E30 Zone

hey all, the time is getting on for an upgrade from my little 316i, starting to look at the 318is and i was just wondering if anyone could tell me what to look for.. common faults etc... and just anything i should know really cheers!

have a look on the search theres a few things on there. off the top of my head usual e30 rust areas(as you'll probably know), service history etc i.e if highish miles chain replacement. proof of chain tensioner replacement as these are common faults and can cause big problems if not done but cheap and easy to replace, the manifolds tend to crack, the intake rubber pipes are usually perished which causes rough idle. also if buying one with or considering chipping one they came with 3 different types of firm ware luck of the draw which one you get and are very hard to get the right chip for it, it won't idle properly if wrong

ah rite cheers mate, im keeping an eye out for a good one =] im guessing there quicker than say a 320i?

Theoretically it should be as it has more BHP and less weight. Some reckon they aren't far of a 325i but I don't want to open that boring can of worms.

Mine seems quick enough compared to modern stuff I drive.

yeah the old 325i vs 318is debate .. and yeah thats what i thought being lighter and stuff, what they like to drive ? i know the suspension is slightly uprated on them?

I've got one and I wouldnt call it quick by today's standards. The reason I like it is because it is enjoyable to drive. In the dry its a great car which gives loads of feedback, in the wet its easy to spin if you push it.

The suspension and brakes are as on the 325. Dont forget you are dealing with a 20 year old car and if you want it to handle well every bush, droplink and damper needs to be checked and replaced if worn.

i now own a 325i and a 318is and although im not going in to the ' debate ' i dont see how anyone can slate an i.s. in my humble opinion there both great to drive but at the same time completely different. never the less the i.s for me is a great car and more cost effective especially if your quite young

still good to know, i own a 316i and im sure a 318is will seem a lot faster, i would love a 325i but and 18is is affordable with insurance