BMW 3 SERIES (1998-06) 318I 4DR SALOON 2.0 143 ES
The BMW 3 SERIES (1998-06) 318I 4DR SALOON 2.0 143 ES is a popular choice in the UK used car market, especially known for its balanced performance, stylish design, and reputation for driving enjoyment. As a saloon, it offers a comfortable and practical option for everyday commuting, family use, or even those seeking a reliable second car. Its classic 4-door layout makes it accessible and versatile for a wide range of drivers, from first-time buyers to seasoned motorists. The 2.0-litre engine provides a smooth driving experience, complemented by BMW's renowned build quality and engineering finesse, ensuring it remains a competitive contender against similar models in its class.
What makes this particular BMW 3 Series notable is its blend of practicality and sporty appeal, with a reputation for solid reliability and a comfortable ride. It’s often chosen by drivers who appreciate a stylish vehicle that offers good value for money, especially considering its average private sale valuation of around £885. The model has seen consistent usage, with an average recorded mileage of approximately 101,311 miles, reflecting its durability over time. With multiple previous owners (averaging 4.5), it’s a well-used but still capable car, perfect for those looking for a dependable and attractively priced used saloon. Overall, the BMW 3 SERIES (1998-06) 318I 4DR SALOON 2.0 143 ES stands out for its combination of comfort, style, and driving enjoyment, making it a worthy choice in the competitive compact executive car segment.
average use
The data for the most recent mileage recordings of the BMW 3 SERIES (1998-06) 318I indicates that the most common mileage range is between 70,000 and 80,000 miles, accounting for 14% of vehicles. Significant proportions also fall within the 100,000 to 110,000 miles range (13.3%) and the 120,000 to 130,000 miles range (11.9%). Notably, only small percentages of vehicles have very low mileage (0-10,000 miles) or extremely high mileage (above 180,000 miles), each around 0.7% or less. This suggests that most vehicles tend to accumulate between 70,000 and 130,000 miles, with relatively few at the very low or very high ends of the mileage spectrum.
vehicle values
The data indicates that a significant majority of private sale prices for the BMW 3 Series (1998-06) 318I 4DR Saloon 2.0 143 ES fall within the £0 to £1,000 range, accounting for approximately 74.8% of cases. Conversely, only around 25.2% of vehicles are sold privately at prices between £1,000 and £2,000. This suggests that most of these vehicles are likely older, higher-mileage, or in lower condition, resulting in lower market values. The data highlights a predominance of lower-priced sales within the private market for this model and age range.
production years
The data indicates that the majority of the BMW 3 Series (1998-06) 318I models in the sample were manufactured between 2003 and 2004, accounting for approximately 85.4% of the vehicles—39.2% in 2003 and 46.2% in 2004. Vehicles from 2005 are less common, making up about 14.7%. This suggests that, within this sample, the most prevalent models are from the 2003-2004 period, with a smaller proportion from 2005.
colour popularity
The data indicates that the most common paint colours for the BMW 3 Series (1998-2006) 318i saloon are Silver, Black, and Blue, accounting for approximately 28.7%, 26.6%, and 24.5% of the vehicles respectively. These three colours collectively represent around 80% of the sample, suggesting that these are the popular choices among buyers. Notably, Green and Red are quite rare, comprising only 2.8% combined, with Green at just 2.1% and Red at 0.7%. This distribution highlights a preference for classic and neutral colours in this model range, particularly Silver and Black.
ownership cycle
The data indicates that most vehicles of this BMW 3 Series model have had between 2 and 8 registered keepers, with a notable concentration of vehicles having 3 keepers (18.2%) and 4 keepers (14.7%). Interestingly, a significant portion also has 5 keepers (14.7%), suggesting some vehicles change ownership multiple times. Very few vehicles have had only 1 or as many as 17 registered keepers, highlighting a varied but generally moderate cycle of ownership transfers. This pattern reflects typical owner turnover, with no extreme cases of persistent or very short-term ownership spanning multiple keepers.
engine choices
The data indicates that virtually all BMW 3 Series (1998-2006) 318I 4-door saloons with a 2.0-liter engine are equipped with petrol engines, accounting for 99.3% of the vehicles. Interestingly, only a small fraction, 0.7%, are powered by gas bi-fuel systems. Regarding engine capacity, there is complete consistency, with 100% of these vehicles having the 2.0-liter engine. This suggests that during this model period, the 2.0L petrol engine was the exclusive or overwhelmingly dominant choice for this specific variant.
