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1996
BMW 318

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$20,560
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New 1996 BMW 318
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 3dr HB
    Starts at
    $20,560
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn
    Starts at
    $25,950
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2dr Cpe
    Starts at
    $27,700
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2dr Convertible
    Starts at
    $32,750
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

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Expert 1996 BMW 318 review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By
Full article
our expert's take

A couple of years ago at an event for Chrysler dealers, I saw two prototype Plymouth sedans that floored me.

One was a Neon, the other a Breeze. Both cars were equipped with large folding canvas soft tops.

It is unbelievable what a canvas roof can do to transform a car. Those two Plymouths almost were like convertibles. The interiors suddenly felt open and airy. And the cars had fun written all over them.

The Neon, already one of the most cheeky compacts, would have been every high school kid’s dream with that canvas top, and the Breeze would have become more than just a decent economy car.

In Europe, folding canvas roofs have been popular for years. In fact, Chrysler engineers borrowed the roof treatment from a spindly little French car called the Citroen 2CV. But Chrysler decided not to offer the canvas roof because engineers could not eliminate wind noise and water leaks.

Now another automaker is testing the market to see if American buyers will warm up to this innovative item. BMW has added an electrically operated folding canvas roof to the menu of options available on the $20,000 318ti hatchback. The roof comes as part of the California Package.

I recently tested a 318ti with the California Package. Not only was the car a blast to drive, but it also was a real head-turner when the roof was peeled back. It gave the car a breezy, youthful feel and greatly enhanced the car’s value.

PERFORMANCE, HANDLING

BMW engineers installed a better engine in the 1996 318 line. The 318ti is outfitted with a peppy, fast-revving 1.9-liter four-cylinder engine that has 16 valves and double-overhead cams. Horsepower is rated at an impressive 138. Our test car’s engine was coupled with an easy-to-shift five-speed manual transmission.

The 318ti is no pocket rocket, but it offers very respectable performance. Road & Track magazine clocked one at 8.6 seconds in a 0-to-60 mph test.

The 318ti delivers most of its power when the engine is revved between 3,000 and 5,000 rpm. The engine can get a bit raucous, but it has a very sporty sound that complements BMW’s image of building performance-oriented cars.

Of all the BMW models I’ve tested, the 3-Series cars are best. I like the size of the car. You don’t feel as if the car is too big, and, at the same time, you don’t feel cramped. The dimensions and weight of the 318ti are a perfect match for the car’s finely tuned four-wheel independent suspension system. The combination gives the car a very balanced and solid feel.

The power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering system allows the 318ti to turn a complete circle in a tight 34.1 feet. The four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes are very strong, enhancing your feeling of control and security. The ride is quiet and sporty, though not so firm that it punishes.

Our test car delivered superb fuel economy despite the fact that I often drove it hard. It averaged 24 miles per gallon in t he city and 32 miles per gallon on the highway.

FIT AND FINISH

The 318ti has a handsome, high-quality interior devoid of any flashy gadgets and gimmicks.

I found the dash to be particularly well-designed and easy to use. For instance, rotary knobs in the center of the dash make adjustments to the air conditioner quick and easy. The switches for the wipers and cruise control, which are behind the steering wheel, are easy to reach and use.

At first I didn’t care for the old-style, pull-out headlight switch, but then as I got used to the car, it made sense: It was just part of the car’s user-friendly design.

Some cars suffer from having too many functions on turn signal or windshield wiper switches, but the placement of the controls in the 318ti makes them easy to operate. They are arranged so that the driver need not take his or her eyes off the road for more than a second or two when it’s time adjust the air conditioner, radio or some others stem.

The 318ti’s seats are covered with durable black cloth. They are firm and supportive, but it takes some patience to figure out the myriad manual adjustments. Several pull-up levers control the seat adjustments.

For a subcompact car, there is plenty of room in the rear for passengers and cargo. The rear seats fold forward so that larger items can be placed inside the car.

The electrically operated folding roof made our 318ti special. A lighted switch on the roof near the mirror opens and closes the top.

It’s true that the canvas top lets in more noise and causes quite a bit of turbulence in the interior when you are cruising down the highway. Some people might find this trait unacceptable. When both windows were open, the buffeting subsided. But even with the windows closed, wind noise

Still, the canvas top gave this entry-level BMW a free-spirited feeling.

BMW officials in New Jersey are trying to gauge buyers’ enthusiasm for the top and are not sure if it will be added to the options list in 1997.

The California Package, an option that added $3,030 to the price of our test car, included the special roof, unique wheels, cruise control, leather-wrapped steering wheel and painted bumpers and side skirts.

Our test car also had power windows, door locks and mirrors; air conditioning; traction control; and a powerful AM/FM radio.

