318 vs 325...

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  • DOC-K
    Member
    • Dec 2018
    • 61

    #1

    318 vs 325...

    In looking at E 30's, It has been a long time since I owned one (3)
    I'm looking for a a convertible...so as a just 'tooling around" with the top down car, how much of a difference is there in performance? (No hurry, just a Sunday drive)
    Last edited by DOC-K; 01-20-2019, 01:17 PM.
    BMWCCA 12660
  • 101
    Mod Crazy
    • Jul 2011
    • 764

    #2
    IMHO - the added weight of the convertible benefits greatly from having the 6 cylinder engine vs. the 4 cylinder. Even with the 325 engine, my convertible is a dog.
    101

    The E30 collection:
    1987 325es M52 - Schwarz / Taurus Red Sport (son #2's)
    1987 325is - Delphin / Black Sport (son #3's)
    1987 325i Convertible - Triple Black
    1989 325iX Coupe - Diamondschwarz / Black Comfort
    1990 325iX Coupe - Sterling Silver / Grey Sport

    1981 Fiat 124 Spider 2000 - Green / Tan
    1998 Volvo V70 GLT - White / Tan
    1998 Volvo S70 T5 manual - White / Taupe
    2001 Ford Windstar - Silver / Grey (parts hauler)
    2006 Lexus GX470 - White / Tan (tow rig)

    Comment

    • roguetoaster
      R3V OG
      • Jan 2012
      • 7747

      #3
      Of course, with the wobbly 'vert chassis you'll never notice the buzzy nature of the M42.

      The reality is, whenever someone brings up the "does the M42 have enough power question" the answer is always M20 or swapped car.

      Comment

      • Stanley Rockafella
        R3V Elite
        • Aug 2011
        • 4056

        #4
        Originally posted by roguetoaster
        the answer is always M20 or swapped car.
        :nice:
        If it's got tits or tires, it's gonna cost ya!

        Comment

        • roguetoaster
          R3V OG
          • Jan 2012
          • 7747

          #5
          Originally posted by Stanley Rockafella
          :nice:
          Originally posted by Stanley Rockafella
          Ugh, one of the few times in my life I've wished I had a 318i.

          The want (and need) is bad with this one....

          Comment

          • Stanley Rockafella
            R3V Elite
            • Aug 2011
            • 4056

            #6
            If it's got tits or tires, it's gonna cost ya!

            Comment

            • DOC-K
              Member
              • Dec 2018
              • 61

              #7
              For "just" a top down cruiser...something different.
              BMWCCA 12660

              Comment

              • ELVA164
                R3V Elite
                • Dec 2011
                • 4861

                #8
                Originally posted by DOC-K
                For "just" a top down cruiser...something different.
                If you don't care at all about power, you can honestly get either and use price and condition as your main factors.
                Interested in vintage cars? Ever thought about racing one? Info, photos, videos, and more can be found at www.michaelsvintageracing.com!

                Elva Courier build thread here!

                Comment

                • cory58
                  E30 Enthusiast
                  • Dec 2007
                  • 1021

                  #9
                  My first Bimmer was a '92 318i vert with a 5-speed. Bought is when I was 27 years old in '94 for $20k (thank you stable job and good credit!) Needless to say it hooked me on BMWs forever.

                  With the 5-speed and M42 it had plenty of pep. So much fun to drive.

                  Cory
                  1992 325i Cabrio
                  1988 320i Touring
                  2000 M5
                  1977 530i
                  2015 328i - Euro Delivery/Performance Center Delivery
                  BMWCCA
                  E30CCA

                  Comment

                  • Nairb
                    E30 Fanatic
                    • Apr 2010
                    • 1207

                    #10
                    1991 318is, when maintained well, is a joy to drive.

                    Love the m42. Putting a JB lightweight aluminum flywheel (9lb) and new clutch in mine soon, that'll be fun.
                    My 1991 318is Progression Thread

                    Comment

                    • varg
                      No R3VLimiter
                      • May 2014
                      • 3283

                      #11
                      Originally posted by roguetoaster
                      Of course, with the wobbly 'vert chassis you'll never notice the buzzy nature of the M42.

                      The reality is, whenever someone brings up the "does the M42 have enough power question" the answer is always M20 or swapped car.
                      This. And since an M42 convertible is unlikely to ever be a valuable variant of the car, you're not sacrificing "all original" collectible value by ditching the M42 for an M20.

                      IG @turbovarg
                      '91 318is, M20 turbo
                      [CoTM: 4-18]
                      '94 525iT slicktop, M50B30 + S362SX-E, 600WHP DD or bust
                      '93 RX-7 FD3S

                      Comment

                      • nando
                        Moderator
                        • Nov 2003
                        • 34827

                        #12
                        The nice thing about the 318ic is it will certainly have the late body style, and you know it won't be a slushbox. They seemed to come in neat colors too, rather than the typical white or black ever 325ic seems to be.
                        Build thread

                        Bimmerlabs

                        Comment

                        • DOC-K
                          Member
                          • Dec 2018
                          • 61

                          #13
                          Many years ago I asked a friend, mechanic, if he could boost the power in my 911...this was abut 77 or 78, he said that "if you have enough money you could put a helicopter motor in it then you'd have plenty of power" !!
                          How fast do you want to go in a 70's/80's technology chassis..(and brakes)
                          BMWCCA 12660

                          Comment

                          • nando
                            Moderator
                            • Nov 2003
                            • 34827

                            #14
                            Uhh, people have been building 300hp+ E30s for a couple decades now.
                            Build thread

                            Bimmerlabs

                            Comment

                            • MrBurgundy
                              R3V Elite
                              • Mar 2012
                              • 5295

                              #15
                              The sound of an m20 with the top down is so awesome.
                              Current Collection: 1990 325is // 1987 325i Vert // 2003 525i 5spd // 1985 380SL // 1992 Ranger 5spd // 2005 Avalanche // 2024 Honda Grom SP // 2024 Yamaha XSR700 // 2024 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon

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