BMW G20 - 318i ?!
Discussion
BMW seem to have sneaked a lower powered engine onto the configurator for the new 3 Series... the 318i. There’s very little mention of this online and no written or YouTube reviews whatsoever. Two dealerships I have spoken to aren’t aware of its existence. Might it be that they plan to introduce it but haven’t built any yet due to coronavirus? If it does become available, it’ll mean a cheaper entry point to 3 Series ownership. I know some people on here will say 153hp isn’t enough for this car, but that’s subjective. You can even get it in M-Sport trim, although that might make it something of a sheep in wolf’s clothing. Does anyone know anything about this “318i”?
The fact that the cheapest engine is 190bhp prices swathes of potential customers out of ownership. It would be like if the cheapest A4 was the 40 TFSI and not the 35 TFSI. The apparent introduction of the 318i in such a popular car is pretty significant motoring news but doesn’t seem to have been covered or reviewed anywhere.
AudiMan9000 said:
BMW seem to have sneaked a lower powered engine onto the configurator for the new 3 Series... the 318i. There’s very little mention of this online and no written or YouTube reviews whatsoever. Two dealerships I have spoken to aren’t aware of its existence. Might it be that they plan to introduce it but haven’t built any yet due to coronavirus? If it does become available, it’ll mean a cheaper entry point to 3 Series ownership. I know some people on here will say 153hp isn’t enough for this car, but that’s subjective. You can even get it in M-Sport trim, although that might make it something of a sheep in wolf’s clothing. Does anyone know anything about this “318i”?
I think 150BHP is frankly too low for such a big car, especially with the "intent" of the looks of the M Sport trim level.I suspect its there to get people in the door, and with a little bit of upselling convert them to the more expensive 320i variant.
I would have said "designed for company cars" but thats likely to be the entry level diesel variant for most.
Deep Thought said:
I think 150BHP is frankly too low for such a big car, especially with the "intent" of the looks of the M Sport trim level.
I suspect its there to get people in the door, and with a little bit of upselling convert them to the more expensive 320i variant.
I would have said "designed for company cars" but thats likely to be the entry level diesel variant for most.
While it’s not a particularly PH car, it’s worth remembering that that archetypal company car 20 years ago was a 318i, and that took over 9 seconds to get to 60. The new one is probably 5 series size...a 525i (e39) was barely quicker at just over 8 seconds. For most people it’ll be fine I’m sure - especially as the turbo probably makes it feel quicker in the mid range. But yes, M Sport trim seems unnecessary I suspect its there to get people in the door, and with a little bit of upselling convert them to the more expensive 320i variant.
I would have said "designed for company cars" but thats likely to be the entry level diesel variant for most.
PSRG said:
While it’s not a particularly PH car, it’s worth remembering that that archetypal company car 20 years ago was a 318i, and that took over 9 seconds to get to 60. The new one is probably 5 series size...a 525i (e39) was barely quicker at just over 8 seconds. For most people it’ll be fine I’m sure - especially as the turbo probably makes it feel quicker in the mid range. But yes, M Sport trim seems unnecessary
Its good its back to being a four pot. The 3 pot 1.5 seems out of character to me. Better suited to the MINI Cooper.I would imagine most will be bought on a PCP deal, and i cant see there being a big difference in "the monthlies" between it and a 320i.
Each to their own and all that.
BFleming said:
The 318i was included the in the 2020 price list (issued 19th Feb 2020), but there was no other announcement.
Anyhow, 4 cylinder 2.0, RWD only, Auto only, 0-62 in 8.4 seconds and 223kph top speed. Underpowered? I don't think so.
The 0-60 sprint time can cover a multitude of sins.Anyhow, 4 cylinder 2.0, RWD only, Auto only, 0-62 in 8.4 seconds and 223kph top speed. Underpowered? I don't think so.
As its auto only i'd be looking a good long test drive and see how it handles motorway driving - particularly when steady moving traffic opens out and you need a push of acceleration and round town driving.
Its probably fine, in fact it likely is.
There seems to be a £3K price difference between it and the 320i. Thats a lot of money for an extra 30BHP or so. But as i said, most will be bought on PCP so the monthly difference could be quite low.
It says time and time again how good that ZF 8-spd really is. Or as mentioned, how it can hide shortcomings. in an engine.
I used to have an E36 318ti. Lighter, and with 138bhp it had a posted 0-60 time of 10 odd seconds. This has 12 more horsepower and can do the sprint way quicker.
I'd expect like years gone by, this will be a bit of company car fodder again where a 330e is too costly. I believe the government have been putting the tax on diesel models up quite a bit. That 3k will add up on BIK payments.
I used to have an E36 318ti. Lighter, and with 138bhp it had a posted 0-60 time of 10 odd seconds. This has 12 more horsepower and can do the sprint way quicker.
I'd expect like years gone by, this will be a bit of company car fodder again where a 330e is too costly. I believe the government have been putting the tax on diesel models up quite a bit. That 3k will add up on BIK payments.
AudiMan9000 said:
In terms of there not being much difference in the monthly payment, it might be that every penny counts in driving the cost as far down as possible. This will help and is plenty powerful enough imho.
Well the reality is it'll suit a lot of people and the general consensus seems to be its enough power so there may well be a view of 'why spend more'?Also being the 2.0 litre i'd imagine its the mapping of the ECU that is reducing the BHP so theres probably big BHP gains to be had via a good remapper, so it may be a smart purchase when its out of warranty.
At 120 g/km it beats the 320i's 149 quite handsomely so if it gets a 3 Series onto more company car lists, more the better. The 320i goes very well indeed, particularly as an automatic so I'd expect the 318i to be more than acceptable and still a very nice place to be. Like the old F30 320i/328i, the 318i is just a detuned 320i.
Edited by Touring442 on Saturday 16th May 15:54
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