BMW 318 as daily driver, yes/no

scottmandue · 01-23-2015, 07:14 AM

I know the 318 has been kicked around here before, however I did a search and didn't find a specific thread, so her goes.

I commute 40 miles a day mostly freeway into downtown Lost Angeles and then back home.

The Miata is a great little car but not ideal for commuting.

So I am looking for something that gets comparable gas mileage (30mpg) a little more comfortable on the freeway but still fun to drive (I know... you can call me a dreamer)

Something like this?

Cars for Sale: 1998 BMW 318ti Hatchback in North Hollywood, CA 91601: Hatchback Details - 375850928 - AutoTrader.com

Another plus for the Miata is it is as reliable as the sun coming up... I don't want to get into a car that breaks down or needs constant attention.

What think ye?

911 Rod · 911 Rod's Garage

I had one for a couple of years and it was a great car.
Very good gas mileage and it had the sport package.
Then I bought an M3 .......

RANDY P · RANDY P's Garage

I liked the E36 318is 5 sped- despite the interior delaminating at 40K. It was fun to rap on- it's buzzy but fun.. Just keep an eye on that profile gasket. Lots of room to work on underhood.

Great gas mileage- it's on my short list for DD cars, if I ever have to change.

VincentVega · 01-23-2015, 08:43 AM

I used 318is for ~100k, sold it around 250k. Good commuter, but slow and had the typical bmw interior issues of the period.

VINMAN · 01-23-2015, 08:50 AM

I had a '95 318. Probably one of the worst POS, I've owned. But thats my opinion.

futurefun · 01-23-2015, 09:06 AM

I love the 318is but prefer the e30 which has been my DD for several years. It is fun, gets over 30 mpg & has been very reliable. This is a recently done video on the e30 in case you didn't see it on t elsewhere

Rick V · 01-23-2015, 09:16 AM

I DD'd both an E30 and E36 318 and they were both great cars, the E36 actually became a track rat, and while it was balls slow it was a great car for momentum driving, They would pass me at the end of a long straight and I would pass them back at the exit of the first corner. Leave it stock and just drive it because you can dump stupid money into one, ask me how I know

scottmandue · 01-23-2015, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VINMAN

I had a '95 318. Probably one of the worst POS, I've owned. But thats my opinion.

This is what worries me, the 318 (and BMW's in general) seem to have a love/hate relationship around here.

Vin, what do you mean by POS? Cosmetic or mechanical?
The car would be a beater, just to drag me up and down the freeway five days a week so I don't mind if the interior is rough, however I don't want to be on the side of the road if you know what I mean (my commute takes me through some... how should I say... urban settings).

I should add the Miata is worth around $4-5K, I'm okay with adding a little to that but don't want to break the bank either.

Thank for the input.

PS. Also looking at the Z3 with the 1.9... but that would not be much of a change from the Miata.

VincentVega · 01-23-2015, 09:19 AM

4-5k for a 90's 318?

A little more gets you into a much newer bmw.

Nostril Cheese · 01-23-2015, 09:20 AM

318s can run forever if maintained. The E30 version is better built than the E36. Fun little cars and easy on gas.

RANDY P · RANDY P's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick V

I DD'd both an E30 and E36 318 and they were both great cars, the E36 actually became a track rat, and while it was balls slow it was a great car for momentum driving

^^^^This.

You have to be hauling ass already to appreciate what it can do. Forget about the stoplight grand prix.

rjp

RANDY P · RANDY P's Garage

Frankly, the cars were on par power-wise with the Hondas / Acura sport models of the time, pretty similar #'s- feels like a BMW tho, and it stopped well.

rjp

look 171 · 01-23-2015, 10:15 AM

Scott, I know that BMW has a cult like following. The ride is better then the Miata, but not entire sure if its going to be as reliable as the Mazda. Do you have a NC? I come from the NA ro daily driving an S2000. That thing is a bit rougher then my NA. Get a Honda or Toyota for the same money and you will still have the durability or reliability but keep driving the Miata for those days when you feel like a hooligan. Hell, you are stuck on the 110 anyway, so how fast can you go? If you do get the 318 and get stranded on the side of the road call me, I will come get you and buy you a couple of beers at the same time.

RANDY P · RANDY P's Garage

all the power of a japanese economy car, coupled with the reliability of a BMW

rjp

Rick V · 01-23-2015, 10:36 AM

The only thing more reliable than a Miata is made by Schwin

scottmandue · 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by look 171

Scott, I know that BMW has a cult like following. The ride is better then the Miata, but not entire sure if its going to be as reliable as the Mazda. Do you have a NC? I come from the NA ro daily driving an S2000. That thing is a bit rougher then my NA. Get a Honda or Toyota for the same money and you will still have the durability or reliability but keep driving the Miata for those days when you feel like a hooligan. Hell, you are stuck on the 110 anyway, so how fast can you go? If you do get the 318 and get stranded on the side of the road call me, I will come get you and buy you a couple of beers at the same time.

Thanks!

I have a NA (1996) Miata, wife drives the Hyundai. Unfortunately we don't have room or budget for a 3rd car. (when I was a bachelor I drove the Hyundai to work and had a 944 for the weekends... but those days are gone).

Like the bumper sticker says "driver carries no cash... he is married"

So 30 mpg is a must and around $6-7K, just trying to sneak a fun ride in with those numbers.

VincentVega · 01-23-2015, 10:59 AM

I know this sounds lame but a mazda 3 with decent tires and shocks is a nice commuter that can be fun to drive.

Rot 911 · 01-23-2015, 11:08 AM

Last summer I bought a 1991 318is to be used as a daily driver. Paid right at $5k for it. That is considered the high end for a 318is, but as you can see in the pictures it is a very clean car. Car is incredibly easy to work on, great internet support and parts are as cheap as they come. Took it on vacation in October driving from the middle of Missouri, up through Wisconsin to Lake Michigan. Not a hiccup and averaged around 32mpg. I personally thing the E30 was the high water mark for BMW. The 318 will seat 4 adults, but takes up less room in the garage than my Boxster. And has a real trunk and cold AC!

scottmandue · 01-23-2015, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VincentVega

I know this sounds lame but a mazda 3 with decent tires and shocks is a nice commuter that can be fun to drive.

The 3 is on my radar, not sure I can get one in good condition for $5-6K

VincentVega · 01-23-2015, 11:23 AM

There are dozens of them on CL around here for 4-5k, mid-late 2000's.