BMW 3 SERIES (1998-06) 318CI 2DR CONVERTIBLE 2.0 SE
The BMW 3 SERIES (1998-06) 318CI 2DR CONVERTIBLE 2.0 SE is a stylish and sporty convertible that's well-suited for drivers who enjoy open-air driving and a sophisticated look. Positioned in the compact executive car niche, this model offers a blend of performance, comfort, and iconic BMW design, making it a popular choice among UK drivers seeking an enjoyable and versatile vehicle. It’s especially appreciated for its smooth handling, refined driving experience, and the practicality of a convertible, perfect for city cruising or scenic countryside drives.
What sets the BMW 3 SERIES 318CI apart from rivals is its reputation for reliability and a well-crafted interior that balances sporty flair with everyday usability. It appeals to a wide range of drivers including those looking for a fun weekend car, first-time drivers wanting a premium feel, or even small families who appreciate the convertible option. With an average recorded mileage of around 105,000 miles and generally a history of several previous owners, this model demonstrates good longevity and a proven track record. Overall, the BMW 3 SERIES (1998-06) 318CI 2DR CONVERTIBLE 2.0 SE stands out for its blend of stylish design, dynamic driving, and approachable used car value—making it a compelling choice in the used convertible market.
average use
The data indicates that the most common recent mileage readings for the BMW 3 Series (1998-06) 318CI Convertible are between 100,000 and 130,000 miles, collectively accounting for a significant portion of recorded readings—around 26%. The 100,000 to 110,000 mile range is particularly prominent at 18.5%, followed by 120,000 to 130,000 miles at 10.2%. Notably, lower mileage brackets—such as 0 to 10,000 miles and 10,000 to 20,000 miles—are very rare, each constituting only around 0.6%, suggesting these vehicles are less commonly found with very low mileage. Conversely, higher mileage ranges over 150,000 miles, including 150,000 to 160,000 miles (3.8%) and 160,000 to 170,000 miles (1.9%), also have some presence, indicating a proportion of vehicles have been driven substantially. Overall, the data highlights that most vehicles are within the 100,000 to 130,000-mile range, which is a typical high-mileage bracket for used cars of this age.
vehicle values
The data indicates that the majority of private sale prices for the BMW 3 Series (1998-06) 318CI 2DR Convertible 2.0 SE fall within the £1,000 to £2,000 range, accounting for approximately 89.2% of transactions. A small proportion, around 6.4%, are sold between £2,000 and £3,000, while only 4.5% of sales are below £1,000. This suggests that most of these vehicles are valued at the lower end of the price spectrum in private sales, reflecting their age and potential condition considerations.
production years
The data indicates that the majority of the BMW 3 Series (1998-06) 318CI 2DR Convertible 2.0 SE vehicles are from the 2004 model year, accounting for 34.4%. Vehicles from 2005 and 2006 also make up significant portions, at 28.7% and 31.8%, respectively. Notably, only a small fraction—just 5.1%—are from 2003, suggesting that most of these cars in the sample are relatively recent, primarily manufactured between 2004 and 2006. This distribution may reflect higher availability or popularity of these model years in the used market.
colour popularity
The data indicates that for the BMW 3 Series (1998-2006) 318CI 2DR Convertible 2.0 SE, the most common paint colours are Blue (30.6%) and Silver (27.4%), suggesting these shades are particularly popular among owners. Grey also features prominently at 18.5%. Less frequently observed colours include Gold (2.5%), Red (4.5%), Black (12.7%), and smaller proportions of Orange, Brown, and Green. Notably, vibrant colours like Red and Gold are relatively rare compared to the more subdued tones, while blue and silver dominate the overall colour palette for this model.
ownership cycle
The data shows that the most common number of registered keepers for these BMW 3 Series convertibles (1998-06) is six, accounting for 16.6% of the sample. The second most frequent is eight keepers (9.6%), followed closely by seven keepers at 14% and five keepers also at 14%. Notably, a significant majority of vehicles (approximately 48.7%) have between four and eight previous keepers, indicating a relatively high turnover rate. Fewer vehicles have very few (one or two) or many (over 12) previous keepers, suggesting that extremely low or high ownership histories are relatively uncommon in this sample. Overall, the data suggests moderate to high ownership turnover for this model during its lifecycle.
engine choices
The data indicates that all BMW 3 Series (1998-06) 318Ci 2-Door Convertible 2.0 SE models from 1995 onwards are equipped with a 2.0-liter petrol engine. There is a consistent 100% in the dataset for both engine capacity and fuel type, showing that these vehicles predominantly, if not exclusively, use petrol engines of that capacity. This suggests a uniform engine specification for this model and year range in the data sample.
