Newbie needs help deciding which one!!

Post Tue Jul 25, 2006 6:20 pm

Hello there! ive been looking at a H reg 316, looks nice enough (all standard) but people who ive talked to have critised the smaller 1.6 and recommend no smaller than a 1.8.
what do you guys think of the 1.6's? is there much difference in them to a 1.8 - 2.0 i also dont know anything about fuel economy on these cars, does anyone have an idea?!

im keeping an eye out in the for sale section for a 316/318/320 as they're all the same kind of price range but if anyone plans on selling one this week then by all means let me know

cheers guys and gals

mic

Post Tue Jul 25, 2006 6:22 pm

316 - 318 little difference imo.. the 320 has 318 performance with a 6 pot thirst

economy is gonna be around 30mpg if you dont cane it everywhere..

Post Tue Jul 25, 2006 6:42 pm

Welcome to the zone

If you can go for the 318is, if not mabie 318, i think these are slightly better spec in general to 316 but as jhonno says not much in it.
Personaly i wouldnt worry too much about which model you get, just find the cleanest, best looked after rust free example you can.
You can upgrade everthing else fairly easily at a later date.

Post Tue Jul 25, 2006 6:47 pm

If your not a young driver looking for cheap insurance id go for one of the higher models. Not just for the engine but they will generally have a better allround spec.

Like oguz says tho, best bet is to buy the one in best condition you can afford, regardless of model.

Post Tue Jul 25, 2006 6:58 pm

hi m3ben05 im only down the road from you in Maidenhead! The 316 ive seen is in Slough, its done 132000 miles, only seen surface rust on it. Havent looked inside tho. has a torn drivers chair but that seems common with them. it has a little crack on the dash but nothing major, looks tidy enough.
Im just a little paraniod with the fuel part to it, i dont have much call for a large engined motor as i only use it for work and popping around town. im 27 so insurance isnt so much an issue.

Post Tue Jul 25, 2006 7:03 pm

Ah cool, im in holmer green (just outside of wycombe)

The car your talking about sounds ok but slough is not exactly known for its....... honest car sellers!

As people will tell you, take time and buy the best car you can for your money. There is a massive difference between a loved, well maintained 130k and a used and abused one!

Good luck with it though

Ben

Post Tue Jul 25, 2006 7:52 pm

Hi and welcome. Go for the best you can buy and run.No point in buying top of the range if you cannot keep it on the road.As already said you can always upgrade as you go along.

Post Wed Jul 26, 2006 12:04 am

Engine is a personal choice but the biggest thing to make sure of is that the shell isn't rusty and the suspension/brakes are safe and sound. E30s are more about handling than power anyway (in my opinion).

Post Wed Jul 26, 2006 2:08 am

'tis true. im making the move to bmw's from minis (one extreme to the other) so have experienced rusty shells etc so at least i know what areas to look out for as most of it be same places to check.
im guessing the handling is goin to be completely different but just as good in its own way i hope! so really even a 1.6 bmw be a large step up from a 1100/1275 A series engine!

Post Wed Jul 26, 2006 2:13 am

what you looking to spend, i've had pretty much every e30 going and i can recond the 318IS for a good stating point. i'd avoid a 320i. soung good, but they aint quick and crap on fuel. 318i's are ok, cheap to run but wont get you buzzing, but a well sorted 325i will.

oh i'm selling my IS ( a little plug , sorry ) but its a well sorted car with good mods!!!

good luck dude

Post Wed Jul 26, 2006 11:03 am

Personally I've owned a 318 and a 325, both Tourings. I'd go 325 everytime but they tend to be ragged around a lot more so make sure you check them out properly. If you're likely to want to tune it, then you may well be looking at an engine swap anyway unless you want to turbo a 2.5.