1992 - 1993 BMW 318i/325i

[beemerfan1985]

I am only 18, but have become a BMW fan extremely quickly. I actually have enough money saved up for a 1992 or 1993 BMW 3-series, but I have many questions that hopefully you guys can help me with. Firstly, is the only different between the 318i and 325i, performance vs gas mileage? Is the handling or ride quality any different? Are both cars strong when, for example, making a pass at 60mph or does one lag a bit? I do know that the 318i is going to be slower but has really great on gas, which is good for a guy with not a lot of extra money. However, is sacfricing performace worth the better gas mileage? Or is there more to it? Purchase time is coming soon and I would really appreciate anyone that gave me solid advice on this issue. Email would be prefered but I will check back on the forum. Email: thetallandsmall@hotmail.com

Thanks,

Matthew

[buymeabmwm3]

i'd say go with an E30 318i. The 92-93 3 series are the first E36ers, which were just heavier bodies run by the same 1.8L and 2.5L motors as the E30s before them. Personally, I have found that a later model E30 (1990-1991) will have better performance, nicer interior, and still be cheaper than an E36 from a few years later. Course i'm a little biased having owned one myself. For the same price as an early E36 318i or 325i, you can get an E30 318i or 325i with more options on it and in better running order. I know a friend who is very pleased with his E30 318i. The E30s have an excellant suspension setup that is quite fun to toss around, something sort of lacking in the E36ers. He doesn't win any stoplight wars with the 1.8L, but if thats your thing, get a mustang or camaro. For performance for you dollar, hard to beat a 1989-91 318i.

[beemasport]

I agree on some points there, For less money you can get a say 90 325i sport, full leather, LSD, on OBC, PS, SR all electrics and drives just as well if not better (in my opinion) and looks just as good as the day they were made... I am all for the E30`s, best car in my eyes that BMW made...

[rasta0011]

E36!!! I have an E30 love it, but in the long run E36 is a better choice. Definitely go with the 2.5liter 1993, excellant gas mileage with power. I can get avg mid 25 mpg and lower 30's on highway. less with use of all rpms. The 92 is the first model year, 93 had some quirks worked out. The 325i is cheaper than "is" and you can make up the difference in suspension later if you choose, except one thing the I does not have limited slip which sucks. The e36 also has DOHC VANOS and more better shit than the e30. I have an E30 and love it, but now that I want more power i wish i had the dohc

[beemasport]

for the extra 20bhp, why dont u just chip the fecker, who cares about the extra power, the e30 cant be beaten ,mate an u know that by being an owner of one!!!!

[beemasport]

for the extra 20bhp, why dont u just chip the fecker, who cares about the extra power, the e30 cant be beaten ,mate an u know that by being an owner of one!!!!

[rasta0011]

its not the stock 20bhp. Im saying that the m50 is a far better engine in many ways, timing chain instead of belt, maintenance free VANOS, DOHC- 24 valve which can handle many more mods that can beef up more horsepower and torque than the M20. Finally, he stated he wants good gas mileage, the M50 is far more fuel efficient.

[beemasport]

Well thats me told LOL!