E30 Zone

mate of mine looking at a 318ci m sport with a genuine 66k on the clock a 00 model. any thing to look out for?? are they a quick car and what about mpg? many thanks.

2000 models are the old M43 engine - a good reliable motor. Chain driven and easy to work on, their only real weakness is the odd head gasket (typically around 100K). By no means quick, 0-60 is about 10.5 seconds. They're a decent daily driver but don't really have the power to get the most from the superb E46 chassis. The newer, but way more complicated, 143bhp 16v valvetronic lump is quite a bit faster and does the 0-60 sprint in just over 9 seconds. Economy will average about 35mpg for the M43. The valvetronic cars are a far better drive but big $ to fix when the go wrong (as I've found during my time with one!).

Early E46 coupes are now getting old and most need a few quid spent on the suspension. Door handles are known to break and the windows can also be problematic. Front wings and rear arches (near where the bumper joins) can rust.

Also, the 318ci Sport first appeared in 2003, not 2000 iirc.

ok just found out its a 01 model. what engine do they have? and was there any sport model out then? this must be just one with all the extras.?

Ask the seller whether it's 1895cc (8 valve M43) or 1995cc (M54 16 valve) on the V5.

I think the facelift and engine changes were in 2001.

its the 1.9 version or re they all 1.9?. goin to c the car to morrow will ask then. thanks for info so far

cragles wrote:Ask the seller whether it's 1895cc (8 valve M43) or 1995cc (M54 16 valve) on the V5.

I think the facelift and engine changes were in 2001.

16 valve lump is the 2 litre N42 valvetronic. Introduced in 2001. M54 is the 6 cylinder 2.2, 2.5 & 3.0.