New to E30s - what to expect from a 1.8 316?

[levisbeemer]

Hello all.

I'm new to E30s but I'm going to see an'87 316 with the M10 - 1766cc engine tomorrow (manual box). I've done quite a bit of online research but I'd like to know what to expect performance-wise from the above car?

I know it won't be a rocketship by any means but will it keep up day to day and will it be capable of holding it's own on occasional motorway jaunts?

Thanks in advance for any advice and opinions.

Levi

[HairyScreech]

Wont be fast by any stretch of the imagination however it should still be better than a 1.2 corsa or similar.

[levisbeemer]

Thanks for the reply. Just as long as I'm not holding up the traffic - that's my main concern.

[daimlerman]

Bit over 100bhp,IIRC,but sounds like a carberettor version,so check that the choke works correctly as I understand they are fiddly to fix. Engine is pretty much bomb proof,the block formed the basis of BMW's F1 engine years ago and was available in capacities up to 2ltr in earlier BMW's such as 2002 and E12 520/E21 320.

Check the body carefully for rust,'a bit on the rear arch' almost always means major surgery is required to both inner and outer arches.

[pacerpete]

The 316 carb is best avoided unless the rest of the car is something special. The 318i injected M10 is a lot more spritely and economical than the carb variants. Never mind the drama that is the Peirburg 2BE

[tcos]

if intrested, selling a m10 318i manual 50000 miles from new! its on Auto trader at the moment, let me know what you think.

[andyp]

dont expect a lot from it

[batleyrhino]

if intrested, selling a m10 318i manual 50000 miles from new! its on Auto trader at the moment, let me know what you think.

The red one on a B plate? Looks in good nick, GLWS.

[greg124]

Still quick enough to lose your license.

+ what Mr. Pacer says above about the Pierberg carb - which can always be swapped out for a Weber.

[b12rlw]

Swap the carb out and whack on a performance filter/remove the filter. I remember learning sideways action in a b plate 316 with tech1 kit when I was 17. Plenty of power for laughs but not the most economical. Good luck!! (Something a bit different from a corsa/Saxo too )

[Alex]

25mpg and shit slow

[levisbeemer]

Thanks for all the replies. I'll let you know what I think when I've had a look.

[levisbeemer]

I didn't get to see this due to work commitments ( both me and the seller) and to be honest some of the comments here are putting me off it a bit. From what the owner says it also appears to have the dreaded Pierberg which is further putting me off... I'll keep you posted.

I think the search for a decent chromie still goes on.

[Rav335uk]

You can turbo that engine to produce 1500 HP.

[George]

I'm new to E30s but I'm going to see an'87 316 with the M10 - 1766cc engine tomorrow (manual box). I've done quite a bit of online research but I'd like to know what to expect performance-wise from the above car?

That you will be overtaken by glaciers.

[capnmchl]

I have a 316 auto. It's not the fastest in the world, but it does alright.

It's not going to be super fast, because it only makes about 90hp, but it goes alright for a small family saloon/coupe with 90hp.

It just uses a lot of fuel for not going very fast.

I'd also say that starting out with a 316 and looking to change the engine isn't wise, due to the fact its cabeuretted. So that means slightly different fuel tank, no high pressure fuel pump and lines. Also, I doubt the loomage is there to make an easy swap.

[MartinSE]

My family has had a 316 for over 10 years now. It had trouble with the original carburettor which was swapped out for a weber. It's a lovely car. And it has crisp, instant throttle response unlike our other E30's (320i and 325iX). It also features the big clock on the dash for measuring 0-60! Seriously, no problem keeping up with ordinary traffic. It's not a slow car it's just the slowest of the E30's.

[Andyboy]

A good carbed 316 isn't 'fast' but is quite lively and will get out of it's own way. There wasn't much difference between one of these and an M10 318i.

[Rav335uk]

I love my M10 sluchbox
Didn't miss abeat when it went to Beaulieu

[Brianmoooore]

My first E30 was one of these - it arrived in my garage one night in a sort of reverse theft. Most people wake up in the morning and find an empty space where their BMW was parked the night before. I woke up and found a BMW parked where there was empty space!
Wasn't a super fast machine, but was every bit as fast as the 'average' car on the road, and served me well for three years, until someone let me have a drive in a 325 that they had for sale.

[Cotty]

My first E30 was one of these - it arrived in my garage one night in a sort of reverse theft. Most people wake up in the morning and find an empty space where their BMW was parked the night before. I woke up and found a BMW parked where there was empty space!
Wasn't a super fast machine, but was every bit as fast as the 'average' car on the road, and served me well for three years, until someone let me have a drive in a 325 that they had for sale.

Not my first car but my first BMW E30 was a 316 (1800cc carbed) It was a step up from the 1600cc I had before, felt quick to me, learnt a lot about RWD from it, fun in the wet, I spun it within 24 hours of ownership. Gave it a bit more respect after that.

[mcbonio]

until someone let me have a drive in a 325 that they had for sale.

Was just going to say exactly this, go drive a 325i first before you buy the 1.8. See what you think. ;)