 230iA Sports Edition. prices is SGD$168,500.

That high? My friend was offered $150+k only. But he went for the Audi 1.8T wagon instead.
 
That is right.
My friend was quoted $153K for the 320.
But only silver left.
That was about 2 weeks ago.
 
also got the 318i sports edition last sep. very value for $. pissed off by pml when advised only 15 units are avail at that time, then in the end there are 100 units sold in SG. liars!
 
Lesson learnt for all bro here :

don't trust the spoken word. In future, request to look at a sheet of paper each of them normally have in their file/ wallet. It tells how many are still available in the inventory, what's their body / leather colour combination. They have this copy updated everyday.
 
dfstan said:
also got the 318i sports edition last sep. very value for $. pissed off by pml when advised only 15 units are avail at that time, then in the end there are 100 units sold in SG. liars!

:furious: they won't miss any opportunity of making profits out of it...... :hmmidont: but anyway it's a good configuration of equipment for the sports edition..... ;)
 
As for me, wanted to get the 318i sports edition with all the extra at a very good price $128K. Got limited colour left and the PML sales staff told me to wait for year 2005 as there will be more coming in, but the price may be slight higher.

Not a problem with me as I would like to get a black or metallic grey... guess my reaction when told on the 3rd of Jan 2005 - all 318i sold and no more stocks! Got to wait for the E90 in May or June! :argue:
 

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