BMW 318i 2006

[SSG1000]

Hi all,

Been looking at a motorway mileage churner, for a 80 mile roundtrip to work each day. Seen a 318i 2006 for £2.5k with 90k on the clock and was just wondering if there are any potential issues with this model? Will most likely be running the car into the ground but don't want any huge unexpected costs.

Edited by SSG1000 on Tuesday 6th October 10:47

[ChrisH72]

Google N43 problems.

Cam chain
Injectors
Coil packs
Nox sensor

It's a BMW so unless you can work on it yourself it'll be expensive when it goes wrong. Parts are expensive in any case.

That said, my mate has an 07 318i which he's run for 3 years with hardly any issues so you never can tell.

I think if your wanting a cheap to run motorway car you may be better with a Mondeo or Insignia. Volvo S60 or Saab 9-3 get mentioned a lot too.

[Pistonheader101]

Or even a Lexus is250

[ZX10R NIN]

Lexus IS250

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009254...

IS200 SE

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009043...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009143...

In all honesty if I was doing 80 miles a day I'd be buying a CLK270 they're great cars and will do those miles with ease & the drivetrain is bulletproof as is the rest of the car:

CLK270 Avantgarde

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010064...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009304...

If you need four doors C220 Avantgarde SE

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202007231...

C Coupe Sport Edition

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010044...

[lythaby]

Check the fuel tank vent hose has the updated part. If not anything over half a tank will piss out on your driveway especially if it’s on a hill.

[Mr Tidy]

Personally I think you might have less potential issues with a 325i or 330i with the N52 engine - but then I might be biased as I have a 330i!

Some of the other suggestions may be more wallet friendly though.

[SSG1000]

ChrisH72 said:

Google N43 problems.

Cam chain
Injectors
Coil packs
Nox sensor

It's a BMW so unless you can work on it yourself it'll be expensive when it goes wrong. Parts are expensive in any case.

That said, my mate has an 07 318i which he's run for 3 years with hardly any issues so you never can tell.

I think if your wanting a cheap to run motorway car you may be better with a Mondeo or Insignia. Volvo S60 or Saab 9-3 get mentioned a lot too.

Definitely one to stay away from after reading up on those reviews on the net. Reminds me of my 2004 318i i had many many years ago. Turbo went just before p/x'ing it in

[SSG1000]

ZX10R NIN said:

Lexus IS250

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009254...

IS200 SE

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009043...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009143...

In all honesty if I was doing 80 miles a day I'd be buying a CLK270 they're great cars and will do those miles with ease & the drivetrain is bulletproof as is the rest of the car:

CLK270 Avantgarde

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010064...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009304...

If you need four doors C220 Avantgarde SE

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202007231...

C Coupe Sport Edition

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010044...

Appreciate that.... are the CLK220's just as bulletproof?

[SSG1000]

Mr Tidy said:

Personally I think you might have less potential issues with a 325i or 330i with the N52 engine - but then I might be biased as I have a 330i!

Some of the other suggestions may be more wallet friendly though.

Liking the new G20 330i's.... could be a new car for the Mrs short work trips & my weekend car

[Ardennes1944]

SSG1000 said:

Definitely one to stay away from after reading up on those reviews on the net. Reminds me of my 2004 318i i had many many years ago. Turbo went just before p/x'ing it in

318i doesnt have a turbo though?

[Olivergt]

If the N43 is anything like the N46 engine fitted to the 1999-2005(E46) 3 series, I would steer clear, they can use a lot of oil (valve stem seals). If you are looking at BMW's go for the straight six, much much better in every respect.

If you are going to run it in to the ground, then look at the oder model, plenty of them about with the 6 cylinder, they might have a bit of rust around the rear arches, but if you won't be selling this won't be an issue. Should save yourself 1k which you can put towards the inevitable radiator and expansion tank and maybe a few vacuum hoses

[ZX10R NIN]

SSG1000 said:

Appreciate that.... are the CLK220's just as bulletproof?

Yes they are but not as smooth as the & you work it a bit harder than the 270 whilst using the same amount of fuel as the 270.

A remap & replacement K&N filter really helps both have a bit more about them whilst also making them better on fuel.