BMW 3 SERIES (1998-06) 318I 4DR SALOON 2.0 143 SE AUTO
The BMW 3 SERIES (1998-06) 318I 4DR SALOON 2.0 143 SE AUTO is a classic, compact executive car that has established itself as a popular choice among UK drivers seeking a balance of style, comfort, and reliability. As part of BMW’s renowned 3 Series lineup, this saloon offers a refined driving experience, making it ideal for daily commuting, small family outings, or those who value a vehicle that combines sporty handling with practical features. Its distinctive design and timeless appeal set it apart from rivals in its class, and the automatic transmission makes for smooth, convenient driving—particularly valued by city drivers and first-time buyers.
What makes the BMW 3 Series from this era especially notable is its reputation for solid build quality, comfortable ride, and engaging driving dynamics, which many owners appreciate over other similar vehicles. Its popularity in the used car market is reflected partly by the 461 lookups on MyCarCheck.com, indicating ongoing interest. Typically, these cars have seen an average mileage of around 93,152 miles and have been owned by roughly four to five previous owners, suggesting they’re generally well-maintained but have weathered typical wear and tear. Whether you're looking for a stylish, reliable saloon or a vehicle with a proven track record, the BMW 3 Series (1998-06) 318I 4DR SALOON is a model worth considering for its reputation, driving experience, and value for money in the used car market.
average use
The data indicates that the most common recorded mileages for the BMW 3 Series (1998-2006) 318I 4DR Saloon are in the range of 80,000 to 100,000 miles, accounting for approximately 19.5%, and between 100,000 to 110,000 miles, at about 11.3%. Notably, the mid-range mileages, such as 60,000 to 70,000 miles (9.5%) and 70,000 to 80,000 miles (10.4%), are also quite prevalent. Interestingly, there are very few vehicles with extremely low (0 to 10,000 miles) or very high mileages (beyond 180,000 miles), each representing only around 0.5%. This pattern suggests that most vehicles fall within the 80,000 to 110,000-mile range, likely reflecting typical usage cycles for this model. The sparse presence of mileage records at the extreme ends indicates that vehicles are less commonly found at very low or very high mileages in this dataset.
vehicle values
The data indicates that a significant majority of private sale valuations for the BMW 3 Series 318I (1998-06) 4DR Saloon 2.0 143 SE Auto fall within the £0 to £1,000 range, accounting for 65.6% of observed sales. Meanwhile, 34.4% of valuations are in the higher £1,000 to £2,000 range. This suggests that most of these vehicles are likely to be valued on the lower end of the spectrum, possibly reflecting factors such as age, mileage, or condition commonly associated with this model.
production years
Based on the data for the BMW 3 Series (1998-06) 318I 4DR Saloon 2.0 143 SE Auto, the majority of these vehicles were manufactured between 2002 and 2004, accounting for approximately 92.3% of the sample. Specifically, 35.7% were from 2004, 28.1% from 2003, and 28.5% from 2002, indicating a strong concentration within this three-year period. Smaller proportions were produced in 2001 (7.2%) and a very minimal 0.5% in 2005. This suggests that the most common and recent models of this particular variant are from the early to mid-2000s, which could be relevant for used car assessments, valuation, or sourcing.
colour popularity
The data reveals that the most common main paint colours for the BMW 3 Series (1998-2006) 318I 4DR Saloon are Silver (33.5%) and Blue (30.8%), collectively accounting for over 64% of the vehicles. Black and Grey also feature prominently, with 6.3% and 16.3% respectively. Notably, White, Red, and Purple are quite rare, representing less than 2.8% combined, indicating that more vibrant or lighter colours are less common for this model. Overall, the vehicle's typical colour palette leans towards traditional and neutral tones.
ownership cycle
The data on registered keepers for the BMW 3 Series (1998-06) 318I model shows a diverse distribution of ownership history. The most common number of keepers is five, accounting for 20.8% of vehicles, followed by three keepers at 14.5%, and four keepers at 14%. Notably, a significant portion of the vehicles—approximately 51%—have had between three and seven owners, indicating a relatively moderate level of ownership change. Conversely, a small percentage (around 1.4%) of vehicles have only had a single registered keeper, suggesting some vehicles may have been owned privately or maintained privately from new. The presence of vehicles with up to 15 previous owners highlights some cars may have experienced multiple ownerships, which could be relevant for valuation or maintenance history considerations.
engine choices
The data indicates that for the BMW 3 Series (1998-2006) 318i 4-door saloon 2.0 143 SE Auto model, engine capacity information is available for 100% of the recorded vehicles from 1995. Additionally, all vehicles in the sample are powered by petrol. These insights suggest a consistent engine size presence across the model's range and that petrol is the sole fuel type for this particular variant during the period, providing reliable data for potential buyers or owners.
