Whats the score on a compact?

[Rik178m]

Ive been thinking about getting a bmw compact sport whats everyones opinion on this? Cheers Rich

[delboye30]

Prefer an E30 to them anyday of the week

[tim-ix]

Don't know what they're like to drive but they look like an E36 that's been in a motorway pile-up.

[Herrity]

Couldn't afford a 3 series coupe ??

[Jhonno]

Couldn't afford a 3 series coupe ??

[andrewe30m3]

My wife has a 318ti compact SE. Is fully loaded with leather, AC, sunroof, OBC, alloys, parking sensors etc and its a vey nice little car.

I would recommend them, as the 318ti engine runs nicely with just about the right amount of power - they use the same suspension as the e30, so the rear end is a bit playful, but on the whole its a nice drive.

Beware tho, the gearing is very short - 80mph is 4k + from memory - I thought I was in third when we drove it home from buying it - my old 328i sport (sold this week) cruises at 2.5-3k at 80!!

They are well priced now - we paid 2k for ours with some vandal damage on the rear quarters - £150 later to the man at chips away and its sorted.

[dazleeds]

i been wondering whether to get a compact shell and stick something mad under the bonnet

has to be better than a lardy fullsized e36 surely

[Jhonno]

I'd love to take a Compact n stick an S50 or M60 under the bonnet!

[dazleeds]

I'd love to take a Compact n stick an S50 or M60 under the bonnet!

thats a plan im liking lol
maybe even an m30 ?

the compacts are well cheap nowdays this is what got me thinking

would shock a few chavs off the lights for sure

[JazzMan]

Compact is a nice little car, just needs a big engine ;)

http://328compact.co.uk/

[Andyboy]

Compacts are great - all the advantages of the E30 without the chronic body rot. Early 316i's with miles/issues are £500, ideal base for a project and the 325i 24v drops straight in.

[dazleeds]

Compact is a nice little car, just needs a big engine ;)

http://328compact.co.uk/

it was your project thats made me look at the compact
as a serious project fella

good work mate

[maxfield]

Theres a website about the compact with a V12

[tim-ix]

I thought Racing Dynamics made a V12 compact. I'm sure I saw it tested in Performance Car years ago, in the snow if I remember correctly. I remember them saying that it needed a rear strut brace to stop it crumpling like a beer can when the throttle was opened. Possibly an exaggeration but it's a good line.

[maxfield]

Might of been not sure

[maxfield]

Heres the one from racing dynamics

http://www.geocities.com/~bmwfanatic/rdk552.html

And then a random one looks awesome with an awesome engine



http://www.modifiedcars.com/cars/BMW/Co ... 5-6015.htm

[JazzMan]

Hartge did big engine compacts too: http://www.hartge.de/html/e36compactuk.html

[Taz]

does the 318ti hav a turbo engine?? if not wat does the t stand for?

[Rosc0PColtrane]

Am I right in thinking underneath the back of them, you'll find some left over e30 parts?

[Rosc0PColtrane]

racing dymanic version sheds it's gay image!!!

Hartge one is cool too.

I'm changing my mind about these....

[dazleeds]

Heres the one from racing dynamics

http://www.geocities.com/~bmwfanatic/rdk552.html

And then a random one looks awesome with an awesome engine



http://www.modifiedcars.com/cars/BMW/Co ... 5-6015.htm

wasnt ever thinking of going as far as that but wow the v12s look so nice in there

[RichS]

Am I right in thinking underneath the back of them, you'll find some left over e30 parts?

Yup rear subframe / trailing arms are E30.

The ti stands for Touring International IIRC so no there is not a turbo on there.

[320Touring]

ooooooh! where's your salon, dahling?

I just HAVE to get my roots done before the big unveiling of the plaque at the swimming pool

[jibowski]

i cant help thinking a comapct is a cheap ass budget beemer knocked up out of old e30 parts!,

i'd go for the e36 coupe as it has the better z axle under the back and you can pick them up for bugger all now, the e36 318is is a sweet looker in metallic maroon or navy

[Gravy]

I had one of these and to be honest I think its not a bad little motor. Mine had the gutless 1.6 motor and the whole car felt heavy, but handled pretty well.
It was an ex-company car and I got it in 2000 with 88,000 on the clock and FSH, needed a skim and head gasket at 95,000, and it got broke into in an NCP in Bristol which meant I had to drive home for 200 miles with no passenger window in the pouring rain in the middle of the night, but hey, I still have fond memories of it!!

Also, I ended up rolling it over a hedge and I didn't incur even so much as a scratch or bruise - solid little monster!!!

[Gouki]

sorry have to say but the compact is a pathetic excuse for a beemer. The 2 door coupe would be a better choice.