Specifications: Base price: $20,560 Safety: Dual air bags, anti-lock brakes, side-impact protection, front and rear crumple zones Price as tested: $25,735 EPA rating: 23 mpg city/31 highway Incentives: None

Truett’s tip: BMW’s 318ti California is light, breezy and fun to drive. It’s well-built, offers decent performance, good fuel economy and has plenty of room.

1996 BMW 318 review: Our expert's take
By

A couple of years ago at an event for Chrysler dealers, I saw two prototype Plymouth sedans that floored me.

One was a Neon, the other a Breeze. Both cars were equipped with large folding canvas soft tops.

It is unbelievable what a canvas roof can do to transform a car. Those two Plymouths almost were like convertibles. The interiors suddenly felt open and airy. And the cars had fun written all over them.

The Neon, already one of the most cheeky compacts, would have been every high school kid’s dream with that canvas top, and the Breeze would have become more than just a decent economy car.

In Europe, folding canvas roofs have been popular for years. In fact, Chrysler engineers borrowed the roof treatment from a spindly little French car called the Citroen 2CV. But Chrysler decided not to offer the canvas roof because engineers could not eliminate wind noise and water leaks.

Now another automaker is testing the market to see if American buyers will warm up to this innovative item. BMW has added an electrically operated folding canvas roof to the menu of options available on the $20,000 318ti hatchback. The roof comes as part of the California Package.

I recently tested a 318ti with the California Package. Not only was the car a blast to drive, but it also was a real head-turner when the roof was peeled back. It gave the car a breezy, youthful feel and greatly enhanced the car’s value.

PERFORMANCE, HANDLING

BMW engineers installed a better engine in the 1996 318 line. The 318ti is outfitted with a peppy, fast-revving 1.9-liter four-cylinder engine that has 16 valves and double-overhead cams. Horsepower is rated at an impressive 138. Our test car’s engine was coupled with an easy-to-shift five-speed manual transmission.

The 318ti is no pocket rocket, but it offers very respectable performance. Road & Track magazine clocked one at 8.6 seconds in a 0-to-60 mph test.

The 318ti delivers most of its power when the engine is revved between 3,000 and 5,000 rpm. The engine can get a bit raucous, but it has a very sporty sound that complements BMW’s image of building performance-oriented cars.

Of all the BMW models I’ve tested, the 3-Series cars are best. I like the size of the car. You don’t feel as if the car is too big, and, at the same time, you don’t feel cramped. The dimensions and weight of the 318ti are a perfect match for the car’s finely tuned four-wheel independent suspension system. The combination gives the car a very balanced and solid feel.

The power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering system allows the 318ti to turn a complete circle in a tight 34.1 feet. The four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes are very strong, enhancing your feeling of control and security. The ride is quiet and sporty, though not so firm that it punishes.

Our test car delivered superb fuel economy despite the fact that I often drove it hard. It averaged 24 miles per gallon in t he city and 32 miles per gallon on the highway.

FIT AND FINISH

The 318ti has a handsome, high-quality interior devoid of any flashy gadgets and gimmicks.

I found the dash to be particularly well-designed and easy to use. For instance, rotary knobs in the center of the dash make adjustments to the air conditioner quick and easy. The switches for the wipers and cruise control, which are behind the steering wheel, are easy to reach and use.

At first I didn’t care for the old-style, pull-out headlight switch, but then as I got used to the car, it made sense: It was just part of the car’s user-friendly design.

Some cars suffer from having too many functions on turn signal or windshield wiper switches, but the placement of the controls in the 318ti makes them easy to operate. They are arranged so that the driver need not take his or her eyes off the road for more than a second or two when it’s time adjust the air conditioner, radio or some others stem.

The 318ti’s seats are covered with durable black cloth. They are firm and supportive, but it takes some patience to figure out the myriad manual adjustments. Several pull-up levers control the seat adjustments.

For a subcompact car, there is plenty of room in the rear for passengers and cargo. The rear seats fold forward so that larger items can be placed inside the car.

The electrically operated folding roof made our 318ti special. A lighted switch on the roof near the mirror opens and closes the top.

It’s true that the canvas top lets in more noise and causes quite a bit of turbulence in the interior when you are cruising down the highway. Some people might find this trait unacceptable. When both windows were open, the buffeting subsided. But even with the windows closed, wind noise

Still, the canvas top gave this entry-level BMW a free-spirited feeling.

BMW officials in New Jersey are trying to gauge buyers’ enthusiasm for the top and are not sure if it will be added to the options list in 1997.

The California Package, an option that added $3,030 to the price of our test car, included the special roof, unique wheels, cruise control, leather-wrapped steering wheel and painted bumpers and side skirts.

