1992-1998 BMW 318i: Full Review
Updated: 12/17/09
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Pros
- Antilock brakes
- Ride
- Steering/handling
Cons
- Wet-weather traction
- Rear-seat room
Vehicle Highlights
Not long after BMW redesigned its 3-Series for the 1992 model year with a more rounded profile and greater dimensions, a 4-cylinder 318i (4-door) and 318is (2-door) joined the lineup. Like their 6-cylinder counterparts 325i/is, the 318i/is got a standard driver-side airbag and antilock brakes. Initial models came only with manual shift, but BMW's 4-speed automatic transmission arrived during 1993 as an option. BMW also issued 4-cylinder convertibles for a short time, but with the older, squared-off body. Not until 1994 would 4-cylinder convertibles adopt the smoothly curved shaping of the sedans.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | BMW 318i sedan Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 6 | |
| Ride Quality | 4 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 7 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 46 |
Year to Year Changes
Our road test for the 1992-1998 BMW 318i includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1992-1998 BMW 318i and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1992-1998 BMW 318i is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Despite high secondhand prices, 4-cylinder BMWs appeal to those who like spirited, high-revving driving enjoyment. For that purpose, they're hard to beat.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | BMW 318i sedan Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 6 | |
| Ride Quality | 4 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 7 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 46 |
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $1,200 |
| Alternator | $420 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,150 |
| Brakes | $260 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $570 |
| Exhaust System | $1,450 |
| Radiator | $655 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $1,225 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $820 |
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
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| 1998 | |||
| 318i | $3,900-4,700 | $3,200-3,900 | $1,200-1,500 |
| 1997 | |||
| 318i/is | $3,300-4,000 | $2,600-3,200 | $800-1,000 |
| Convertible | $4,800-5,600 | $4,000-4,700 | $1,800-2,100 |
| 1996 | |||
| 318i/is | $2,800-3,400 | $2,100-2,600 | $600-700 |
| Convertible | $4,300-5,000 | $3,600-4,200 | $1,500-1,700 |
| 1995 | |||
| 318i/is | $2,300-2,900 | $1,700-2,100 | $400-600 |
| Convertible | $3,700-4,400 | $3,000-3,600 | $1,100-1,300 |
| 1994 | |||
| 318i/is | $1,900-2,500 | $1,300-1,700 | $300-400 |
| Convertible | $3,000-3,700 | $2,300-2,800 | $700-900 |
| 1993 | |||
| 318i/is | $1,600-2,200 | $1,100-1,500 | $200-300 |
| 1992 | |||
| 318i/is | $1,400-1,900 | $900-1,200 | $200 |
| Convertible | $2,200-2,800 | $1,600-2,000 | $400-500 |
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Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 2-door convertible | 2-door coupe | 4-door sedan |
| Wheelbase, in. | 106.3 | 106.3 | 106.3 |
| Overall Length, in. | 174.5 | 174.5 | 174.5 |
| Overall Width, in. | 67.3 | 67.3 | 66.8 |
| Overall Height, in. | 53.1 | 53.8 | 54.8 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3352 | 2866 | 2866 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 9.0 | 14.3 | 15.4 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 17.2 | 17.2 | 17.2 |
| Seating Capacity | 4 | 5 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.1 | 36.7 | 37.8 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.2 | 41.2 | 40.9 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 36.3 | 35.9 | 37.3 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 28.1 | 32.7 | 34.1 |
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Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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Powertrain Options and Availability
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc I41 | 1.8 / 110 | 134 | 127 | 5-speed manual: 22/27 | 5-speed manual: -- |
| dohc I4 | 1.8 / 110 | 138 | 129 | 5-speed manual: 22/32 4-speed automatic: 21/29 |
5-speed manual: 25.5 4-speed automatic: -- |
| dohc I4 | 1.9 / 116 | 138 | 133 | 5-speed manual: 23/31 4-speed automatic: 22/31 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: 20.2 |
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1. Used in carryover-styled 1992 convertibles only. Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
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