Why does everyone seem to think 320i's a rubbish

[Speedtouch]

OT; e30bmlover, it looks like your bootlid is sitting a bit high (which could result in it rattling/letting in water) - it's easily adjusted by a single nut at the latch on the inside of the bootlid.

[Simon13]

it's only people with 320's who harp on about anyone with a 325i thinking they are "better" than the rest.

[Andyboy]

It's not about speed and driving like a tit. It's about having a load more torque, taller gearing and thus better economy. I did over 400 miles in my E36 320i Friday/Saturday. 150 bhp but fack all torque and geared up at 20mph/1000 in 5th. You want to overtake? You need to hang back and plan it. In a 325i you just queeze the loud pedal and you're past, no probs. Taller gearing (500 rpm less at 80 mph) and better economy.

A 320i makes sense only if it's cheap and in very nice condition.

[e30bmlover]

it's only people with 320's who harp on about anyone with a 325i thinking they are "better" than the rest.

i think its best that we agree to disagree.

[pacerpete]

I am glad we have all agreed on one thing, 320s are dog slow sad turds !

[Jon_Bmw]

Another 9 pages unfolds...

[Gortour]

Don't know if it should do, but my 318i auto (L reg) goes better than my old 320i auto (B reg) ever did.
It feels just as quick as the 320i and goes up hills better, the old 320 always felt very low on torque and slowed down whenever I went up any steep or long hills.
The straight six is definately smoother, but prefer the 'go' I get from the 318i.

[Andyboy]

True. You drive an E34 520i of ANY type. The 24v 520i manuals are okayish (well, teetering on acceptable but still shyte) and the 12v M20 automatics are just dangerously slow.

Then drive a 518i. You'd be amazed how how much BETTER they are. No more top end 'go' but a flatter torque curve and as a result they're a lot more lively around town than the 'twenty.

[Conan]

My first E30 was a mint 320i that was at the last lakeside meet
This one is a 325i
Yes its faster
Yes its thirsty
Yes its louder
But my grin is still the same size
Because its an E30
be it a 320 or a 325 get what you can afford
id rather have a mint 320 than a Rust box 325
Dont buy a 325 just because its a 325 look at the whole package

Very similar to my experience. Drive 525 now but still miss the 320

[Gortour]

True. You drive an E34 520i of ANY type. The 24v 520i manuals are okayish (well, teetering on acceptable but still shyte) and the 12v M20 automatics are just dangerously slow.

Then drive a 518i. You'd be amazed how how much BETTER they are. No more top end 'go' but a flatter torque curve and as a result they're a lot more lively around town than the 'twenty.

I was more on about faster speeds than around town...
Somewhere like Winchester on the M3, 90 in *cough, only joking officer* and 50 out, the 318i is more like 90 in, 80 out...
My old 1.2 Nova was better torque wise than the 320i, that was 90 in, 90 out. No weight to it, the thing just kept going... hill, what hill???

[Gortour]

My last comment sounds a bit anti towards the six, I did really love my old 320i, it was smooth and a very nice drive.
I am just surprised how much torquier the smaller engine seems

[calipsodream]

all right lads good bit of sunday reading. ive had a a 320 i on a H plate in calipso red bought it cheap as it had sports seats mtec 2 steering wheel & elcy windows all round yes a 4 door. cost me two bottom arms for the test it got to london & back a few times. yes they can be heavy on fuel but as i found it was how i drove it & had done not far off 170 tho miles when i finnished with it . & still sounded sweet it & got throw a 2nd mot made me a good work horse for 18 months .if i had to have a car quick id grab a 320i as ive seen a lot of clean one around by me i know i would kill a 4 potter ive been driving 6potters for to long now. using a e34 525 se 24 valve at the mo rough paint work but every thing else works

[Simon13]

i've driven a 520 auto 24v now that was a thristy road block, far worse than any 320! 518 or 525 and above!

another unloved bmw 2.0 litre car...............can we see a theme running here?