Used 1991 BMW 3 Series Coupe Consumer Reviews

Great car!

I just recently got a 318is and it is a fun little car to drive. It has almost 200,000 miles on it and needs some things like new struts, rack and pinion, timing chain. It handles pretty good and I get pretty good mpgs when I dont drive it hard.

Love this car

I have had many cars in my life but this is my favorite. I just love this car. The timeless classic style and she handles great. This is my first BMW. I bought it on a whim for $1800 and instantly fell in love with her. She runs great but needs some minor fixes. My new passion and hobby will be to provide all the TLC she needs and restore her to the ultimate driving machine she was meant to be.

Best Value for a Fun Car

My previous car was a 1993 Miata, and I didn't have high expectations for this car. I was wrong. This has been my favorite car so far. The car could be called underpowered, but then again an inline six was available for more power. The only work I have done is a waterpump and the belts. The car is a great daily driver, but the 4.10 diff makes it rev high at highway speeds. I love the ride of the car, firm but comfortable. I have H&R springs, Bilstein shocks, and suspension technique swaybars. I do look to upgrade the car in the future with a Downing Atlanta Supercharger (197 whp) and stiffer springs. Overall an awesome car that has classic good looks and drives well.

Artie, my fiery red beamer

I just purchased my 1991 BMW 318is coupe. I was looking for a car to replace my 1994 Volvo 850; I loved my Volvo but it was literally falling apart. I wanted to purchase a Land Rover Discovery Series SUV, but read so many bad reviews on this vehicle. My son and I were looking at cars at my favorite car lot; my son spotted the BMW at the back of the lot. It caught our eye. It was a one owner car in excellent condition; one look and we were hooked. I made an offer and the car was mine. My son and I waxed Artie and scented him with air freshener. Everywhere we go; people ask where did you get that car. It is definitely an eye capturer. My son says, aren't you glad I made you give up the Volvo.

318is - A definite YES!

I am an autocrosser/Time Trialer who recently bought a 318is for street/event use. I LOVE IT!! It doesn't have the power of my wife's 325, but it is 200+ lbs. lighter, and feels more nimble and responsive to the touch. I think in most kinds of competitive events, the 318is will hold it's own against most others. A real thrill to drive!!

In Love With This Car

Why drive a used honda or toyota when you can drive a BMW.Paid $3500 for this car used, the paint job alone is worth that.This car looks great and drives great and at this point all the depreciation is done, will hold value.

A-1, for sure!

This is a very nice car, no doubt about it. But sometimes I find my self lacking that extra boost of power when needing to switch lanes or merge, but I will put in a chip in 2 weeks. Don't get me wrong the car is fine as is, but I want that extra 35hp. Aside from that this car is all you need! This car is a VERY fun drive. I had a 1990 525i, and I still prefer this 318iS.

Its a keeper

I purchased my 1991 318is in 1991, as my first BMW. I enjoyed the performance, although my driving style is far from pushing a car. The BMW 318is attracted me because of the small size yet interior room and seating for four. The car is now 12 years old and still looks like new and runs great. I found a local German machanic who did all the service beyond what was covered by the warrenty.

325ix Ultimate All Season

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.

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

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.

Great little Bimmer

Bought new in '91. Fun car, has only 50K on it now and driven only in the Summer. Looks like new inside and out, engine clean as the day I picked it up. This car is well balanced and fun, but a bit underpowered.

318is will last forever

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).

What a great car!

I just bought a 318is from a wonderful 1st owner who took incredible care of his car (all records etc). The car has 126K but runs like new - everything works great. I owned a 2002 Mini Cooper S last year and I swear this car is as quick and as nimble - plus it isn't broken constantly and you can hit a pot hole without cursing. I am dreading the repair bills but in the meantime I am enjoying driving this wonderful little car!

The Ultimate Driving Machine

Safe! My car is the replacement 318is for the one my bro. took 55mph+, head- on into a tree, in '91. He suffered only a split lower lip! Very, Very fun car 2 drive! Virtually no body lean, under/oversteer -- corners like on rails! Put 15" wheels w/Brdgstne Potenze 750's; amazing! Big sunroof. Great window controls. Looks So, so cool in black w/blacked windows and silver wheels. Turns heads and gets comments even @ the BMW delrshp!!! Bought from P's; a '91 w/81k orig. miles. ;) see one, drive one, buy one, love it, keep it! Fantastic car. Next car just might have to be a BMW . . .

The best car I've ever owned!!!

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.

One Loveable Car!

I have had this car for just over a year and I have loved it every day I drove it. Handles great and has a lot of power. It broke down once (new fuel pump) but has treated me well over all. I dont like being afraid to drive it hard because of the expensive repair stories I have heard, but I manage to have my fun occasionally. This car been good to me, but it sits for sale in my drive way due to lack of cargo space. A drum set doesnt fit in the trunk of this sweet car.

I Love My Red Little Girl

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.

Cheap but fun.

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.

Like it almost as much as my 88 535is

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.

I Love My 318is

I purchased my car from the original owner with ~68,000 miles on it in 1998. It now has 165,000 aggressive miles on it and it has proven itself to be a VERY well built, reliable, fun to drive car. It has no torque and doesn't accelerate off the line well, but once up to speed on the highway, this car is very quick. You have to learn to keep the revs up. It eats gas for a four-banger, but it loves to rev. I've done H&R springs, Bilstein sport shocks, Hawk HP Plus pads and the car is very nimble and tossable. It's very reliable, entertaining transportation.

e30's Rule!

Buy one

Blast from the past

Great car. Well maintained and a blast to drive.i owned a new one back in 1991. Same car. It's a time capsule. A blast from the past.

Great Car