A question for bmw enthusiasts and motor traders?
Answers:
Nikasil did not affect the 4 cylinder engines. It was the m52 6 cylinder engines that had the problems.
My major concern about a 318 with 131k is that the 4 cylinder engines are not as strong as the 6 cylinder lumps. Make sure it isn't burning any oil and is not noisey on the top end. If you did buy it i would get the cambelt changed imediately unless you have a recent invoice or other conclusive evidence that it has been done. £1400 is quite a lot for a j reg 318 so make sure the car is good one. A bad BMW could easilly cost you another £1400 to put right.
I have added a couple of links that may be of help. If you can't find all the info you want then just register with the site the links are too and you can ask as many questions as you like. There is generally no shortage of BMW enthusiasts willing to help.
If the car is in very good condition, has no rust, everything works as it should, it drives well, handles as it should and has a FBMWSH (main dealer not specialist) then I would pay £1400 for it. However if there is anything at all wrong then you need to be haggling hard. Haggle hard anyway. You never know.
The M40 engine wore out its nikasil bores, not the cam.
the 318 is a little expensive, 700-800 would be fair if it was immaculate
F BMW SH sounds good, the milage is ok, one owner sounds good.
£1400 sounds too much, try to look for similar cars on autotrader or exchange & mart, but I'd say £1000 is more like it.
Yeah it's the old catch 22 not a lot of cash to spend & want a bit of flash.the old 318i are a sturdy enough car.at 131k miles you can be sure she's had a lot of bangin about.
There are other cars for that kind of money.why not look at something slightly bigger like a renault safrane.a bit of luxury & cheap as chips.you should be able to pick up a 97 / 98 in good nick & leather ect for same money as your 92 318.
Hope you find what you're looking for.
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