newbie is stuck 320 vs 325

Post Mon Sep 18, 2006 7:55 pm

hiya guys, im new here and im currently looking to purchase my 1st bmw.
im 18 and currently drive a 1994(eg) honda civic.
its a lovely and nippy little car, i just want something a little more classy and a bmw seems to fit there nicely as thats all my dads owned since i can remember!

so heres where im stuck, depending on what mr.insurance and mr.bankmanager say im after a e30 cabby. i dont think a 1.6 would be much of an improvement from my civic, so basically im considdering either a 318, 320 or 325.
i cant currently get any people to quote me on a 325 so its pretty much between the other 2.

i was chatting to a kid at work today who (seemed to) know his bmw stuff.
he said if i was considdering a 320 then not to bother as there shite, and for nearly the same performance and better mpg i should get a 318.
i wasnt sure on how true this was so thought i would ask the big boys.

another factor for me is also leather and power roof. these arent a MUCH HAVE but more of a preference. are these rare items to find in either the 318 or 320??

any recommended insurers to use

and one more thing also do either of the above models come with rear disk brakes?????

thanks for the help and the warm welcome im sure i shall recieve.
and sorry for allllll the questions

Post Mon Sep 18, 2006 7:59 pm

u don't want an electric roof mate they break alot and are very expensive to fix/replace

your mate is right about the 320, so i think a 318i is probably the best choice for u, and they are about with leather interiors too

Post Mon Sep 18, 2006 8:03 pm

so the leccy roof is big no no. is the 318 a decent engine? i just need something a little faster and smoother to drive than my revvy japanese motor. i would also conssider a coupe if i found the right one.
am i right saying the 1.8 is called the 318is???

Post Mon Sep 18, 2006 8:13 pm

no u have the 318i which is 8v and the 318iS which is 16v.

the 318iS only came as a 2 door saloon, but the 318i can be found in all E30 forms, 2dr,4dr,cabs, tourings

tbh the 318i is probably on par if not slower than your civic. Is it a good engine? yes and no.

they are not bad for heads cracking etc but suffer from bad top end wear at around 80k if not looked after

Post Mon Sep 18, 2006 8:20 pm

id say your mates probably about right with the 318/320 comment although some would say the noise and smoothness you get from the straight six engine makes up for the poor fuel economy of the 320 although the approx 24 bhp more you get in the 320 (129bhp v 105bhp) must make a bit of a difference performance wise.

Post Mon Sep 18, 2006 8:28 pm

but the 318 is lighter and handles better than either the 320 or 325

if you get the later 318 the power to weight is about the same as the 320

I believe all cabbys have rear disc brakes; DON'T get an electric roof.

I've had an H-reg 318 cabby, and I have an F-reg 325 cabby - both have their plus/minus points; you will love either.

Post Mon Sep 18, 2006 8:36 pm

Not driven your old car, of course, and can only comment as a 318i user (not cab either), however I am pleased with my engine overall - it is by no means fast off the line, but has a nice smooth powerband above 30mph. Likely it feels faster than it is - it's a low car (as standard) but feels very eager and whilst there are doubtless faster cars I have never been left wanting for speed when I pick the right gear. I am on 85k - fsh and it feels like it has many more years in it - everything is tight and quiet.

Bear in mind you are going for a cab so speed will not be everything - you'll need people to see you

I know someone with a 320 - it is rather thirsty and I would not swap myself. Given your age, likely budget and desire for lower running costs I would jump at a 318, and it leaves you something to step up to in the future - I am planning on a sport 325 sometime in the next 2-3 years, but as a first time BMW owner the 318i is a cracker.

Best of luck.

Pauly

Post Mon Sep 18, 2006 8:37 pm

ok i want cabby or coupe.
i will ask once. which engine do i get, im blown away by all this alreaddy. considdering insurance obviously
and a 3k budget to buy the car.

or have i just started a cabby coupe argument? lol
cheers so far guys

Post Mon Sep 18, 2006 8:41 pm

dale30 wrote:

or have i just started a cabby coupe argument? lol
cheers so far guys

no ,youve just started a cabby/coupe/touring argument and the latter is by far the best

and all come with rear discs as you wanted.probably as well to stick with the 318 until insurance improves

Post Mon Sep 18, 2006 8:41 pm

we never argue on here - it's the love overflowing you can feel

if you want a cab, 318i
if you want a coupe, 318i or 318is (what is the insurance like on these lads?)

Post Mon Sep 18, 2006 8:48 pm

i have owen my 320i now for about 5 months, it is very smooth drive, very nice engine sound from the 6 it is a little thirsty around town but fine on the motorway and has great overtaking power, really pulls when it hits about 4000 rpm and upwards, that where i waste most my petrol! If you are after a e30 after your civic i would say try and find yourself i nice 318is, there out there just got to hunt them down. Whats your budget?

Post Mon Sep 18, 2006 8:53 pm

budget with a small loan would probly be about 2.5/3k
so am i right saying that i can get a 318is but only in coupe form???
im not at all interested in touring or saloon though to put this arguement to rest before it starts lol!
as for the civic it was only a 1.3 dual carb but i love her all the same

Post Mon Sep 18, 2006 9:06 pm

insurance was no different for me between the 2 1.8's. Which i found out after i bought my 318i

Post Mon Sep 18, 2006 9:11 pm

cool

although driving a car with no roof is fantastic, I would say you would have more fun and less hassle (especially if you are parking on the street) if you buy a 318is coupe (if the insurance is the same for you)

318is has nearly 140 BHP and is a true hero - find a good one

make sure it is a 318is - find a picture of the engine on here - the two engines 318i and 318is look very different. For 2k you should be able to get a low mileage FSH

good luck

Post Mon Sep 18, 2006 9:17 pm

so buy a 318is coupe or a 320 cabby.
cheers guys. anybody got any photos of the 3 engines the 318is the 318 and the 320 pllleeasse

Post Mon Sep 18, 2006 9:20 pm

no! don't buy a 320 cabby would be my advise, go 318

if u want a tin roof then yes a 318iS, but be prepared to wait for a good one they are thin on the ground now

Post Mon Sep 18, 2006 9:23 pm

what he said

wow - I never thought I'd say that Simon

Post Mon Sep 18, 2006 9:25 pm

will probably be the only time!

Post Mon Sep 18, 2006 9:32 pm

I won't tell anyone if you don't

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/BMW-E30-318is-318 ... dZViewItem

I would NEVER EVER recommend buying a car without inspection; but this ebay link shows what the engine looks like

Post Mon Sep 18, 2006 9:36 pm

interesting ad, someone has turned it into a poverty spec looking 318i

Post Mon Sep 18, 2006 9:38 pm

wrong seats but correct front spoiler?

dumbing a car down is cool... but not those seats

Post Mon Sep 18, 2006 9:40 pm

i saw that one yesterday on ebay and wasnt too impressed, i mean it dont even got sport seats and what are those bumpers about?!

Post Tue Sep 19, 2006 6:47 pm

right guys, basically im after a 318is coupe or a 318 cabby if anybody knows of anything going. will considder a 320 cabby if the price is right also.
you guys have been the world of help and hope to stick around