E36 Diesels!

[dannyboy759]

Does anyone have or know what a 325tds or 318tds is like?
Fuel comsumption, how reliable they are, are they worth buying?
Thinking of getting on for the wife but E36´s are good at the best of times just wondered what you guys think.

[Jeepster]

Fuel consumption on the 325 is very good, something like 50mpg combined, be aware though, there are 2 different versions, one has a larger intercooler and privides a fair bit more power with no substantial loss of consumption. Iirc the fifference is something like 115bhp and 150 bhp, could be worng though. Personally I wouldn't bother with the 318, its to slow.

[Andyboy]

The 318tds with 90 bhp is desperate - you are far better off with a 318i although a remap does make them quite a lot better - 110 bhp and better throttle response. The 325 diesels are okay when they run properly, but bear in mind the diesel pump is going to be £1000 fitted and they aren't DIY - inlet manifold off to fit the BMW/Bosch timing gear. The other issue is turbo failure - not as bad as the later E39 cars but they can let go which usually means bits getting into the engine. Autos aren't as good on fuel as you'd think.
I wouldn't bother. They were okay cars when new but now they are old, big miles and waiting for someone to financially bury. If you want 35mpg, buy a 316i. The 325tds didn't do 50 mpg when it was new, let alone now. You might just get 40 average and 45 on a run but the first problem you have (pump, lift pump, turbo...) will wipe out any savings. If you want an old diesel, buy a Mondeo.

[darkchild]

The 325tds isn't too bad but as Andy states, you're only 1 diesel pump failure away from an uneconomical repair. The 318tds is woefully slow - I once drove a Touring version of one of these and it was hideously underpowered. A M43 engined 316i/318i is a far better prospect. Cheap running costs, a bulletproof engine thats not scrap if overheated and 35-40mpg on a run. They're quite torquey low down too. Probably the best £1K-£1.5K BMW you can buy.

A decent Peugeot 306 diesel is a far better prospect than an E36 diesel IMO.

[Andyboy]

A decent Peugeot 306 diesel is a far better prospect than an E36 diesel IMO.

Seconded - great chassis, no rust, a strong PSA diesel and they're good for 50 mpg - performance isn't bad either. The downside the the occasional French shiteness but as a daily smoker they're fine.

[78dude]

Why not look for a Mk3 VW Golf Variant with the 1.9TDi engine?
I have droven some few VAGs with diesel and I must say they are one of the best diesel cars I have ever driven. Strong, smooth and you dont have the diesel knock when you cruise in 70mph...

[Andyboy]

Golfs are okay but rust can be a major problem - I've seen 1994 Golfs with all four arches rotten, holes in the sills. Good engine but the car itself is rubbish and they handle like a greased pig. The Pug is a much better car. I don't think a 1.8 TD Focus is going to be dear now - early ones must be down to 1500 quid by now.

[78dude]

Golfs are okay but rust can be a major problem - I've seen 1994 Golfs with all four arches rotten, holes in the sills. Good engine but the car itself is rubbish and they handle like a greased pig. The Pug is a much better car. I don't think a 1.8 TD Focus is going to be dear now - early ones must be down to 1500 quid by now.

True! VW can rust when they start to age but suricely the VW Passat from the same year is better protected for rust! You have also the Audi 80 Avant 1.9TDi as well who is a car you can get for the same kind of cash as well or an early Audi A4 Avant with hi milage (with the turbodiesel engine)

[Andyboy]

I don't really like Audis and the 80 was a horrible thing to drive, nose heavy understeering turd. But they are incredibly well made, better than an E36. The Passat estate is a useful thing.

[dannyboy759]

I fancied a Bora actually, but hold there prices well especially the 150bhp version.
I didnt think an E36 would cut the mustard, there horrible cars anyway!

Cheers guys