E30 Zone

Hi all

Right i'm looking to change my motor for an auto, and an estate, after looking at many diesels, i keep forgetting the sensible option and following what i always wanted, a nice e30.

Just a few questions, to help me make my mind up..

1) Which would be the best engine, i need something (fairly) economical for motorway runs, but something that doesn't slow down when you need to join a lane... so its not the most important factor

Looking for some info regarding power to mpg relation.. i could read endless printed stats but none are ever accurate so i would rather have real info from real people.

Max i want to go to is 2.0 , so comparison on the 1.6i, 1.8i and 2.0 engines would be great. ( i know i like the sound of the 2.0.. always a bonus

3) What do i need to look out for on an auto e30 when buying, apart from the obvious, like rust .

4) Am i wasting my time looking for an e30 and would be better off with an e36? Are the e36 engines a lot better? ( i can't stand those gay side skirts on the e36 )

Would you recommend and e30 or e36 on engine basis only, i'll make it look how i want after

All information will be much appreciated and i can't wait to get one.

oh ps: another one, what mileage should the cambelt change be done on these motors.

thanks all

Dav ;)

The 2litre engines seem to use just as much fuel as a 2.5. a 325i driven nicely is not particuarly bad on fuel.
I can do a steady 80mph and keep the mpg meter at 40mpg on flat road and thats in a 2.7l

I would have thought that the m20 engine (2.0 or 2.5) is what you would want as I dont think a 318 or 316 would be the best choice for motorway driving.

If you like the e30 get one, not an e36. If the car has been well looked after and if you look after it well then it will be very reliable.

Oakey is yours manual or auto?

Also what mileage should i be looking at, for a cambelt change to be done on the history?

Well no point in a 320 if i can get the same cost out of a 325. Do they insure under classic insurance category yet?

thanks agan

Dav

mine is manual mate. I have no knowledge or experience with auto e30s im afraid.
Im am insured on a classic policy with HIC so yes you can insure them as a classic.

im not sure of the mileage when the cambelt should be changed sorry. Im sure alot of people on here will know though.

The mpg on these older cars seems to mainly equate to "how well" the engine is, with regards to the 2.0 and 2.5.
Ive have seen people post up up terrible mpg for the 320i 's on here

nothing wrong with the 320 mpg, just depends on how you drive it !!!

I never said there was. I dont mean to say that the 320i in general has bad mpg. I have seen alot of posts on this site for help with low mpg on both cars when there is problems with the engine.

im sure a well kept one will be slighly better on fuel than the equivelent 325 but if insurance isnt an issue (and with classic insurance on an auto Tourer it wont be) for that extra couple of quid a week on petrol isnt it worth having the extra 500cc?

320i and 325i no major difference in fuel consumption both can be heavy the later 6 pot 24 valve engines are much more economical(I have owned them all).

E30 wins on looks and build qauality hands down.

Grunt and heavy fuel drinking(320/325) or loads of revs and a lawnmower sound to move along(318)

go for the 325!

So frenchy you would say a 2.0 e36 for economy, a 318 if i want to rev the t1ts off it.

Or a 325i e30 if i just want to look

Oakey is spot on. There is no difference between the 320 and the 325 in fuel economy. In fact in certain situations the 2.5 is better on fuel. You also get considerably more grunt from the 2.5.

However, we mustn't bad mouth the 2.0 as it is the sweeter engine, much smoother and more refined. The 2.5 is a more rawer drive. And driven carefully, it is not as bad on the old juice as people make out. The problem arises when you try to make them go like a 2.5, they then turn into alchies.

I'd go e30 over a 36 all day long (and I currently own both and both of them 2.5's). Yes the e36 is much better on fuel but it is boring and you can't get classic insurance yet.

late 318 is 115 BHP, 122 lb/ft torque
320 is 129 BHP, 128 lb/ft torque
...so as the 320 weighs more, the 318 wins

I've owned a 325 and a 318 (both cabbies) and get 27mpg from the 325, and 32mpg from the 318.

Maybe 27mpg becasue you always want to drive the 2.5 fast

The 318 (in a cab) handles better than a 325 (cab) - the balance is better round corners - you are more aware of the extra weight on the nose of the 325.

But you shouldn't discount the E36 - I've seen well-specced low mileage estates going really cheap.

Its going to be cruised more than thrown around corners to be honest, just got used to driving this way now.

Must be getting old, or maybe because i'm almost always carry some type of load in the back.

So boring around bends etc is not an issue.. boring to look at would be a no, thats why i love the e30, mk2 golf, old audi 80. Anything square, except for the lada and yugo

Advice is well handy lads, its very much appreciated, i have a few ideas now.. i also noticed most of the e30s forsale seem to be down south (i'm in the midlands).

All of these cars are not going to be brilliant om fuel I would discount the smaller engines with the auto box and go for an e36 touring 320i its the only one that fits with your requirements.