What makes the E30 318is a fun driving car?

[carbon966]

As said in the title,

What makes the E30 318is what it is?

[c0rbin9]

It's certainly not an excess of power, that's for sure. Predictable, nimble handling, nice weight to the controls - those are the things I'd say. Never driven a 6-cylinder E30 - would like to try one out to see how it compares.

Factors influencing the characteristic of a car, in order of influence is 1) the type of vehicle it is, i.e. car vs. truck 2) the era in which the vehicle was built and 3) the brand of the vehicle. This means a Datsun from 1970 is going to feel a lot more like a BMW 2002 than a BMW from 1995.

[carbon966]

Very well said!

[ELVA164]

I wouldn't know, I can't afford to buy one.

:(

[Rusty.Piranha]

I wouldn't know, I can't afford to buy one.

:(

just take your wallet out and throw it at the garbage disposal....

[MrBurgundy]

When you've never driven a 325i(s) :devil::p

[reelizmpro]

The M42 318iS is sporty, lightweight, nimble and needs to be revved up high to have some fun. Like the M3, it must be driven aggressively to realize it's full potential and to some that is where the fun is. It's not straight line fun but you'll have a blast in the canyons.

[ThatOneEuroE30]

I dont have an 318is but i have a slicktop 318i and I'd have to agree with others thats its just fun because the power band and how nimble and light it feels. Winding up the little m42 is a blast especially like others said in the twisty's.

[5Toes]

the m42 engine is a blast to rev out, and the car is lighter-weight by a considerable amount from the factory. the longer second gear ratio, combined with the factory LSD short ratio 4.10 really makes the car "quick" and "fun".

The weight distribution is the same as a 6 cylinder e30, but the lighter weight front end is easily noticed, especially with power steering disabled.

The engine uses a progressive type throttle body that allows for great fuel economy while cruising, but still soem oomph when floored. My m42 e30 is lightened up about 200lbs, has a few bolt ons, and is faster than both of my 325is's (both of those are stock).

Everyone is quick to hate on the m42 but it really is the baby m3. The m42 is the most technically advanced engine ever offered from the factory in the e30, even more so than the s14.

with an engine chip and a lightweight flywheel the 318i/318is late model is almost every bit as good as 325i - you just wont have the torque down low. the m42 is also easier to work on than a m20, in my humble opinion... though both are super easy anyways.

get one!

[c0rbin9]

^ 200 lbs. off is a lot - what do you have done for weight reduction?

[M-technik-3]

Momentum car. You learn to maximise it's energy in many ways vs just mashing the gas peddle.

[roguetoaster]

Momentum car. You learn to maximise it's energy in many ways vs just mashing the gas peddle.

I'd argue that you get to do both, and that's what really makes it fun.

[blizake500]

I've had a 318is in mint condition. I sold it after having it a year because I couldn't stand the power. It has none! Very boring to drive.

[roguetoaster]

I've had a 318is in mint condition. I sold it after having it a year because I couldn't stand the power. It has none! Very boring to drive.

Mmm, old time M42 hate, I love it. People have been going soft on my favorite E30 engine of late, and were starting to make me feel way too mainstream.

[Poorhouse]

Petrolicious has a great 318is video.
Long time 2002 and E30 owner shares their insights.