Are the 318i/is worth it?

[EA8]

Hey everyone,
Trying to get back into the e30 scene and I have been debating whether or not getting a 318i/is would be worth it for me. I had a 91 325iX and I loved driving it, but I had to sell before moving to NC from IA. Now that itch has started again and I can't wait o get into another e30 :D.

I loved the 325 motor and was wondering if the 318 motor had any decent pull or does just feel like any other honda 4 cyl engine? Also (pardon my ignorance), whats the big deal about the 318 with/with out the sunroof?

Cheers

[FredK]

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=280659

[ButtJuice]

318 w/o a sunroof = lighter weight. They're mainly sought after by track guys.


The 318is is pretty cool, the weight ratio is beautiful. It definitely lacks the hp/torque that the m20b25 offers, but is compensated by it's MPGs.


If I could find a Dschwarzs/black sport interior'd 318is, I would buy it over a regular 325i any day.

[EA8]

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=280659

318 w/o a sunroof = lighter weight. They're mainly sought after by track guys.


The 318is is pretty cool, the weight ratio is beautiful. It definitely lacks the hp/torque that the m20b25 offers, but is compensated by it's MPGs.


If I could find a Dschwarzs/black sport interior'd 318is, I would buy it over a regular 325i any day.

Thanks ... I guess it comes down to the feel :D. I just dont want something sounding very chippy. Do you guys know if a good exhaust setup is worth it on these 318's?

[iamsam]

The quick and dirty answer:

318is has a cool small engine that does well for it's size, roomy engine bay, easy maintenance, good gas mileage (I got 30mpg avg), and is only any sort of decent for spirited driving past 4500 rpm. You will be lacking in low end grunt, esp powering up long or steep hills.

325i/is has noticeably more power and torque, and works for spirited driving throughout the rpm range, but not as climactic as the M42 as you rap it out, since the power difference between low and high rpm isn't as much. More robust engine, can survive a heavy beating (I know this from experience), more archaic but proven technology, just make sure to stay on top of those timing belts!

[iamsam]

I just dont want something sounding very chippy. Do you guys know if a good exhaust setup is worth it on these 318's?

It's easier to make an M20 sound good than an M42. You will have to work to make sure you don't get the ricey rasp with the M42.

[4ce30]

I would go with a 325i if your already comparing power to the 318. However like stated above a non sunroof late model 318 comes with the dohc and if you get a "is" model it comes with 4.1 gearing and helps out alot. goodluck

[ak-]

I love the handling of 318's. Way more tossable.

[dannyyisntt]

Buy a 318i slicktop and swap an m30 in like me! But seriously if it's power your looking for, then just go m20.

[iamsam]

Put it this way: If you are after power, it doesn't matter what E30 you get, you will want a bigger non-stock engine regardless.

[Threehz]

318is was the best decision I've made so far in my life.

If you can find a good M42 car in your area, test drive it and see. It's a love/hate type of engine.

[ethirtysix36]

Thanks ... I guess it comes down to the feel :D. I just dont want something sounding very chippy. Do you guys know if a good exhaust setup is worth it on these 318's?

i had a friend who had a really good sounding m42 (318 motor) because of the exhaust set up he had. they can sound pretty good

[irish44j]

It's easier to make an M20 sound good than an M42. You will have to work to make sure you don't get the ricey rasp with the M42.

stock exhaust/resonator + a cheap Dynomax Turbo 2 muffler = zero rasp.

Subsitute a Magnaflow and there is little to no rasp either.

At least these are both true in my experience.

No resonator = you're gonna have rasp no matter waht.

[irish44j]

Also, if you like the sound of Subarus, you'll probably like the sound of the M42.

Saying that as someone who daily drives a tuned WRX.....the M42 is very reminiscent of a boxer engine in the sound department, oddly. Unequal length tubular headers will do that.

[1Bad67]

If you like to shift, the 318is is for you. I have one, and love it. Been on drives with the local BMW group, and can keep up with anyone I want to. It won't burn the tires off, but it has enough power to go as fast as I want to.