Need advice for a possible purchase

[JiX]

I stumbled upon a 91 318is that seems to be in pretty good condition. What I would like to know is, is this a good car to purchase? If you had the choice between a 91 318is and a 89 325is w/200k+ miles and a few hundred more, which one would you buy? Thanks in advance and I appreciate the advice.

[z50_Jumper]

are they both at 200k+?

[0000000000]

Depends on what you want and the conditions of both cars.

But im not sure but i think the m20 have less ware and tear on their motor than a m42 but im not sure. this asumption is base on inline 6 runs alot smoother than a inline 4.

[GoKart]

I think the M42 car is the one to pick.

Far less resistance / friction inside the M42, as it is a more modern, DOHC design as compared to the M20.

Remember that the M42 is really two-thirds of an M50 --- inside, they are basically the same.

But of course, it depends how the car was driven, how it was maintained, etc.

I happen to think the M42 is an awesome little motor.

[0000000000]

ok, than go with the m42

[JiX]

I am waiting for the seller to reply with the mileage, but looking at the pictures both are in good phsycal condition w/ the 318 being a little better. The 325is does have a few aftermarket parts whereas the 318 looks fully stock. thanks guys! Keep the advice coming.

[GoKart]

What parts are on the 325is?

If the 318is is stock, it is likely that it has not been driven very hard.

Modified cars usually belong to enthusiasts, which means they have probably been driven harder. Some enthusiasts take better care of their cars though...

... but then some people who don't know anything about cars will "over-maintain" their cars BECAUSE they don't know anything.

At this mileage though, I still think the M42 is the better choice.

[mikeedler]

id go for the 325 cause 4 cyl are for loosers!
and the 2.5 has like 35hp more.

[0000000000]

you can get a 318i with a m42 with some mods to pull a m20.

[atomic]

325is > 318is

[TwoJ's]

325is > 318is

I agree, although I could see myself buying a 318is if I were doing a 24v swap. Sure, the m42 is more modern and more efficient, but I'd rather have the displacement.


That's just me though. I'm sure they're great little commuter cars.

[gobuffs]

"they" say the 318is is the poor man's E30 M3.

[2002maniac]

They are both slow.

[JiX]

I'm not expecting either one to be really fast, but I really like the classic look of the e30. Plus, I heard the handling is awesome, so I want to try it out for myself. I just hope I don't have to dump a lot of money into it to keep it up and running.

[Huff]

Go for the '89 IS... That's my personal favorite year for the e30's (Well, non- M3). you get all the options, it's a plastic bumper and you get pop out windows.