Are the 318i/is worth it?

[EA8]

Really appreciate the input people ...

I was all set for a 325 i/is/iX until I realized that there are more 318's around me in better condition than 325's.

I love shifting, and just want to be in an e30 again, power isn't a huge factor, but I just want to be able to throw it around in confidence :D. Guess I'll have to test drive the next one that comes up in my area.

Cheers

[e30Villain]

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.

This.

I have an eta and its pretty slow compared to the i/is. However my car is still the funnest car i've ever driven.

[///M42 sport]

I love the endless 318is vs 325 debates hahaha. Basically having both, I can say the 318is is so much lighter, tossable and fun to drive compared to 325

[straightsixe30]

I love the endless 318is vs 325 debates hahaha. Basically having both, I can say the 318is is so much lighter, tossable and fun to drive compared to 325

So if you had to have one, which would it be?

[EA8]

so if you had to have one, which would it be?

+1

[ClausE30]

Love my 318is.. Though, after a year of driving the m42 I am now swapping in a s52 in the search for more power.

[10Toes]

I love the endless 318is vs 325 debates hahaha. Basically having both, I can say the 318is is so much lighter, tossable and fun to drive compared to 325

You also have the heaviest slowest 325 ever made.

[///M42 sport]

I have a 410 LSD on my cabrio.

I would go with the 318is. IDK its been low maintenance compared to the 325. Shit is always breaking on my 325. with my 318, I do the maintenance and its just awesome daily. Maybe its because the 325 is heavier, more stress on parts, bushings etc? My 325 has about half the mileage as my 318 too

[shameson]

My previous e30 was an eta, but I sold it and bought a '91 318i. The 318i is definitely a more dynamic car. The eta is the least exciting motor and the car felt sluggish so then again anything feels better to drive. But, I like the smaller sized/lighter car and how I can toss it around. The m42 winds high and is fun to zip around town in. There is more space in the engine bay and with a chain drivin motor, I don't have to worry about slipping my timing belt. The m42 is more advanced motor than the m20. There's a reason why the m42 cars are considered 'mini m3's' by some.

[Nick_S]

I love my 318is. I've driven a swapped E30 and a few 325is and I'm still quite happy with the car. A chip is about the only worthwhile power enhancing mod available and it does livin up the mid and top end a bit more.

[Anthony B]

I'm rebuilding an M42, from a maintenance side they are such a simple little engine, & don't have the f-ing stupid bleeder radiator set up on the 325 which is a pita.

If you go the 318is avenue change the flywheel from the dual mass set up & you will find the car is more driveable. You can deny the the 2.5 will always have more pulling power out of the box but the little 4cyl will still put a smile on your face.

I have another e30 which is my daily with a 93kw m40 & auto, this still put a smile on my face when I go for spirited drives. I think in pretty much every option the e30 is still a fun little car

[unevolved]

I've heard the 4-door M42 cars described as a 4-door Miata, and that's the reason I got one. The comparison holds up in a lot of ways, except it's got a backseat, a useable trunk and a roof. It's a small, rev-happy, slow car. If that's what you want, then you'll love it.

[10Toes]

I'm rebuilding an M42, from a maintenance side they are such a simple little engine, & don't have the f-ing stupid bleeder radiator set up on the 325 which is a pita.

LOL not sure if srz

[wikkid]

I will add my +1 to the 4-door '91 318i. Really practical, and still fun. Very classic. I don't live anywhere close to a place where I can wind up any car to high speeds (without risk of danger and/or tickets), so the top speed is not a factor; cornering/active driving is.

[Nick_S]

I'm rebuilding an M42, from a maintenance side they are such a simple little engine, & don't have the f-ing stupid bleeder radiator set up on the 325 which is a pita.

Must be different across the pond. I just bled my cooling system and the bleed plug is right ontop the radiator.