Marius

There are 2 cars that appear as a 1998 318i.  Early '98 is the 2 airbag
E36 model (the one my wife has) and after about August they built the
(E46, I think) 6 or 8 airbag model.

The early '98 model seems to be well built and I only have one issue
with it - occasional temporary loss of speedo readout, usually on a hot
day (95F plus) after the car has been parked for a while after being
driven.  It only loses speed indication for 3 to 5 minutes, then it
comes back OK.  Sounds like an overheat problem somewhere, but when it
gets more frequent it can be cleared up by unplugging the sensor on the
diff, cleaning up the connection, and tightening it up.  But it may be
something else ?  Of course, it will never play up for the service guys.

Look out for how well the inner door liners are attached.  Sometimes
there are plasic rivets or something missing and they are loose and
rattle.  Nothing that a few dollars can't fix.

Otherwise, I love it.  I'd say that BMW got the E36 just about right.

Chris

Just bought a 318i SE recently registered in August 98 in the UK. It was one
of the very last E36 models and touch wood there have been no problems so
far... It truly is a beautifully built car. Well reccomended!

Geordie

Hi , i have a 1997 318se,

this was my company car from new, i have had fantastic relieability from
this car, so much so i bought it when it was time to change. It has covered
154000miles (247800kms) Apart from the usual service parts, all i can
remember being changed are, the battery (last year) and the alternater. My
car has a few faults at the moment air con has packed in, central locking on
the front passenger door doesnt work, it has just developed a slight misfire
i think its the plug leads but not sure(any one read this and has got any
ideas let me know please). A truly good car well recomended,a 320 or 323 i
would prefer (its a power thing).
A 3 series BMW????  Money well spent