Saw a 318iS get a little embarassed yesterday...

[Jhonno]

The E30 was designed to use a 6 pot.

The first E30 model released was a 6 pot

The 4 pot models were an after thought for poorer/tighter/limp wristed buyers.

6 pot = win 4 pot = looser

Not true.

They were designed to use both, BMW had a history of 4 pots as long or longer than the 6 pots - so that's not quite true.

Yes the 4 pots are obviously entry-level - not so the 318iS.

If you must go on about 4 pots, BMW's flagship E30 engine is a 4 pot.

In my low revving Cabrio Cruiser type driving I want a 6.
For every other type of driving, I want lightweight, modern and reliable (in context) 4-pot - an M42.

I'd still take the 6 pot.. Go out for a fun weekend drive with an engine that sounds like a sewing machine.. No thanks

[DRIFTBOY]

I agree, the noise alone is worth getting a 6 pot for!

[On_a_Roll]

The iS engine was a step in the wrong direction in my opinion. The only advantage is doubling the valves. Which to me makes cars smoother and more efficient. I personally prefer older engines like 8v (or 12v :winkeye:) with more of a rugged muscle feeling to them. Not some poncey smoother pile that they call the M42.

Still harking on about the engine...

The poncey smooth pile you describe is the M20! That's what it does best. The M42 needs to be revved and sounds anything but smooth when on the boil and at quite meaty from 3000rpm+, not the best around town either - so you have this the wrong way around. Whatever reason the 318iS was created it is irrelevant now. Anyone who can afford an 318iS can easily buy a 325i.

FYI - I've owned quite a few 325i's. Found them front heavy, thirsty (when actually used like a normal car, not coasting around to reach 30MPG) and tappety if smooth and torquey - though throttle response sucked. Autos were/are disgusting.

I still think the classic BMW engine is a 6 - but package against package - the 318iS trashes a 325i in all areas bar the now irrelevant BHP argument.

[DRIFTBOY]

I can't be bothered to add anything except my second sig comment, which I use especially for times such as these! \/\/\/

[spook]

But the 318iS has no chrome bumpers

[Blitz]

325i is like Palace compared to the 318is which is a piece of cardboard on a door step.

[bss325i]

i like boys mmmmm

[spook]

If you had a little brother he would have a 318iS

[Barx325i]

I used to drive the snake pass &120 motorway miles 3-4 times a week in my 325, I wouldn't consider that sort of a commute an iS. 4 pots aren't too light, most of the tinniness is down to the low quality carpet, which is a lot lighter too

[bss325i]

Gavaniseres are like moredoors....

....lower down the pecking order!

[Barx325i]

lower in the pecker order don't you mean?

[magpie]

seems like the mad 6 potters are ganging up.
the IS inside mine is a nice place to be,obc,leccy roof rear h/rests rear blind,rear pop outs.
fook even a light up gear knob,the engine i've put in and modded a bit goes well,
the outside looks spot on,overall i'm very happy with it especially
avrg 35 mpg,

spook who want's chrome bumpers

[Bob_S]

So the argument is closed by a neutral - 325i sucks - 318iS wins.

Ratch, you just on your back foot because, even a golf gti was/is a quicker car.

Read the contemporary road tests. The iS was aimed at taking a slice of the hot hatch market.....

....and failed!

325i FTW!

325i.. poor mans M3..

The ONLY 4 pot e30 I have driven that doesn't understeer is an M3.
4 pots are too light and push the nose on when making progress the 6 pot keeps the nose nicely weighted and enough grunt to actually push you out the corner..
granted I'm not talking about a 320. They just make a nice noise.

[Barx325i]

seems like the mad 6 potters are ganging up.
the IS inside mine is a nice place to be,obc,leccy roof rear h/rests rear blind,rear pop outs.
fook even a light up gear knob,the engine i've put in and modded a bit goes well,
the outside looks spot on,overall i'm very happy with it especially
avrg 35 mpg,

spook who want's chrome bumpers

take everything out, including the seats and anything heavy, like spare fuses etc.. then go for a spin, you won't want to put them back in again.

[sweep]

Even jesus drove a 6!

[On_a_Roll]

Such sharp words from ye 6 potters I dare not attempt a riposte to all that awesome wit.

Jesus you all sound like sheep.

The irony of the 6 pot, belongs in the murky waters of the shipyard yet dares not tread on any damp ground lest it spins 360 and ends up in the very waters that is it's rightful abode.

[sweep]

If only everything in life was as reliable as a volkswagen

[Bob_S]

Such sharp words from ye 6 potters I dare not attempt a riposte to all that awesome wit.

Jesus you all sound like sheep.

The irony of the 6 pot, belongs in the murky waters of the shipyard yet dares not tread on any damp ground lest it spins 360 and ends up in the very waters that is it's rightful abode.

atleast a 6 pot has enough power to spin it's wheels 360!

[Jhonno]

Such sharp words from ye 6 potters I dare not attempt a riposte to all that awesome wit.

Jesus you all sound like sheep.

The irony of the 6 pot, belongs in the murky waters of the shipyard yet dares not tread on any damp ground lest it spins 360 and ends up in the very waters that is it's rightful abode.

At least it has the torque to do such a thing..

6 pots are for men.. 4 pots for the 'man about town' Suits you sir

[On_a_Roll]

Or it could be the 90/10 weight distribution.

[DRIFTBOY]

While we're at the age old yawn inducing E30 arguments the M30 is better than the M52!

[On_a_Roll]

lower in the pecker order don't you mean?

You also got this the wrong way around too.

Bigger engine = smaller knob.

[gooner1]

If i had a £ for every time this debate arose................................... I,d buy another 6 pot and give the change to the nearest deluded 318s owner. Therapy,s not cheap these days, is it
Ratch.

[Jhonno]

Or it could be the 90/10 weight distribution.

The difference in weight distribution is SOOO over played.. there is 20kgs difference in engine weight, and the 325i has the battery in the boot

Stick that in your 4 pot pipe and smoke it

[Jhonno]

If i had a £ for every time this debate arose................................... I,d buy another 6 pot and give the change to the nearest deluded 318s owner. Therapy,s not cheap these days, is it
Ratch.

[Jhonno]

While we're at the age old yawn inducing E30 arguments the M30 is better than the M52!

24v FTW

[DRIFTBOY]

While we're at the age old yawn inducing E30 arguments the M30 is better than the M52!

24v FTW

Naah, a big fat angry snail for the win!

[Felix79]

How long till this account gets banned like all the others?

[magpie]

Even jesus drove a 6!

jesus u r right!

[Jhonno]

How long till this account gets banned like all the others?

I am surprised this one has lasted so long to be fair..

[Alex]

m52

m54 about time someone did one of them

iirc the 2.2 produces 170bhp and you can get a 3.0 version too

[Jon_Bmw]

I do remember reading the weight distributions, thankfully I am not sad enough to have remembered them(give me a few more years) or indeed saved them. I do seem to remember than a 318is wasn't that close to 50/50, and a 325 was very close to the 318is, if not better in touring form.

I have a very small penis with my 540 then.

[DRIFTBOY]

170bhp

[Alex]

170bhp

from a 2.2

the 3.0 231 bhp & 236 torques @ 3600

[Jhonno]

why bother? An S50B30 has 286 ponies and 250 torques