Why Do People hate the 318 so much?

[freeride53]

Well, i recently posted a topic on the OT of my Volvo Forum (turbobricks.com) regarding the possiblity of me selling my 318i to my cousin, he really wants it, and has offered me a good price. But I am currently leaning 80% towards NO, for various reasons.

What do you guys think? Do you like 318's, more specifically M42 cars? Or dislike them? Even though I think the M20's, etc.. 6cyls will always have a million times more potential, i think that there is some room for potential with the m42's... What really hooks me is the economic attributes (ie being good on gas).

http://forums.turbobricks.com/showthread.php?t=189974

[M42Technik]

Gas mileage is the ultimate plus when it comes to comparing M42's and M20's. Its the power that people want. I myself never had anything more powerful than this car...so I'm content with it. And Turbobricks requires a password...

[ak-]

I like em, but when you drive something faster later on, it kind of annoys you getting back into it.
Other than that, I don't mind them. They are fun.

[87e30]

If the appeal is gas then you're missing the point. Aren't those cars supposed to be about lighter weight and a rev happy driving experience?

[TexasTerp]

I'm mixed, I much prefer the DOHC setup but I can't help but love my m20!

[namsayin]

i want a 318is!

[e34john]

Cause we like to get to 60 before the stopwatch hits double digits.

[Jand3rson]

My only gripe about them is they're totally gutless. The M42 makes good power at hi-revs, but falls flat on it's face when you get to an incline or off the line.

[dashboardmonkey]

I've never driven an M42 car, but I have driven an M10 car and an M20 car. I like the torque of the M20 over the M10 for sure.

[z31maniac]

I love my M42, need to do the lightweight flywheel/chip.

[freeride53]

^ very well put janderson.
I've experienced this on mountainous roads.

[Wh33lhop]

There are plenty of M42 fans here. Less weight over the nose of the car is always a big plus when it comes to flinging it into tight corners.

Personally I'm a big inline 6 fan though, I'm done with 4 cylinders for now unless they're mounted behind the driver (or under the rider).

[FredK]

It's about turn-in. That instant you turn the wheel and the car just goes precisely where you point it, that's what 4 cylinder E30s are all about. At the limit is where it shines. I bet it'd make a pretty cool auto-x car.

For DD duties an M42 is boring as watching Martha Stewart on TV. It also has a crap timing case design IMO. Bad oil pump? Enjoy removing the harmonic dampener, crank bolt, and timing cover.

[stegosaurus]

My only gripe about them is they're totally gutless. The M42 makes good power at hi-revs, but falls flat on it's face when you get to an incline or off the line.

Yeah, that just gives you an excuse to preload before you hit the hill. On some really big hills I have to get to 50-60 to keep from having to drop a gear. MA has big hills.

IMO it's these kinds of things that add to the car's personality, I keep its tendencies in mind when I drive and I can't help but feel a little bit more attached to the car.

[Aptyp]

Stupid poll. M42s are crappy engines from factory, but there's no reason to hate them.