1991 BMW 3 Series Consumer Reviews

Frugal fun in the sun

Written by: mgold on 05/06/2007

Vehicle

1991 BMW 3 Series 2 Dr 318i Convertible

Review

I've owned this car since 1999 and have logged 115000 on the odometer (the car is about to hit 200k). Since I got the car, its been my trusty daily driver and fun machine having taken it on several road trips (including Yosemite) and have autocrossed with it. It's also pretty frugal getting about 27 mpg in mixed driving, although due to taller gearing than its hardtop siblings, it doesn't get mileage in the low 30s like they do (the cabrio has a 4.27 final drive ratio and the sedan and coupe have a 4.10). I highly recommend any of the '91 318i models to anyone looking to get into their first BMW. I'm soon retiring my car for weekend fun and buying an E36 318i for my commute.

Favorite Features

Light and reasonably quick. Great ergonomics. Suprisingly roomy trunk. Frugal (on required 91 octane). Easy to maintain (the M42 is a very low maintenance motor). Very reliable and easy to work on (when I have the time). Great color (lagunengrün metallic).

Suggested Improvements

Cupholders would have been nice. I added the BMW accessory cupholder, but can only use it in the passenger door (it's too tight to use in the drivers door). I highly recommend all convertible owners invest in a front strut bar. A little more rear legroom in all E30s might have been nice too.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Like it almost as much as my 88 535is

Written by: Eric on 03/08/2007

Vehicle

1991 BMW 3 Series 2 Dr 318is Sedan

Review

This is a great car, it handles like a go cart, is quick above 4000 rpms, great gas mileage, cool looks, easy to work on,g et good comments from non bimmerphiles, it is a very fun car to drive.

Favorite Features

Great styling, sunroof, sport seats, high revving motor.

Suggested Improvements

Low end power.

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Cheap but fun.

Written by: Hooked on Bimmers on 10/12/2006

Vehicle

1991 BMW 3 Series 2 Dr 318is Sedan

Review

With 170,000 miles on the clock, the car needs a few items replaced like the timing chain/gears. However, the engine is known to last beyond 300K miles if taken care of. This is my daily driver and the third bimmer in the household. It maybe cheap at under $3000, but it is more fun than the other two that cost over $30K. 2600lb chassis is unbelieveably nimble in corners and 16 year old 4 cyl engine is peppy enough to pull the car fast on the freeway entrances. Look for one with good maintenance record and pay below $3000. You won't be disappointed.

Favorite Features

5 speed manual. Classy look. Simple car to work on. Bullet proof engine.

Suggested Improvements

7 out 7 people found this review helpful

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318is will last forever

Written by: 318is on 03/27/2006

Vehicle

1991 BMW 3 Series 2 Dr 318is Sedan

Review

I previously owned a '01 330i and I've had more fun and enjoyment with my '91 318is. From it's classic tight sports car ride on curvy roads to a high speed cruiser, I have a true gem. I've owned Mercedes, Triumphs, FIATs, as well as all types of American cars too. My 318is is very solid and well built and should last me another 100k miles (I purchased it in May of '05 with only 91k on the odometer). I recommend this car to anyone (young and old).

Favorite Features

old school styling, M3 suspension/handling, huge sun roof, gas mileage (even at > 80mph speeds), ease of maintenance

Suggested Improvements

Just a few more horses under the hood :)

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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I Love My Red Little Girl

Written by: JP on 03/02/2006

Vehicle

1991 BMW 3 Series 2 Dr 318is Sedan

Review

Bought this car new and have had it for 15 years. She has over 160,000 miles on her and still runs great - maybe even better than she used to. She's a 5 speed manual and loves being driven hard. Haven't had any problems-just routine maintenance issues. She's been nothing but reliable. I would get a newer one, but they've done away with that classic BMW. I also have an Audi A4 which I use in inclement weather due to the rear wheel drive of the BMW. But, when the roads are dry, I prefer the handling of my fun and faithful friend. After all, an automobile is about driving, and nothing's beats the Ultimate Driving Machine, no matter how old.

