BMW 318ti 1996 review

There is something special about BMWs. I'm not just talking about the snarling M3s, which can whip around corners leaving your stomach wedged somewhere in your throat; nor am I talking about the 7-Series sedans, which can give their occupants an irresistible urge to pull up next to someone in an equally classy car and politely ask if they have any "Grey Poupon." No, I'm talking about nearly every BMW built.

What's so special about BMWs? They're made for people who think of cars as something more than a means of transportation. BMWs are made by people who view driving as something to be enjoyed rather than dreaded. BMWs are magical modes of transportation. I nursed a 1971 2002 through college, refusing to sell it in my darkest hour of poverty, on the hopes of being able to restore it to its original glory one fine day. My sentiment is not unique; that's just the way people are about their Beemers.

Thankfully, the engineers and corporate-types in Bavaria have recognized the devotion that we poorly paid but faithful followers have for the "Ultimate Driving Machine." They have granted us the most coveted of all gifts, an affordable BMW. Affordable doesn't mean cheap, on the order of a Geo Metro. Rather, it means attainable for the budding enthusiast who wants a German car with the coolest badge on the planet. For under $25,000 you can get a 318ti, with all the good options, and be on your way to some exciting driving.

My first glimpse of our test 318ti was in a parking lot at Los Angeles International Airport. It was purple. Purple is not my favorite color on a car. In fact, purple is not a color that I would even imagine putting on a car. However, the eggplant skin could not belie the fact that this was indeed a BMW. The lines were clean and distinct, and that down-sloped hood and trademark grill are two of the most inviting sights to anyone who likes to drive.

Driving around Los Angeles in the 318ti was a blast. The brisk acceleration and snappy gear shifts made it easy to maneuver in traffic. The brakes on the car were big and sticky, enabling the 318ti to stop quickly when the inevitable minivan lumbered into our lane. The steering was so good that it was like playing some high-tech video game; the car immediately did what it was asked.

Early one foggy morning we decided to chuck the office work and spend the day driving in and around Santa Barbara. We headed for the coast, and in Venice Beach we discovered that the 318ti is not as fast as it feels. Winding through the streets of the funky beach town we were positively dusted by a Volkswagen Golf, and not the GTI version. With this information forever stored on our mental hard drive, we consoled ourselves with the knowledge that at least the 318ti looked better.

Tooling up Highway 1 to Oxnard we noticed for the first time that the premium stereo in the 318ti is outstanding. Even playing cassette tapes, the sound that issued from the speakers was better than most home stereos. We also experienced the ease with which the driver has access to everything in the car. All the controls are within easy reach, the gauges are readable at a split-second glance, and somehow BMW has managed to engineer the only center console storage space that doesn't require drivers to quit paying attention to the road while they are searching for their favorite CD.

Highway driving was smooth and uneventful, untroubled by wind or disturbing squeaks. Back road driving pleasure ranks with other, more expensive, European cars. Cleaving through the citrus groves outside of Santa Paula we got our first taste for the 318ti's intended purpose; spirited country driving.

After switching drivers in Santa Paula, I got the opportunity to conquer the Dennison Grade that descends into Ojai. This road is the mother of all switchbacks, with blind corners and sheer cliffs; just thinking about it can give a less adventurous person goose-bumps. The scenery on this stretch of California road showed me what the state must have looked like before the entire country moved there and decided to build split-levels on every available piece of land. I must confess, however, that the autumn trees and fertile valleys were the least of my pleasures that day. The dulcet tones emitted by the 318ti's exhaust system and melodic pitch of the 1.8-liter engine in every downshift truly captured my heart. The car performed like a cat chased by a dog, wheeling around corners on its sturdy suspension, tires gripping the pavement like they had claws, the steering res ponding intuitively to every movement of my hands. Wow! After cruising through Ojai and driving up the coast to Carpenteria, we got on California 192, a fun stretch of highway with dips and heart-pounding corners that took us into Santa Barbara the back way. Once again the 318ti proved its worth by tenaciously clawing its way through hills and valleys like it knew exactly where we wanted to go.

The 318ti is truly a proper driver's car. Rear-wheel drive, amazingly communicative steering, perfect control placement, astounding brakes, and a competent suspension beg you to drive this one fast. Despite its tight, solid and composed demeanor, however, the driver never feels truly dialed in to this BMW. The uncomfortable seats in our Active model were a real let down, offering limited travel, height, and recline functions only. The steering wheel is positioned too high in relation to the low, unsupportive seats. Low range response from the 1.8-liter four is pathetic. Fuel economy hovers in the low 20's. Some interior materials are glaringly inexpensive. What ran through my mind while driving this car was "Fancy Civic Si, Fancy Civic Si, Fancy Civic Si."

Ask me if the 318ti is a fun car, and I'll say yes. Ask me if it's well-built, and I'll say yes. Ask me if it's worth nearly double the cost of my 1994 Ford Escort GT, and I'll say no way. Not much bang for the buck in this BMW, which means buyers attracted to the 318ti are really attracted only to the prestige of the blue-and-white propeller badge on the hood. For those of you who want a fun Teutonic ride at low cost, visit your Volkswagen dealer and try a GTI. Leave this one for members of Sorority Row.