BMW Problems

The B4820 two-litre four-cylinder engine in BMW's current F20-generation 120i uses a timing chain.

The current F20-series BMW 120i is rated on a combined cycle as using 5.9-litres of unleaded fuel per-100km. While it isn't as good as other small hatchbacks in the class it would still be considered good fuel consumption, especially given most large family cars would consume 10-12-litres per-100km.

So long as it is serviced on time and looked after well, the BMW 318i can be a great, reliable and enjoyable mode of transport. Although it is no tar-burning supercar the 318i has been known for 30 years as a well-made, pleasant way to get around town. Older second-hand models should have a professional inspection before purchase to make sure they have been serviced regularly and not driven without car, as this can affect the car's long-term reliability.

BMW offered two 3 Series wagons in 2007, the 320i and the 323i. The list price for the 320i wagon was $65,800; the 323I wagon was $71,500.

BMW has claimed the F20-series 120i hatch will top-out at 230km/h.

The diesel is fine around town. Being just three years old there shouldn't be anything wrong, so apart from overall condition of the body, paint, and interior make sure it has been routinely serviced.

BMW's 120i hatchback can reach 100km/h from a standstill in a handy 7.1 seconds.

So long as you service it on the dot, change the oil at least every 10,000km or six-months, and drive it with mechanical sympathy the BMW 320D should be a reliable, comfortable, and safe daily driver.

Trade it in on an M3. Realistically, modifying your 318i is a legal minefield and doesn't really make sense given BMW produce higher-performance models in the 3-series line-up, starting with the 328i and going all the way to the ridiculously fast M3.

BMW's F30-series 318i is claimed to average 5.4-litres of fuel consumed per-100km, measured on a combined cycle of city and highway driving. This is quite efficient for a large four-door car.