BMW 3 SERIES (1998-06) 318I 4DR SALOON 2.0 143 SE
The BMW 3 SERIES (1998-06) 318I 4DR SALOON 2.0 143 SE is a stylish and reliable sedan that has long been a popular choice among drivers in the UK. Known for its balanced blend of comfort, performance, and quality, this model is ideal for a wide range of drivers, from daily commuters and small families to those seeking a refined driving experience. Its sleek four-door saloon design offers practicality with a touch of elegance, making it a versatile option for urban and motorway driving alike.
What makes the BMW 3 SERIES (1998-06) 318I 4DR SALOON particularly appealing is its reputation for driving enjoyment combined with solid build quality. The 2.0-litre engine delivers a smooth ride with decent fuel efficiency, and the car's reputation for reliability means it often remains dependable over time. This model is often chosen for its popularity in the used car market, with an average selling price around £754 and mileage typically close to 113,336 miles. With up to five previous owners on average, it's clear that many drivers have appreciated the blend of style, performance, and practicality offered by this classic BMW 3 Series. Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned driver, this car remains a notable contender in its class.
average use
The data indicates that the most common recorded mileages for the BMW 3 Series (1998-06) 318I models are between 80,000 and 120,000 miles, accounting for approximately 23.4% of vehicles. Notably, a significant portion—around 14%—are in the 100,000 to 110,000 mile range, and 11.7% fall between 80,000 and 90,000 miles. There are also small percentages of vehicles with very low mileage (0-10,000 miles, 2.3%) and very high mileage (above 200,000 miles, about 1.5%), including a rare record at nearly 890,000 miles. This distribution suggests that most vehicles tend to be in the 80,000-120,000 mile range, with some outliers at both low and extremely high mileages.
vehicle values
The data indicates that the majority of private sale prices for the BMW 3 Series (1998-06) 318I 4DR Saloon 2.0 143 SE fall within the £0 to £1,000 range, accounting for approximately 85.4% of transactions. Only a small proportion, about 14.6%, are sold in the £1,000 to £2,000 range. This suggests that most of these vehicles tend to be sold at lower price points, likely reflecting their age, condition, and market value in private sales.
production years
The data indicates that the majority of BMW 3 Series (1998-06) 318I saloons are manufactured between 2001 and 2003, accounting for over 80% of the sample. Notably, the highest proportion is from 2002 at 38%, followed closely by 2003 at 33.8%. Conversely, vehicles manufactured in 2005 comprise just 0.6%, suggesting that most of these cars are older models, primarily from the early 2000s. This distribution reflects the vehicle's age profile, with a significant portion being around 17-20 years old, and very few being newer or from the last years of the production span.
colour popularity
The most common main paint colours for the BMW 3 Series (1998-06) 318I 4DR Saloon 2.0 143 SE are Silver (38.3%) and Blue (26.9%), collectively accounting for over 65% of the cars. Notably, a significant proportion of vehicles are painted in more subdued colours like Silver, Blue, Black (13.6%), and Grey (9.4%), indicating a preference for classic or conservative shades. Bright colours such as Green (8.1%) and Red (1.3%) are less common, with very few cars in White, Purple, or Gold. Overall, the data suggests that buyers of this model predominantly favored neutral and traditional colours during its production period.
ownership cycle
The data on registered keepers for the BMW 3 Series (1998-06) 318I 4DR Saloon reveals a diverse ownership history. The most common ownership pattern is vehicles with 4 registered keepers, accounting for 16.2%, followed closely by those with 3 keepers at 15.3% and 5 keepers at 15.6%. Notably, a significant portion of the vehicles—over 50%—have had between 2 to 8 registered keepers, indicating a relatively high turnover rate. Smaller percentages with 13, 14, and 16 keepers suggest some vehicles have been through multiple owners over time. Overall, the distribution suggests that many of these vehicles have experienced several ownership changes, which is typical for models of this age range, and may be useful in assessing the vehicle’s history or potential reliability concerns.
engine choices
The data for the BMW 3 Series (1998-06) 318I 4DR Saloon 2.0 143 SE indicates that, based on available records, all vehicles in this model range are fitted with a 2.0-litre petrol engine. Notably, there is no variation observed in engine capacity or fuel type; every entry from 1995 onwards specifies a petrol engine with a 2.0-litre capacity. This suggests that this model consistently used a 2.0L petrol engine throughout its production period, offering a uniform engine and fuel profile for buyers and owners.
