Help picking out an E30 for my brother

[kinvodA]

My brother is in Afghanistan and I've talked him into getting an E30. I'm not sure which one would be best for him though. I'm thinking a 4 door since he's got 2 little rugrats (his wife has a minivan). He wants something that is fun but also fairly practical. What kind of mileage should he expect out of a 325e or a 318i? I get 24-26 MPG in my 325i which is decent. I just dont know what to expect mileage/reliability/performance wise out of an eta or 318i. Any help, input, or advice is much appreciated.

Ryan A

[trackjunkie21]

My brother is in Afghanistan and I've talked him into getting an E30. I'm not sure which one would be best for him though. I'm thinking a 4 door since he's got 2 little rugrats (his wife has a minivan). He wants something that is fun but also fairly practical. What kind of mileage should he expect out of a 325e or a 318i? I get 24-26 MPG in my 325i which is decent. I just dont know what to expect mileage/reliability/performance wise out of an eta or 318i. Any help, input, or advice is much appreciated.

Ryan A

I average about 26mpg in my m42 318i with only city driving and I don't have a light foot.

[hyperE30]

I average about 26mpg in my m42 318i with only city driving and I don't have a light foot.

Same here.. an about 33-35 on the HW and thats with a mark-D

[kinvodA]

What about the eta? I imagine the 318i gets better mileage but I wonder how much, (if any) the eta performs better than the 318.

[Matt-B]

late model 318i 4 doors. I get 26-30mpg

[Balleristic31]

M42>eta

[kinvodA]

M42>eta

Thats what I was thinking. I've test driven a few 318s and they seemed to move quick enough. They were pretty fun to drive.

[Hey_You]

m10 for the win! Go early model 318i ;)

[kinvodA]

...Still waitin for somebody to rep the ETA. The 318 guys have me pretty much convinced:D

[ZM Blue Devil]

When is he back?

[kinvodA]

He literally JUST got there, but I'm watching Craigslist already, he should be home for R & R leave in about 4 months I'm guessing.

[Conki]

I can only compare the M10 318i my friend had and my eta with a 3.73 LSD.
My car is much much faster and more fun to drive, people always get surprised how quick it is when I take them for a ride.
I'd imagine the M42 318is is much better than the early model 318.

Best way to decide would be test driving both of them if you get a chance.

[Cabriolet]

i sold my 325es for my 325iC. there is not 1 day that goes buy that i dont miss that car. i like to low in the rpms and the eta suited my foot better. and the 32mpg was really nice.

[BrownBeanE30]

I love my eta its cool well atleast i think it is and gas milage is good to and its pretty quick with the 3.73

[Ryann]

late model 318i 4 doors. I get 26-30mpg

Agreed, although I must say that m42's occasionally require engine surgery that ETA's might not. Depends on service records, your brother's skills, and the ODO reading.