E30 Convertible Performance

[Challo]

Hi All,

Just been trying to have a look but does anyone have the performance details on the convertibles? Ideally I'd like a 325 but wondered what the 318 and 320 are like day to day

Thanks

[Topblag]

Forget the 320, in my experience it guzzles more fuel than a 325. Best thing is to test drive one. Not my cup of tea, make your daily an economical car, make you're weekend car what you want.

Have a look at the wiki. Cabbies are heavier then saloons I'm sure so a 318 and a cabby are not the best combination for speed.

[Blitz]

I think I'd rather have 320i over a 318i. 320i's are so silky smooth and sound great albeit slow.

[B7]

I think I'd rather have 320i over a 318i. 320i's are so silky smooth and sound great albeit slow.

This ^^^^ !

The 2.0 is a lovely engine and creamy smooth. Yes the fuel consumption is not good but then a 318 trying to keep up with a 325 ain't gonna be frugal!

[Osamam3]

i have a 318i and it drives great i like it its enough grunt 115 bhp i bought this for cruising and not speed , so might depend upon what you want it for although i will admit i'd love to hear a good sound note of a 6 pot .

[zd3bx]

l6 2.5 and nothing less! 4 pots are for Golfs and Polos

[ImysE30]

Performance is not something I would be looking at with convertibles, it's all about cruising hood down at 20mph everywhere

[Challo]

I would love a 325 but I know with these cars it's all about condition. It's good to hear the 318 and 320 are very usable cars. It's mainly for my small daily commute and local usage. not fussed about out right speed...I have a Mini Cooper S for that.

[Osamam3]

box clever a 318 is easier on your wallet .

[Gavla]

Performance is not something I would be looking at with convertibles, it's all about cruising hood down at 20mph everywhere

Disagree, at times it's about cruising and at other times it is about thrashing it coz you can.

[adam_2922]

I wouldnt worry too much about performance in a convertible. The handling is nowhere near as sharp as in the hard top and on its heavier so any engine in the convertible will still be slower than the hardtop. I have a 318 (M40) convertible. It's by no means quick but it will sit very happily at 70ish on the motorway and will still overtake comfortably at that speed. My car returns around 30-33 mpg on a run and as a daily it's a more sensible option for my budget. Leaves a bit more money in the bank to look after the car properly.

[Osamam3]

well said i use mine same way and the e30b32 is for when i need power .

[macas]

My m50d vert murders sports....

[Osamam3]

[quote="macas"]My m50d vert murders sports

how does it feel to drive ? any other mods ?
do you find it wobbly though at times ?
i'd love to see it as i thought of going the m50 route but not sure.... ]

[macas]

Its wobbly to fook!...

No other mods just the engine replaced and 1.8 gearbox....

I love it.....

I would say i can keep up with my mates 2.8 e36 sport from a standing start till about 70,then he pulls away...

[Osamam3]

well it looks ok i love the red hood, 70 is more than enough in a vert ! i'd blast my m3 and things would fly off lol eg papers and other little things that are not well placed :}

[Osamam3]

did it come with the red roof ?

[macas]

My m50d vert murders sports

how does it feel to drive ? any other mods ?
do you find it wobbly though at times ?
i'd love to see it as i thought of going the m50 route but not sure.... ]

To be fair....its only wobbly when you take corners etc at speed and uneven roads(which is fookin most of them!),but i only really put my foot down in straight lines,so it doesnt bother me.

All e30s are fun in their own little way,

[macas]

Yes mate,it came with the red roof,it wouldnt have been my choice but looks ok...

[ImysE30]

How about 300bhp in a convertible

[stew72]

wasn't the m40 designed to replace the 2 litre m20?

In good order its a pretty smooth engine for a 4 pot but it'll never be a straight 6. When I bought mine it was a straight choice between a 318 for economy and daily practicality or a 325 for performance, a 320 was never considered as in my mind its a comprimise that doesn't work.

[macas]

How about 300bhp in a convertible

Lethal is the word for it....cool......but fookin lethal....

[macas]

You still doing the turbo turd imy?

[ImysE30]

Got something else on going on

[Osamam3]

i like the red roof and red seats combo, i noted same thing even a m3 is woobly around bends and uneven road surface

[macas]

What m3 you got?

[Osamam3]

e36 3.2

[Osamam3]

a baur might just be better in terms of body roll .

[Rav335uk]

How about 300bhp in a convertible

How about finishing one first.

[ImysE30]

How about 300bhp in a convertible

How about finishing one first.

Ouch ! Low blow

I will have something very soon hopefully

[Rav335uk]

[atlantis]

When i was looking for mine, I was'nt bothered what engine it had in I just wanted the best i could afford at the time, but i must say i'm glad the one that came up was a 325i manuel, it sounds so good

[emmaitch]

Haven't tried a 325i but my 318 is fine in stop-start London traffic; perfectly comfortable cruising top down, windows up on A roads, and real fun on winding B roads.

[emmaitch]

Had a 320i Touring for 10 years, felt solid, sounded good, lasted well, but did feel sluggish until you wound it up.