Used BMW 318

What to know before buying: BMW 318

From 5 forum threads · updated 11/10/2026

What the reviews say

• E36 318tds power loss can be difficult to diagnose: an owner reported an intermittent fault and diagnostics that found no error.[1]one sourceE36
• A 2001 318i owner reported weak overtaking performance and a metallic, chain-like sound at startup and low revs.[2]one sourceE46
• After replacing an N46's valve seals, rings, rod bearings and timing-chain set at 160,000 km, its owner reported another 30,000 km without trouble or oil use.[5]one sourceE90/E91/E92/E93
• One owner described a 1989 318 1.8i as very good and notably economical; this is a single user's assessment.[4]one sourceE30

Typical faults

• An E36 318tds may intermittently lose power and ignore throttle input for 2–3 seconds; the forum discussed the injector, pump electronics, boost sensor and add-on power box.[1]one sourceE36

  318tds

• One 2001 318i showed severe power loss together with a metallic, chain-like noise at startup and low revs; the source does not establish the cause.[2]one sourceE46

  2001–2001 · 318i

• An E90 318i may begin misfiring, dropping revs and vibrating shortly after a cold start; a forum reply suggested an ignition coil.[5]one sourceE90/E91/E92/E93

  318i, N46

• Forum reports link the N46 with oil consumption, stuck rings and deposits; one owner replaced valve seals, rings, rod bearings and the timing-chain set at 160,000 km.[5]one sourceE90/E91/E92/E93

  160 000–160 000 km · N46

• An M42 318is may idle roughly and stall when the clutch is depressed; one owner fixed this with an oxygen sensor, while intake-boot cracks were also suggested.[3]one sourceE36

  318is M42

Which engine and version to take

• An early 318 1.8i is worth considering when economy matters: an owner of a 1989 car praised it particularly, though this is only one report.[4]one sourceE30
• Consider an N46 only with documented repairs and regular oil servicing; after a major overhaul, one owner covered 30,000 km without oil consumption.[5]one sourceE90/E91/E92/E93

What to avoid

• Avoid an N46 without clear service and repair records: reports cover oil consumption, rings, valve seals, rod bearings and the timing-chain set.[5]one sourceE90/E91/E92/E93
• Do not buy a 2001 318i with weak power and a metallic chain-like noise until the cause is established; the source reports the symptoms but no diagnosis.[2]one sourceE46

What to check at the inspection

• On an E36 318tds, test response after idling, fully lifting off and changing gear; watch for power loss, the injector warning and a 2–3-second delay.[1]one sourceE36
• For a 2001 318i, listen during cold startup and at low revs for metallic chain noise, then check its pulling power under load.[2]one sourceE46
• Start an E90 318i completely cold and observe the first few seconds; misfiring, falling revs or vibration should not appear.[5]one sourceE90/E91/E92/E93
• On an N46, check for oil use and smoke, scan for faults, and seek records for valve seals, rings, rod bearings and the timing-chain set.[5]one sourceE90/E91/E92/E93
• If an M42 318is idles roughly or stalls, check the oxygen sensor and inspect the intake boot and attached hoses carefully, especially near clamps.[3]one sourceE36

Verdict

Sources

1. [1]bmwpower-bg.net — Виж темата - Странен проблем 318tds · forum
2. [2]bmwclub.ro — PROBLEME 318i - Seria 3 · forum
3. [3]bilinform.no — har problemer med en bmw 318i motor..!!! - Forum - Bilinform.no · forum
4. [4]auto.jautajums.lv — BMW 3 sērija atsauksmes | jautajums.lv - Auto, moto · forum
5. [5]bmwbg.club — Виж темата - Често срещани проблеми при 318i и 320i N46 · forum

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