318ti vs 320i

[max318i]

I might be looking to replace my E30 318is with some E36 wrongness .
Don't really like the E36 styling, even if the coupe is a little nicer than the compact.
Because of tax/insurance here in Belgium, i'll stick with a 2 litre engine...
Is the M52B20 nice? How about fuel economy. Might be tempted by a 323i but that another story I guess.

Then the compact, wich is a bit ugly but probably a bit more E30-ish to drive?

Any thoughts? Witch one would you chose and why?
Thanks!

[dom-1984-320i]

Why are you thinking of changing from your E30 318is?

[max318i]

Mileage is getting high, values are going up for good ones (here in Belgium anyway).

[oldroydsr4]

I've had my 318ti for almost 2 years as a daily, and I can't really fault it (other than being slow). The fuel consumption is pretty good , returning about 34mpg and I haven't had to perfom any non scheduled maintainance.

Handling wise they are pretty lively with similar tail happy rear end, due to the e30 rear suspension. To be honest i wouldn't touch a 320i over a 318ti. If you can get a 323i compact that would be a great car.

[Jhonno]

I get 34mpg out of mine also.. Would expect a bit more tbh

[mabz]

i had a dakar yellow 318ti compact and it was a sweet little motor,more fun than my mates 318is coupe imo.

[donnyboiler]

I've got a 318ti too. Far more fun than a 320i and much much better on fuel. The most fun I've had in any car since my two E30 318is, and I've owned every E36 and E30 going pretty much. I have a 328i daily which is properly quick but it's still the 318ti I'd take out on the country lanes.

They're not that quick but that isn't the point. The styling also really works on this one with the side skirts, 16'' wheels and Hellrot paint. Go for it!

Don

[Ant]

another vote for the TI here

mine does 44mpg and goes V well for the capacity (M44B19)

"slow" compacts with M44 are usually the intake flap has stuck in the up or down position, it moves with engine load, great engine with the flapper working

320 with B20 is a smooth gas guzzler(2.2 better by miles), Ti cheaper to buy/run/mod and bigger boot always useful

[oldroydsr4]

Ant, how hard is it to a) check if the flap is working b) change it if faulty ?


Cheers

[harry_p]

i thought my compact was a great little car, just a shame i bought the 316 version which was shit slow. i thought i could cope with it if i was saving loads of money, unfortunately i couldnt and as i was driving it flat out everywhere the consumptions wasnt very good either.

i expect a ti would be quite a bit more entertaining (although probably still pretty slow in the grand scheme of things)

[Jhonno]

i expect a ti would be quite a bit more entertaining (although probably still pretty slow in the grand scheme of things)

No no.. They are just slow..

[donnyboiler]

Don't listen. I have a 328i and a 318ti and the 318ti is by far the more entertaining car on the twisties.

It's leagues slower, but it is quick enough to be fun, and surely that's the point?

Don

[Jhonno]

I have had both also.. Would take the 328i if given a choice.

[oldroydsr4]

Agree with you there - I previously had a 328i sport, it is in a different league and was probably twice as much when new , so it really is no contest. However a m52b28 would be fantastic in a compact.

[donnyboiler]

I don't really think price comes into it. Since when were list price and fun directly related?

It's essentially a rear-wheel drive hot hatch - with similar performance to a Mk 3 Golf GTi 16v. Now I know that car is not the quickest GTi - but it's not slow either. The Ti has far superior handling and rear-wheel drive. Surey there's a time and a place for a car like that?

All I'm saying is that there are roads where it's more fun than the 328i. "Given the choice" I would take a different car depending on my mood and the roads. Surely anyone would?

Don

[Jhonno]

The Ti does not too much for me I am afraid..

Now a 6 pot with the superior non Compact rear end.. Now that is a fun chariot!

[donnyboiler]

Do you not like the E30 rear end then Jhonno?

For me it's one of the fun things about a 318ti.

Don

[Ant]

agreed, dislike the Z axle, just feels strange but I guess we're used to trailing arms ....

to check flapper is easy, drive under 3.5K and should feel pretty torquey for a 4V4pot, cane over 4.2K and there should be a top end kick(obvious on the road/arse dyno)

not FAST, but fun

[donnyboiler]

agreed, dislike the Z axle, just feels strange but I guess we're used to trailing arms ....

I like both, depending on my mood. The Z-axle feels great in my 328i saloon, but it's a different beast. Very clever and "active" feeling. The E30 setup feels raw and more predictable - until it lets go, when it's mayhem!

Don