Straight up-- choose between 325is and 318is

[Ray Smoodiver]

italian market 320is

Wrong, that was a sleeved S14, NOT an S42. It continues to be a magical E30 that doesn't exist.

[bmwm3n528]

I find myself worrying about the m20 more than I did the m42 in the 318is, despite the natural 'seeping' that m20s are notorious for.

That being said, i'd have to say for a daily/rat hybrid the 325is is hard to beat. My reasoning is based mostly upon the more pleasing sound along with the most obvious advantage, tq. For those who think m20s are dinosaurs, they are; but, I personally think they've got more 'character' (if there's such a thing with powertrains) than an m42.

BTW, my E30 history... '90 325is > '91 318is > '89 325is

[reelizmpro]

As a daily, it just depends on preference. I've owned a 325iS and absolutely loved it as a daily driver. Good combination of hp and torque. Decent mileage too. I'm sure the M42 318's are cool too. Both have their appeal but in the end, you can typically get into an M20 powered 325i for less than an M42 powered car. The 325i's are also more plentiful. Paying more for a "bare bones" type 318iS with M42 vs. fully loaded 325iS tips the balance (at least it did for me) toward the 325.

[german g]

IMO, most people like 318s more just becasue they own them.....I dont know ANY M20 owners that long for a 4 banger...I would rather have an ETA than a 318 for gas mileage.
M20 is not a dino. its a classic straight 6 engine...

[Apex381]

I own an M20 but I kinda like to drive my friend's 318is every once and a while. Its kinda like a hard top miata. I would not trade my m20 for it though

[KrisHolloway]

325i no question

[e9nine]

IMO, most people like 318s more just becasue they own them.....I dont know ANY M20 owners that long for a 4 banger...I would rather have an ETA than a 318 for gas mileage.
M20 is not a dino. its a classic straight 6 engine...

We made decisions to buy them rather than an m20...I would think that's why I got it, because I like it?

Some m20 owners long for s14s and m42s some actually have both 6cyl and 4cyl e30s. A decent number of people have e30m42s as their other e30.

You'd take a heavier, metal bumpered, slower eta over a 318iS? What gives?

The m20 is an ancient straight 6 engine from the 70s.
The m42 with dual cams,16valves, distributorless ignition etc was the pioneering platform to all the m50/s50 motors. The m20 was outdated and in need of replacement.

[german g]

[quote=e9nine]
You'd take a heavier, metal bumpered, slower eta over a 318iS? What gives?
[quote]

Only reason is becasue of the miles i've seen on some of the ETA M20s, they seem to keep going forever. Only 318s ive driven were beat to hell rattle traps...Maybe I would change my mind if I drove a nice one..8)

[kowalski]

[QUOTE=german g][quote=e9nine]
You'd take a heavier, metal bumpered, slower eta over a 318iS? What gives?

Only reason is becasue of the miles i've seen on some of the ETA M20s, they seem to keep going forever. Only 318s ive driven were beat to hell rattle traps...Maybe I would change my mind if I drove a nice one..8)

mines got 300,000 km's and I love it.
i'v driven a couple M20 powerd cars and i'd rather have my 318is over them
i test drove a couple before i bought my car, and i liked the 318is better
its all about prefrence, you can't say which is better for each person because its a personal prefrence. the 318 felt better arround the twistys then the 325 did, i had a straight line car before that (1968 chevelle) and i wanted somthing to have fun with. i'v dopne a bit of work to the m42, and now its got more then enough power to have a lot of fun.

[///M42 sport]

OK, only get a m20 if its a mtech, that justifies the dinosaur engine b/c you'll still turn lots of heads.

If you truely don't care what other people think, get a 318is nicely modded. Way funner than a 325is.

I have both, so I get the best of both worlds.