316i Compact - BMW Forum

mid_gen · 02-01-2004, 12:49 PM

Ok, firstly hi, I'm new here

I'm in the market for a car (first car in fact), and after much consideration, I've settled on the BMW 316i Compact. Both my step-dad and dad went through a raft of company cars until they got a beemer (530 diesel touring and X5 respectively atm) and have never looked back . The build quality, ride and look all appeal to me

I'm looking at the 316i as a) I'm a new driver and the insurance isn't prohibitive, B) It's fairly economical. Everyone says I'm mad to get a BMW as a first car, but I want something that is well-built, is going to last, be reliable, and not break the bank.

I've been looking around, and found a few for sale in the area, this one in the pic below is at about the price point I'm looking for (it's a '95).

What should I keep an eye out for in particular when I'm looking at them? Do you think it's the right car to go for?

Thanks in advance for the help...

El Presidente · 02-01-2004, 01:21 PM

the 318 would probably be a better choice. If you live in a small city and dont travel by highway often, then the 316 is good. Otherwise, you may find the perfromance to be lacking. The 1.8 offers around 30 more HP and has much better acceleration in comparison. Plus, its still a 4cyl, so insurance isn't increased much.

As for problems, check there is an FAQ on common things to look for when buying an e36 in that section.

MyCrowsSoft · 02-01-2004, 02:17 PM

Yep 318 at least, But 316's are still nice I would take mine back to the states but, I have to sell it cause its Euro Specs, ~sobs~

dubumb · 02-01-2004, 02:23 PM

I didnt even know 316s existed... but anyway... Welcome to the forum!

MyCrowsSoft · 02-01-2004, 03:08 PM

Yep there are a load of them here in Germany, but I would say about 50% of cars here are BMW's.

The 316's come with the super mega estrogen powered M40 engine just fyi.

El Presidente · 02-01-2004, 10:59 PM

Mainly dubumb, we didnt get the 1.6 in the states because its too slow by American standards and the 1.8 filled the 4cyl slot. We also didnt get the 2.0 for the same reason. The 1.6 is a good city car and great fuel saver. Very little thrill factor compared to 318.

mid_gen · 02-02-2004, 06:43 AM

Thanks for the info. I'd like to go for a 318 but being a young (23) inexperienced male driver, the insurance premiums I've been quoted are a little more than I want to spend (£1500-£1800 for the 318, which stings a little). I've been quoted just a touch over £1,000 for a 316 which I can manage. I'm not going to be motorway driving a lot, and I can put up with a lack of 'poke' for a year or two until my premiums drop

Thanks again.

broketiltuesday · 02-02-2004, 10:59 AM

Which insurance company are you with? I am 21, male, have had a licence just over 2 years and own a 316. It's my first car. Insurance with Direct Line is £850 fully comp, including legal protection and £150 excess I think.

mid_gen · 02-02-2004, 11:42 AM

I got quotes from a couple of places, I've not tried Direct Line yet though.

How's the 316 been? Glad you got one as a first car?

Spetsnaz Op · 02-02-2004, 12:10 PM

i would make damn sure thats the cheapest insurance before you buy

MyCrowsSoft · 02-02-2004, 12:47 PM

316's are more of a looker, my friends are like wow your car must hall arse, until I get on the autobahn and put it in "sport mode" and I still have truckers passing me up.

But if you havent driven 318s + I guess you wont care, 316's are good for looks and just getting around town.

pkm3 · 10-16-2004, 03:42 AM

[quote=mid_gen,Feb 1 2004, 12:49 PM]
Ok, firstly hi, I'm new here

I'm in the market for a car (first car in fact), and after much consideration, I've settled on the BMW 316i Compact. Both my step-dad and dad went through a raft of company cars until they got a beemer (530 diesel touring and X5 respectively atm) and have never looked back . The build quality, ride and look all appeal to me

I'm looking at the 316i as a) I'm a new driver and the insurance isn't prohibitive, B) It's fairly economical. Everyone says I'm mad to get a BMW as a first car, but I want something that is well-built, is going to last, be reliable, and not break the bank.

I've been looking around, and found a few for sale in the area, this one in the pic below is at about the price point I'm looking for (it's a '

What should I keep an eye out for in particular when I'm looking at them? Do you think it's the right car to go fo
Great car, Ive had my compact 316i sport s reg for a year. good luck.