Which E30 to go for?
Discussion
My working situation has changed a little and I'm looking at doing ~300miles a week up and down the M40. A Fiesta's probably not ideal for that kind of work so thought I'd use it as an excuse to splash out on an E30 
Just pondering if this is a good move for what I'll be doing with it and which engine to go for. Initial choice is the M40 318i; guessing its more frugal than the sixes and has more poke than the M10. Good move? What sort of mpg would I expect at motorway speeds?
I'm guessing the 318iS is a little sportier than normal, stiffer suspension and so on and probably not best suited to motorways?
Any other advice appreciated! E30zone seems to be down at the mo, may peruse the BMW mags on my way home for inspiration!
Just pondering if this is a good move for what I'll be doing with it and which engine to go for. Initial choice is the M40 318i; guessing its more frugal than the sixes and has more poke than the M10. Good move? What sort of mpg would I expect at motorway speeds?
I'm guessing the 318iS is a little sportier than normal, stiffer suspension and so on and probably not best suited to motorways?
Any other advice appreciated! E30zone seems to be down at the mo, may peruse the BMW mags on my way home for inspiration!
Definitely a 318iS.
40mpg is easily possible out of a good one on a long drive.
If it's mostly motorway miles, You could possibly put in a diff from a 325i Sport since it has a lower ratio and will improve cruising fuel economy as well as making the long journey a little quieter.
Don't worry about the iS having stiffer suspension. M-tec springs are very good, good handling yet they give a very ride quality at the same time.
40mpg is easily possible out of a good one on a long drive.
If it's mostly motorway miles, You could possibly put in a diff from a 325i Sport since it has a lower ratio and will improve cruising fuel economy as well as making the long journey a little quieter.
Don't worry about the iS having stiffer suspension. M-tec springs are very good, good handling yet they give a very ride quality at the same time.
I just bought a 318iS yesterday after running a 1989 318i ( m40 ) for a year. I went all over in the 318i and it gave on average about 30mpg ( motorway, town etc ).
The iS was fine for the 250 miles home on the motorway. Suspension is stiffer but not uncomfortable and even with the 16v head it still pulls better in 5th than the M40.
Obviously I've only had the iS for 1 day but so far so good
Cheers
Al
The iS was fine for the 250 miles home on the motorway. Suspension is stiffer but not uncomfortable and even with the 16v head it still pulls better in 5th than the M40.
Obviously I've only had the iS for 1 day but so far so good
Cheers
Al
one of my favourite topics!
def the iS - along with 20 more HP, a decent engine, you should have sport seats, front iS spoiler (hopefully!), maybe an LSD, likely 15" weaves. Mtech suspension (its really not that stiff), larger front struts, better sway bars, shadowlined chrome bits around the windows, black headliner, hopefully toys like tweeter pods and a maplight mirror. they are generally newer - I cant comment about condition in this country though
good luck, and enjoy!
def the iS - along with 20 more HP, a decent engine, you should have sport seats, front iS spoiler (hopefully!), maybe an LSD, likely 15" weaves. Mtech suspension (its really not that stiff), larger front struts, better sway bars, shadowlined chrome bits around the windows, black headliner, hopefully toys like tweeter pods and a maplight mirror. they are generally newer - I cant comment about condition in this country though
good luck, and enjoy!
Laird 'o Croft said:
But look at the prices.. iS cost a lot more... you will get a better 318 for half the money.
There are lots of good M42 engines languishing in early E36's at the breakers.. and its not that hard to pop one in your E30 318.
Nick
Very true, but an iS is always going to be worth more than a std 318, so difference made up on resale.There are lots of good M42 engines languishing in early E36's at the breakers.. and its not that hard to pop one in your E30 318.
Nick
JungleGus said:
one of my favourite topics!
def the iS - along with 20 more HP, a decent engine, you should have sport seats, front iS spoiler (hopefully!), maybe an LSD, likely 15" weaves. Mtech suspension (its really not that stiff), larger front struts, better sway bars, shadowlined chrome bits around the windows, black headliner, hopefully toys like tweeter pods and a maplight mirror. they are generally newer - I cant comment about condition in this country though
good luck, and enjoy!
My next question was going to be what the differences were!def the iS - along with 20 more HP, a decent engine, you should have sport seats, front iS spoiler (hopefully!), maybe an LSD, likely 15" weaves. Mtech suspension (its really not that stiff), larger front struts, better sway bars, shadowlined chrome bits around the windows, black headliner, hopefully toys like tweeter pods and a maplight mirror. they are generally newer - I cant comment about condition in this country though
good luck, and enjoy!
Thanks for the replies guys, think I'll see whats out there and take it from there. Budget wise I'm thinking its going to make sense to get a solid 318i, unless the right iS comes along at the right price
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