325i or 318

[macinnis]

Hey,
I have been looking for a E30 for quite some time now. I have found one about a hour away from me and its a 91 318is. It's in great condition. But, my plan has been to get a 325 and do a turbo build.

Is there any upgrades that could get the 318 up to spec with a turbo 325 other than a swap? Sorry, I don't know much about 318's.

Also, if I did swap the 318, how much would it cost compared to a turbo build on a 325?

Thanks :-D

[blackhawkimpact]

Swap would be cheaper than turbo IMO. That said, 318is owns all e30s. :)

[Fourbanger]

I say just start with the 6 if you're trying to get the most power out of it as possible. I do love the M42 and a turbo M42 would be awesome but unless you have the budget to build one from the ground up you can probably get more out of the i/stroked e for the same money, no? I'm under the impression that you can't run much boost on a stock-ish M42 unless you lower the compression. But I am talking out of my ass here.

Also don't buy a nice 318is just to swap it.

[stamar]

the 91 318 is the best model of e30 with the best power to gas mileage ratio

and the more modern dohc engine.

Best for leaving it as is though. Id trade you my 325 for one. even though back in the day the 318 was cheaper and came specced cheaper sometimes.

On the other hand if you have to have the power the m20 is more reliable and more powerful.

[freeride53]

M42's have great torque.

[CrusherCurtis]

Having owned both, m20 all the way. I would like to see a dasc m42 e30 tho.

[evandael]

OP, go with the 325is.

A properly built turbo kit with quality components and good tuning will run you $4000.

[mikeedler]

318iS.........hahahahahaaahahaha torque???????hahahahahahhah

Do yourself a favor and just get a really clean not hacked up car, no matter what the engine is.

I prefer a 325i, and will never again be bothered with a noisy, crappy, weak M42 ever again. even though it did get pretty good gas mileage.

[James Crivellone]

The M42 is a absolute piece of crap. Awful motors and every one I get I want to rip out and throw off a bridge.

M20B25 or 24V, take your pick. The only 4 cylinder that belongs in an E30 is the S14

The ONLY good thing about the M42 is gas mileage, everything else the M20B25 takes the win on, especially reliability and maint costs.

[barry]

If you have to think about your in deep trouble, it's a know brainer................

[freeride53]

seww much hate in this thread :(

[TurboJake]

The M42 is a absolute piece of crap. Awful motors and every one I get I want to rip out and throw off a bridge.

Try a CA20E.

You'll adore the M42 after that. I promise.


That said, I don't like M42's. Their only perk is gas mileage.

[CrusherCurtis]

Every one is saying gas mileage, but serious how much better mpg does the m42 get over the m20. Maybe 3 mpg highway?

[James Crivellone]

Every one is saying gas mileage, but serious how much better mpg does the m42 get over the m20. Maybe 3 mpg highway?

Exactly, plus an M5X can easily do over 30MPG