looking to return to the e30 world again

Tue Sep 30, 2008 3:22 pm

I sold my e30 320 last january as it was starting to look like rust was getting the beter of it and i needeed something more economical.

About a week after selling it i was missing it and now Im looking to buy another one. I now have a daily drive car sorted so economy isnt a problem, Im selling my old school mini which averages about 20 mpg!

hopefully the mini will be gone in the next few months so i can start looking about at getting an e30 again. the trouble is im not sure what to get. ive had a 320 which I liked but seemed a bit lazzy on performance. it was stupid high mileage and been thrashed all its life to be fair.

Im not sure weather to go for a 318 or 325. what sort of performance differance is there between the them and the 320. does the 318 handle beter with a lighter engine?

Tue Sep 30, 2008 3:25 pm

I think most people will agree that if you're going to get a 1.8, make it a 318iS

Tue Sep 30, 2008 3:35 pm

yeah thats what Ive been looking at. forgot to put that.

Tue Sep 30, 2008 3:41 pm

yeah either the 318IS or 325, dont bother wasting time with the 320...

Tue Sep 30, 2008 3:57 pm

318is is more fun to drive but not as quick as a 325i

and the 318is is more economical

Tue Sep 30, 2008 3:57 pm

Is the 318iS more powerful than the 320i ?

Tue Sep 30, 2008 3:58 pm

Cloud wrote:Is the 318iS more powerful than the 320i ?

loads more

320i is what 129bhp the 318is is 136bhp but a bit underrated they are more like 140bhp and loads lighter

Tue Sep 30, 2008 4:25 pm

318is is more fun to drive

It's really not.

Tue Sep 30, 2008 4:26 pm

Theo325 wrote:
318is is more fun to drive
It's really not.

out of the box it is..

Tue Sep 30, 2008 4:26 pm

Theo325 wrote:
318is is more fun to drive
It's really not.

i will re word that then!!! the handling is better

Tue Sep 30, 2008 4:27 pm

out of the box it is..

would have to be a big fu*king box

Tue Sep 30, 2008 5:22 pm

Does the 325 or 318is have a lsd as standard?

is a 318is timing chain or belt?

sorry to sound a bit simple. just havent had much experience with e30s other than my old 320.

insurance between them doesnt seem as much as i thought it would.

Tue Sep 30, 2008 5:28 pm

lsd was optional on both

IS is chain unlike 6cyl cars

Tue Sep 30, 2008 5:38 pm

Get a 325 touring - 6 pot grunt with 4 pot balance. The best of both worlds

(and room for bodies in the back!)

Tue Sep 30, 2008 5:43 pm

Treat yourself to a nice 318i Cab, prices have never been cheaper.

If you're feeling flush, there a very nice 325i Cab on Ebay right now in North London.

Whatever, take advantage of the lower prices!

Tue Sep 30, 2008 5:53 pm

Touring FTW! If you can afford the insurance it would be silly not to go for a 325i touring, if fuel is gonna be a headache (and you've got the funds) LPG?

Tue Sep 30, 2008 6:05 pm

seriously if you want a fast economical e30 it has to be my e30 M40 turbo its up for sale pm me for pics

Tue Sep 30, 2008 8:04 pm

Alex wrote:
Theo325 wrote:
318is is more fun to drive
It's really not.
i will re word that then!!! the handling is better

The difference is not as vast as the iS owners will make out!

6 pot FTW!

Tue Sep 30, 2008 8:47 pm

bss325i wrote:
Alex wrote:
Theo325 wrote: It's really not.
i will re word that then!!! the handling is better

The difference is not as vast as the iS owners will make out!

6 pot FTW!

i know your rite i just dont want to admit it since im a 4 pot owner :lol:

Tue Sep 30, 2008 8:50 pm

Jhonno wrote:
Theo325 wrote:
318is is more fun to drive
It's really not.
out of the box it is..

no chance! I've had both and it's the 5i everytime

Just buy the best you can find and you be joining the club should beat the mini on fuel but not by loads!

Tue Sep 30, 2008 8:55 pm

Good luck with what ever you get!

Tue Sep 30, 2008 9:01 pm

i cannot belive a mini only gets 20mpg

preformance of a mobility scooter and running costs of a 750i

Tue Sep 30, 2008 9:03 pm

Alex wrote:i cannot belive a mini only gets 20mpg

i cant believe people still trot out that old 318is' are overpowered and more than the published figures chestnut

Tue Sep 30, 2008 9:04 pm

well they are arnt they

Tue Sep 30, 2008 9:54 pm

Before this turns into yet another 6pot vs 4pot threadnaught, I'd just say that if you're genuinely after economy you're probably not going to be thrilled by a 6 pot E30. You'll improve on 20mpg but 30 is only going to happen during fifth gear cruising in my experience. Then again, I own a touring which comes with a shorter diff.

I've never owned a M42 powered E30 (318is) so I'll leave the mpg claims for them to people with experience.

As for driving thrills, I don't think you'll be disappointed with any E30. They're all RWD and as long as they are well maintained they're a lot of fun but you'll be driving in a different way to an old school mini. E30s are generally well behaved, but a patch of damp/slippery tarmac can provide you with a serious wake up call if you're getting complacent.

The bottom line is you should test drive a few different models on your favorite road and see what you like. What a chore

Tue Sep 30, 2008 9:57 pm

Alex wrote:

well they are arnt they

Not unless you've got some dyno figures to show it? Lets just leave it that the 318is is a fun car to drive. The 325 is a fun car to drive. Hell, I enjoyed my M40 powered touring (I'm still convinced its the most tailhappy model E30). So, all E30 drivers should be happy

Group hug!

Tue Sep 30, 2008 9:59 pm

you cannot beat the sound of a 6 pot mind you

Wed Oct 01, 2008 10:36 am

Thanks for the advice people. I just got to flog my mini now. realy limited market as its been built for trackdays. hopefully i can get it gone by the end of the month.

Never thought of a touring, Might have to have a look at one. does anyone at the guildford meet have a touring? could be usefull with the extra space.