318is and modding

[AdironRider]

Fair enough, I was a little harsh.

But it annoys me when people try and spread misinformation. Oh noes, I sound like Heeter! Haha

[E30 Wagen]

If you're on a college budget, I'd consider finding a cheap eta. Throw in a performance chip and swap some components from a 325i (buy used parts off r3v) and it will be decently fast compared to other cars, and without losing on fuel economy. It's still going to be a low revving engine (but with lots of torque) and you gotta deal with the diving boards, but etas seem unphased by high mileage and have a reputation for dependability. I would keep my eye open for a 325es or a loaded 325e if you want leather sports seats and lsd stock.

just my .02

[euroshark]

etas seem unphased by high mileage and have a reputation for dependability

Damn straight, in fact, most of the old BMW motors are pretty much indestructable and should last at least 250,000 miles if not over 300,000 if taken care of. I don't know much about the reliability and longevity of the newer BMW motors but they should last at least 200,000 miles if not more... I agree with E30 Wagen though, an eta will be cheap to get into and easy to mod so you can have some fun with it, but still be dependable for every day use and get good gas mileage.

[BrandC]

A car that rewards total overall speed on a racetrack rather than to make up for mistakes with brute power.

Damn right TJ. It feels good passing faster cars in a 318is because you made less mistakes than using power to make up for your driving ineptitudes. Power will get you into trouble on the track, in the mountains, or wherever if you have no idea what it does for the car's dynamics.

Most people on any car forum have NOT been to a racetrack. They simply mod their cars because it is fun. If you take a 318is out onto the track, you will realize it does not need much to be extremely fun and competitive in terms of facing against higher powered cars and getting lower times than them.

It is ultimately the underdog BMW. Elitists pick the 6-cylinder. Poor kids pick the AE86 wannabe 318is so we can get SIDEWAAAYSZZZ like Takumi.

[MikesJo]

I like my 91 318is and I've taken it to the autox a couple of times already. It's like a mini go-kart with the H&R race springs and Bilstein sports I've put on it. Spend your money on maintenence, something I still have to do. They're great cars with a few suspension mods. Gas mileage is also quite good on the 4 cyclinder.

[nando]

I still want a 318is as a daily driver. I'd keep it pretty much stock, except for maybe suspension and a chip, and just drive it. it would be nice to spend less than $45 on a tank of gas and have it last more than 260 miles.

I'm amazed at how well they hold up, my friend takes very poor care of his, beats the fuck out of it too, and it's got 250k on an all original drivetrain with no signs of ever stopping!

I would never want an ETA though, you have the worst of both worlds (no hp and weight) plus those horrible bumpers. it has torque, but the advantage of the 318is is lightweight and balance. you really do notice the missing weight more than anything..

[318isbmw]

I'd say go 318is. The m42 is awesome on freeway and not bad at all in town. I can pass people easily w/ a downshift to get the revs up which in my dad's old m20 you didn't have to do as much, but the m42 is much more responsive w/ cornering and such because of the weight. I got it because I wanted something easy to maintain and wouldn't have to do a ton to autox it and enjoy it and the m42 has been nothing less than awesome with that.

[AdironRider]

The gas milage really is incredible. I can flog it all day long and still get 30 mpg. If I baby it I can see 400 miles to a tank no problem.

[StereoInstaller1]

Do you guys know of an M42 in an early car here on R3V?

[Tree18is]

When you said insurance.. the 318 vs 325 thing, i dont think is true.. inless your insurance company is looking to ream you. they bearly know the difference. I loved my 325is. but my 318 is like crisp and uhhh i love it, you wont be dissapointed.

[Dozyproductions]

When you said insurance.. the 318 vs 325 thing, i dont think is true.. inless your insurance company is looking to ream you. they bearly know the difference. I loved my 325is. but my 318 is like crisp and uhhh i love it, you wont be dissapointed.

unfortunately they do because they know the difference in cylinders.

well today might be the day i buy a 318is.

[AdironRider]

Do it man, youll never look back.

[KangamangusDriver]

Either way you will have a great car.

The 318IS is slower, less torque. Still a very fun motor.
However, the mod bug will bite and you will want to go faster.

I started with a 91' 318IS. Loved it!
Several years later I wanted more power.
I swapped in a M50. Much more power!!!

Now it is totalled and I am building another E30 with a much more potent power plant!

[euroshark]

unfortunately they do because they know the difference in cylinders.

I pay like $68 a month for my 533i or my 635CSi... It can't be a huge difference going down to a 4 cylinder, can it??

[AdironRider]

Insurance quotes are next to impossible to judge cause everyones driving record and carrier are different. THat being said the 318 I have now cost about 2/3 what my ix and is cost to insure, and thats my personal experience.