Favorite Features

Hugs the road beautifully. Love driving on winding back road - handling is outstanding.

Suggested Improvements

They've made them all on the newer models.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Cabrio 4 ever

Written by: 325i Cab on 01/30/2006

Vehicle

1991 BMW 3 Series 2 Dr 325i Convertible

Review

I find this car fantastic, its fun to own and drive besides minor repairs it has been very reliable and not expensive to run and maintain. It still turns heads and is almost 16 years old!!! Good style BMW. The car has a split personality and will be very docile if left to its own devices but will become a beast if you demand it of it which brings me to the only thing I could do without is the relatively flat power band until the engine speeds over 3500RPM from where it just rockets to the red line with a fantastic engine sound that just encourages you to keep your foot down. I would advise anyone interested in such a car to buy it, if in good nick, and you wont look back

Favorite Features

The engine sound at high revs

Suggested Improvements

more torque at lower engine speeds

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Good, cheap way to join the BMW set...

Written by: QuikCash on 10/26/2005

Vehicle

1991 BMW 3 Series 2 Dr 318is Sedan

Review

Bought this car on the cheap for basic transportation and have been pleasantly surprised. While the acceleration will not excite, the handling is outstanding. Stops and turns on a dime. Not a good highway cruiser in my opinion, but great around town. Car is simple enough that maintenance is a do- it-yourself affair, and parts are not too expensive. Looks great, and in my opinion has a "classic" ambiance not present in the more modern E36 3- series.

Favorite Features

Sharp handling, easy maintenance

Suggested Improvements

No changes neccessary, this car was "it" at the time it was produced. Lack of cupholder, marginal fuel economy, and lack of power hurt it against more modern machines.

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Affordable luxury car

Written by: weterb on 09/04/2005

Vehicle

1991 BMW 3 Series 2 Dr 325i Convertible

Review

Excellent acceleration, handing, fuel economy. Sounds like a symphony as it works. A car with design depth. A 15 year old car that still is up to date and still turns heads.

Favorite Features

Fun to drive car.

Suggested Improvements

Cup holders needed!

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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325ix Ultimate All Season

Written by: Pete on 06/25/2005

Vehicle

1991 BMW 3 Series 2 Dr 325iX AWD Sedan

Review

This is a great All Wheel Drive car. Legendary reliability, great aftermarket and club support. The parts market is relatively inexpensive and pieces are easy to find either new or used. The front drive bits are a little rare and not cheap should they need to be replaced. Outside of that most of the parts are standards from the long-lived E30 series of 325's. It's a bit slower than the regular 325i, but it more than makes up for that small deficiency in handling on wet and/or snowy surfaces. In the winter it puts nearly every other all wheel drive vehicle on the road in the rear view mirror. I would strongly suggest bringing any car this old to a good shop to check it over before buying.

Favorite Features

The AWD system is excellent, Great handling, Good sized trunk, Ski pass thru rear seat, Great engine

Suggested Improvements

Cup holder, A little more power to make up for the extra weight of the AWD, but that's what the aftermarket is for!

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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The best car I've ever owned!!!

Written by: djgonzo on 09/27/2004

Vehicle

1991 BMW 3 Series 2 Dr 318is Sedan

Review

Probably the best car I've ever owned including the 2000 Audi S4 I currently own! I bought the 318is with 142K miles on it and drove it for a year putting another 13,000 miles on it. I've regreted selling the car ever since and am ironically trying to purchase another at this time. The engine is strong acceleration is quick. Handling is quick and nimble. Interior is comfortable, easy to clean and looks great. The car has real "European" feel and design. I could go on and on about this car, it's very dependable and sporty. Has to be one of the best cars BMW has built.

Favorite Features

Styling, Sporty feel, very dependable.

Suggested Improvements

CUP HOLDERS!!!

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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