318i or 323i?

[buggsbunny]

I wanted to get a 1985 318i in need of a muffler but then i've just seen an advert for a 1986 323i going the almost the same price. I am now puzzled which one to go for. I've read in several places that 323i kicks ass but maintenance is painfull while 318i isn't tooo fast but it makes up for it terms of maintenance and parts. Any suggestions?

[stevetigger]

Has to be 323i

[Theo]

I agree, get a 323i, its got 6 cylinders!!

[Martin323i]

I had a 320i (not too great )and now have a 323i (da bomb! )

Love, love, love it

Sure maintenance is more, but it's well worth it!

[Chaos]

didnt 323i production end in 1985 ?

[stevetigger]

didnt 323i production end in 1985 ?

Maybe it was one of the last to get a reg!

[buggsbunny]

After some thorough research on the web recently, i found out that the 323i was produced btn 1982-1986. Check out the following link

http://silverstone.fortunecity.com/merc ... _sedan.htm

I'm begining to swing towards the 323i although nobody has mentioned the maintenance costs comparison between the two.

There's something special about these cars that the average person can't see.

[Zayyan]

Can't see maintenance costs being all that much more than the extra two plugs at service time considering the availability of parts, especially on this site.

It's the petrol and insurance that would be the main factors in deciding between the two cars.

I'd say go for the 323i or even a 325i if;
a) you can find one within your price range;
b) insurance is reasonable;
c) you won't be doing so many miles that the fuel consumption will be an issue.

[astondg]

I would pick the 323i over the 318i, but maybe not over a 318is (especially if petrol consumption was important).

I have a 323i and the maintenance doesn't seem that great, especially as I have been racing it for the last 2 years as well as using it as my road car.

The 323i isn't a fast car (don't expect to be quicker than many other cars, in a straight line I get left behind by most things), but then I don't think a 318i is that quick either and the 323i should have more torque I think.

Aston

[buggsbunny]

The few people that i managed to talk to about these cars came up with rather unrealistic maintenance cost figures. The insurance might be a hussle though since i need to use the car for my practical driving lessons.

What's the maximum milage that can be squeezed out of an averagely maintained E30?

[kam-325i]

What's the maximum milage that can be squeezed out of an averagely maintained E30?

Do you mean milage on the engine ?

[Zayyan]

The few people that i managed to talk to about these cars came up with rather unrealistic maintenance cost figures. The insurance might be a hussle though since i need to use the car for my practical driving lessons.

What's the maximum milage that can be squeezed out of an averagely maintained E30?

Averagely-maintained 150,000 with ease.

Reasonably-maintained 200k+

Vague question though, so vague answer - depends on lots of other factors.

[kam-325i]

Well, my old 320i, averagedly(sp) maintained, had done 250,000 Miles before she departed this earth, due to a idiot in a LWB Iveco....

[Zayyan]

Should mention if you get a 325i you should be wary of cracked heads. I know it's not a problem on the 320i but not sure about the 2.3?

[buggsbunny]

What's the maximum milage that can be squeezed out of an averagely maintained E30?

Pardon my typo. I meant mileage.

Averagely-maintained 150,000 with ease.

Reasonably-maintained 200k+

Are we talking about miles not km here?

If so then i'm totally impressed. [/b]

[Bob_S]

yeah miles.
One lad has about 225000 miles on his touring and thats with a caravan and kids being lugged round in it so I'm sure they are pretty strong engines!

[stevetigger]

Yes must E30's have over 100k on the clock now and there all still going strong!

[jonb]

zayan

thats just a mith with regards to the 2/2.3 heads not cracking. they all do. its all down to neglect.

1985 318i or 1986 323i? uuummm.

thats like a decision between having crabs or herpes? you wouldnt want either to be honest.

[buggsbunny]

I think i'm going for the 323i. Your insights have been very helpfull. Tommorrow i'm going to check out the 323i and pick it up hopefully if everything is in place. I'll keep you guys posted. Cheers