318i vs 325i - Questions..

[lespaul]

Hi All,

I've been looking at getting into a 325ic and am also interested in a 318ic. Is the gas mileage that much better in a 318i? Are we talking enough that it would come out to a lot per month, based on driving an eta of 700 miles a month?

Also anything better in the 318 than the 325 besides gas mileage and timing chain vs belt?

Thanks

JD.......

[Turf1600]

I'd spring for whichever is in the best shape. I pull 27 mpg in my m20 so it's not an enormous difference.

[Mossman]

lighter/slightly better balance. I'd buy the nicest/best deal you can find and not rule either one of them out.

[MacBudd541]

that depends if you do a lot of freeway driving. i think 318ic have really short gears (not positive though) but that would make for high revs and bad milage on the freeway. you can always change out the diff though!

[318isbmw]

that depends if you do a lot of freeway driving. i think 318ic have really short gears (not positive though) but that would make for high revs and bad milage on the freeway. you can always change out the diff though!

Yeah it has 4.10 gears in it, but with how tiny the motor is, it gets 30+mpg on the highway, and is very peppy still in town.

[kenika65]

wow they make a 318 vert cool id get it.

[erik325i]

The m42 requires premium gas. The m20 does not.

Erik

[lespaul]

Wait a minute! The 318 requires premium gas?! the 325 does not? That decreases the mileage value right there.. argh.. Are you certain?

[kid325e]

are we talking e30 318i or e36 318?

[kenika65]

yes 91 318 with the m42 take premium but they still get 30+ and require 100x less maintenance.

[318isbmw]

yes 91 318 with the m42 take premium but they still get 30+ and require 100x less maintenance.

Not really less maintenance. Either way if you keep up with it its easy...

[T Verdier]

I dont even have a chip and i use 91 in my m20b25. and if you have a chip it will get you better gas millage anyways.

[lespaul]

I hear the 318 is still pretty quick.. I'm not sure it's a 91 318ic vs a 91 325ic. 5 - speed

[Sam Cogley]

The m42 requires premium gas. The m20 does not.

Erik

M42 seems quite happy running 89.

[nando]

yes 91 318 with the m42 take premium but they still get 30+ and require 100x less maintenance.

except the chain system tends to explode after 250,000 miles