Our test car also had power windows, door locks and mirrors; air conditioning; traction control; and a powerful AM/FM radio.

Specifications: Base price: $20,560 Safety: Dual air bags, anti-lock brakes, side-impact protection, front and rear crumple zones Price as tested: $25,735 EPA rating: 23 mpg city/31 highway Incentives: None

Truett’s tip: BMW’s 318ti California is light, breezy and fun to drive. It’s well-built, offers decent performance, good fuel economy and has plenty of room.

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
Certified Pre-Owned Elite with less than 15,000 miles; Certified Pre-Owned with less than 60,000 miles
Basic
1 year / unlimited miles from expiration of 4-year / 50,000-mile new car warranty
Dealer certification
196-point inspection

Consumer reviews

4.8 / 5
Based on 9 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.5
Interior 4.9
Performance 4.6
Value 5.0
Exterior 5.0
Reliability 4.9

Most recent

  • 2nd one I've owned and love these things!!!!

    Love them. My speed days are long behind me so I was going for gph, good looks and reliability. The 318i fits those requirements to a "T". I am the second owner of this particular car and the first guy was over the top with regards to open check book ownership. Documentation back to his initial leasing and then purchase. I, being the benefactor of this philosophy, could not have found a better example of a 97 318i and couldn't love this car any more than I do. I throw a pair of 19" wheels on it every once in awhile to change the look and the reactions from those who see it is amazing. People love the style of these vehicles and if you can find one that was taken care I suggest you think long and hard before passing it up. 318's are fast becoming a rarity and well kept ones even more so.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
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  • Good performance, gas milage and very reliable

    The BMW 318 IC car is very reliable that is why I am seeking a 2nd 1996 -1999 318 IC White with a Tan interior in good condition. My preference is 5 speed trsnsmission but I will settle for an automatic. Baskerville
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Great bargain performance and versatility

    Great city and touring (small) car while still having seating in the rear that doesn't leave adults too cramped. MPGs in the 20s, minimal maintenance and unexpected service requirements (though a owners' manual service interval versus BMW's "schedules" light would be nice). I've run Falken tires (Ziex 512s) and need to find something different, as these tires lasted 26k or promised 50k. Not tires' fault though, nor my driving habits - I baby the car so I hope it lasts. I have put about 30k on the clock and I got it about 6 years ago when it was around 25k. Timeless styling on the E36.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
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  • Great Car will buy again

    I bought this car used 10 years ago with 40,000. I now have 240,000 I have replaced the water pump and alternator 1 battery 1 big brake job. Always got me to where I am going. People think it is a newer model Love this car looking for anouther
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
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  • Best Car I ever had!! I have the 318is

    and I still have it at 100,000 miles- it drives like a dream. A couple of mechanical things had stopped functioning correctly, like the electric windows, but I had them fixed and am good to go! mpg is still around 25 in the city. Engine pickup is amazing for a 4 cylinder. Great little car. My mechanic told me this is one of the best models ever and to hang on to it!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
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  • Solid Fun

    Well, it's a BMW, so handling, exterior styling, reliability, features, and value are what the company is built upon. Unlike some, I gave the performance of the 318 a 5. My reasoning? Comparing 4 cyl. with 6cyl. is apples to oranges. The 1.8 performs superbly for its size, plus with gas prices the way they are, people should factor in the 318's great fuel economy when thinking of "performance." Best car I've ever had, with features that are just now becoming standard on domestic vehicles.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
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  • Smooth and Comfortable

    Things are starting to break now after 180,000kms but generally a great reliable car. Sticks to the corners and very stable at high speed.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
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  • Nice Handling, Fun, and Reliable

    An unbelievable car for an even better price!! This car never let me down whether I was 2 miles from my home or 2 hours away. I was very pleased with this car.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
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  • BMW 318 Convertible Super Fun Car

    I owned this car for 7 years. It has never failed to start, or perform as asked. Great gas mileage, even with a heavy foot. Get up and Go is one way to describe this little 4 cyl.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 1996 BMW 318?

The 1996 BMW 318 is available in 4 trim levels:

  • 318I (1 style)
  • 318IC (1 style)
  • 318IS (1 style)
  • 318TI (1 style)

Is the 1996 BMW 318 reliable?

The 1996 BMW 318 has an average reliability rating of 4.9 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 1996 BMW 318 owners.

Is the 1996 BMW 318 a good Hatchback?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 1996 BMW 318. 100.0% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.8 / 5
Based on 9 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.5
  • Interior: 4.9
  • Performance: 4.6
  • Value: 5.0
  • Exterior: 5.0
  • Reliability: 4.9
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