buying a 325is or 318is?

[jayoz]

hi guys,i am currently living in australia but i am moving to the UK in aug for a while. I intend to buy an e30 as ive liked the cars for years but arn't cheap here looked at a 89 325is the other day at a cost of $15,000.besides the power difference between the two which would be the better car out of the 318(twincam) and 325is dont wanna spend any more than 2000 pounds. Insurance shouldn't be an issue either as im over 25. any help would be great.

[Karan]

u could get a lovely 325i SE fro that money.... or u could get a very mint iS

325 is quicker though and sounds lovely

[Kedge]

On that budget i'd saygo for the 318iS as you can get a mint one for that money and then spend what you've got left on extras.

If you get a 325sport at that kind of money you'll probably have to spend quite a lot on maintanence.

Good luck

[Karan]

On that budget i'd saygo for the 318iS as you can get a mint one for that money and then spend what you've got left on extras.

If you get a 325sport at that kind of money you'll probably have to spend quite a lot on maintanence.

Good luck

true.... cant really get a good sport for that money.... could get a lovely iS though for sure

[Wyldie]

My Black iS should be up for sale in August and I was looking around the Ԛ£1800-Ԛ£2000 mark, so keep me posted on your situation.

Picture gallery Look for title 318iS Ab Fab Beemer. There are pictures and spec in there.

[jayoz]

Well ive now booked my flights and arrive on the 5TH of aug. will probably buy a car within a couple of weeks of being there.i will be in the Kent area so dont want to travel for hours to look at cars
thanx for your opinions guys
Also what are the prices like for a 325i touring (as i do have a couple of kids so probably shouldnt be too selfish and restrict myself to a 2 door!!!)
i think they look awsome slammed on 17"s!

[dobbie82]

If running costs are an issue to you, you should take a look at the fuel prices here in the uk... and i think you will opt for the 318... very good on petrol.. the 325 is a guzzler!


apologies for daft female opinion..

[Karan]

nice avatar

[Simon13]

it's how u drive a 325i that makes the most difference. 318is will do 28+mpg all day

true they are a bit thirsty, but most of it is our right foot and the 6 pot sweet harmony!

[Lordschleife]

hi guys,i am currently living in australia but i am moving to the UK in aug for a while. I intend to buy an e30 as ive liked the cars for years but arn't cheap here looked at a 89 325is the other day at a cost of $15,000.besides the power difference between the two which would be the better car out of the 318(twincam) and 325is dont wanna spend any more than 2000 pounds. Insurance shouldn't be an issue either as im over 25. any help would be great.

I'd say it depends on your driving style
If you like revving the hell out of an engine and chucking the car about through the corners, go for the 318is
If you want lovely effortless smooth six pot power at any time in any gear at the expense of a slightly heavy, more ponderous front end (though 90% or road users would never notice and in normal everyday driving it wont make any difference) go for the 325i sport, or get a 325i SE (a lot cheaper for a decent one) and stick an LSD on it
They're both great cars at the end of the day.

[jayoz]

Also guys which out of the two engines is more reliable and cheaper/easier to repair as this will be my only vehicle for a while.
Do like the sound of a 325 though and wont be driving miles in it so fuel isnt as much of a concern(on the motorway wouldnt be thet bad would they?) but want a DRIVERS car when i do drive. Im currently driving a 2004 astra 1.8 so isnt exactly a bullet

[Karan]

318iS is a more complex engine and more expensive to fix if things do go wrong....

325 much cheaper..... a whole replacement engine can be had for 200quid

i recently sold a iS lump for 600inc box....


id go 325 and do an h&r cup kit on it

lsd and sport box can make it a very good drivers car indeed