BMW 318i 2002 Review

Say hello to the new-look 3 Series sedan, a popular car many Australians aspire to drive. It's the car that says you've arrived and may be just the first of many bigger and more expensive models that will one day fill your garage.

On the other hand the 318i may mark the pinnacle of a career's effort, a reward for years of hard work.

For many 318i buyers what is under the bonnet is less important than the badge on the bonnet and BMW understands this. That's why the interior is so well specified on this entry-model sedan and why BMW stacks the 318i with so many high-tech goodies.

Changes to the 2002 model year 318i sedan are more than skin deep, with a new generation four-cylinder engine that offers more power and torque, fewer emissions and a significant 14 percent improvement in fuel economy. The new 2.0-litre engine consumes an average of 7.2-litres per 100km as measured by the European combined city and highway test.

The 318i is now 1.1 seconds faster in the sprint to 100km/h, reaching the benchmark speed in 9.3-seconds.

The suspension has been retuned all round for a firmer, more sporting ride, thanks to stiffer rear axle bushes and a more direct ratio steering rack. There's also a new five-speed Steptronic automatic transmission with sequential manual changing facility available (at an extra cost of $2600).

Headlining the changes is a distinctive new look to the front end styling, with wrap around headlamps set in a wavy, sculpted panel, with larger, bolder kidney grilles in between. The bonnet design is new and the repeater indicators climb higher up the mudguard.

There are new, cleaner-looking bumpers front and rear with fewer grille inserts and on the range-topping 330i Xenon gas-discharge headlights are standard. These give out a brilliant white-blue light to make nighttime driving safer.

The tail lamps are restyled and there are bigger 16-inch steel wheels on the 318i while models from 318i Executive upwards gain 16-inch alloys.

The range comprises the 2.0-litre 318i models in manual and auto forms priced (at launch in November 2001) at $49,950, and $52,550 respectively, while the 318i Executive (with leather seats, alloys, and multi-function steering wheel) costs $53,950 and $56,550.

The six-cylinder engine range starts with the 2.2-litre 125kW 320i in manual and auto at $62,000 and $64,600 while the 325 has a 2.5-litre engine ($68,100 and $70,700) and the 330i a 170kW 3.0-litre motor priced at $91,600 in automatic guise only.

A myriad of electronic traction systems are fitted as standard to help prevent the car going into a skid, for example in wet weather. These include the latest generation anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution and an electronic differential lock as well as dynamic brake control, the latter helping pull the car up more quickly under emergency braking situations.

Corner braking control is another standard feature that helps to quell understeer or oversteer, essentially stopping the tail sliding or the nose running wide in faster corners. On the typically plump BMW options list is a $1500 traction system called dynamic stability control, which works with the fuel injection and anti-lock braking system to cut wheelspin.

On the safety front there are eight airbags fitted as standard, two in the front, one each in the doors and BMW's patented inflatable sausage that pops out of the windscreen pillar to protect your head in a side impact.

Our test car was the 318i Executive auto, which features leather seats. It also had an extra cost electric tilt/slide sunroof, which added to the sensation of luxury.

The new 2.0-litre Valvetronic engine has 105kW of power and 200Nm of torque. It is possibly the smoothest revving four-cylinder engine you can buy, with bags of low down torque. The engine revs so cleanly it gives the initial impression of being all top-end grunt, but greater familiarity around town provides more than adequate acceleration off the line without resorting to foot-flat driving techniques.

The new five-speed automatic gearbox changes up and down imperceptibly and the steering and suspension revisions allow for unfussed and stress-free driving.

The BMW rides brilliantly with supple suspension that copes well with lousy road surfaces by soaking up ruts and bumps. But the spring rates are stiff enough to give the car plenty of poise.

Wide tyres have loads of grip, and the car's inherent balanced weight distribution front-to-rear means that it is fun to drive enthusiastically.

The new motor is mounted well back in the engine bay, enhancing the balance.

Inside, the steering wheel has a series of buttons to control the radio and cruise control fitted on the centre spokes. Dark trim and glossy brown wood strips on the dash combine to offer a warming and welcoming impression when you hop in.

The boot is big enough for family trips and the rear seats accommodation, while not voluminous is big enough for adults to travel comfortably in the rear.

You might consider spending close to $60,000 for a smallish 2.0-litre sedan excessive, but some will be lured by the power of the BMW badge alone. While there are cars with bigger engines and lower prices and similar levels of luxury fittings, BMW stands by its technical reputation, long list of safety features and rock-solid resale value.

It's a combination that is hard to ignore.