E36 Coupe MPG etc

[turbo-tastic]

Hi all,

I am currently looking for an E36 Coupe, and was wondering what the difference in running costs are between a 318is and a 320i (both early to mid 90's)??

Is there a significant drop in MPG between the 4 and 6 cylinder models?

Are servicing parts more expensive?

And am I right in thinking that the 6 cylinder have timing chains, whereas the 4cyl's have belts?

I would obviously prefer a 6cyl for better performance and sound, but need to get at least 30mpg(?) as its my daily driver.

Any advice greatly appreciated

Cheers
Ed.

[xm5er]

140 vs 150 bhp plus a heavier engine plus higher gears means there is no difference in performance between the two. The 6 is nicer to listen to but will mug you at the pumps compared with the 318iS.

Buy the 318iS and put the money you save at one side for a 328 Sport in a couple of years time would be my advise.

[targarama]

My brother has just bought a 1998 318is. Nice car. Not super fast, but it's only a 1.9 after all. Quite economical and still no slouch.

The newer 318is uses the M44 engine which has timing chain, no cambelts. In fact I think the engine in all the 318is coupes is different from the 318 saloon engine which has a cambelt.

[animal]

I get 32-35 mpg on regular unleaded, but that's mostly motorway driving. The 320 is thirstier, but not much more so - depends on how and where you drive it.