E30 320i is it really a bad engine...?

[chippy17]

someone has offered me an E30 320i Convertible, which I tempted with as a pressie for wife/summer cruisin' (it is also an auto). Now I am not buying this car for speed, they are worth less, are just as reliable and there are more about or am I wrong?

Ta

[PJR]

Its low powered and heavy for its capacity. Not helped by the auto box either. And to top it off, its supposedly not really any better on juice than a 325.
However, its still a lovely smooth engine thats fairly tough. Its miles smoother and better sounding than any 4 pot engine, BMW or otherwise. So it definitely has its merits still.

It really comes down to whether you/the Mrs likes it, and if the car is in good order etc.

P,

[Tankslider]

No. Not a bad engine, just not exciting. I've bought a 320 touring as a stopgap, now don't want to part with it as it is a lovely smooth 6 pot. If the cab is genuinely not for hairing about in, take advantage of the fact that it'll be a bargain compared to a 325.

[Pork_n_Beem]

Its quite simple to change it to a 325 with an engine off ebay, if the car is good go for it.

[8Tech]

It is a good engine but as thirsty as a 325 and as powerful as a 318. (Almost)
Accept it for what it is and enjoy it. Bulletproof engine and excellent build quality, BMW built their reputation on it although that reputation is now sliding fast.

8Tech.

[jamesson]

On paper, it doesn't seem that attractive compared to the 1.8 or the 2.5, but you'd be missing out on a marvellously smooth piece of engineering which also makes a lovely noise.

I wouldn't hesitate to own another E30 320i (had one for many years) if the right one became available.

[M5Dave]

The 2.0 was always reputed to be the smoothest and sweetest sounding of the BMW sixes of that era.

[Spokey]

M5Dave said:

The 2.0 was always reputed to be the smoothest and sweetest sounding of the BMW sixes of that era.

Yep, they're great engines. I've had two E30 320i's

[VerySideways]

E30 320 auto will give similar consumption to the 325 auto, but other than the thirst it's a great motor, and with an auto and in the convertible body shell will be a lovely sunny day cruiser.

[chippy17]

Many thanks. I have looked at the 4 pot but would rather hear a smooth six cylinder as I cruise down leafy lanes...

It is a much maligned engine but it obviously has merits.

[allnighter]

I drove a 318s and it's a lot livelier and quicker than the 320.The 320 is just too heavy.
If you want to go for the smoother six pot definitely aim for the 325 as it's been said on here already.


PS: The only thing which would put me off is they(320/325 E30) are not chain driven IIRC , so you're looking at cambelt changes and the cost associated with that.

[chippy17]

allnighter said:

I drove a 318s and it's a lot livelier and quicker than the 320.The 320 is just too heavy.
If you want to go for the smoother six pot definitely aim for the 325 as it's been said on here already.


PS: The only thing which would put me off is they(320/325 E30) are not chain driven IIRC , so you're looking at cambelt changes and the cost associated with that.

interesting, is the 318 chain driven? Don't they have their own reliability issues, ie head gaskets?

[Roop]

The two-litre 12v six is pretty gutless, seemingly having no torque, but it's wonderfully smooth and with a fruity exhaust is quite sonorous. Nice unit. I like 'em...

[clonmult]

chippy17 said:

allnighter said:

I drove a 318s and it's a lot livelier and quicker than the 320.The 320 is just too heavy.
If you want to go for the smoother six pot definitely aim for the 325 as it's been said on here already.


PS: The only thing which would put me off is they(320/325 E30) are not chain driven IIRC , so you're looking at cambelt changes and the cost associated with that.

interesting, is the 318 chain driven? Don't they have their own reliability issues, ie head gaskets?

Depends on whether you're talking about the 318i (gutless) or 318iS (not quite so gutless). The iS is 10+ bhp up on the claimed figures for the 320, and at least on the E36 Coupe forums, I haven't heard many rumblings about issues with the M42 unit.

[VerySideways]

E30 318iS was only available as a 2 door though, not as cab/tourer/4door.
Great car nonetheless.

[Pentoman]

Like many BMW engines if you look at the bore/stroke it's wildly short of stroke, so not a torquey engine but I reckon the sound and smoothness would make up for it.

Bah if only fours didn't sound pants.

[chippy17]

clonmult said:

chippy17 said:

allnighter said:

I drove a 318s and it's a lot livelier and quicker than the 320.The 320 is just too heavy.
If you want to go for the smoother six pot definitely aim for the 325 as it's been said on here already.


PS: The only thing which would put me off is they(320/325 E30) are not chain driven IIRC , so you're looking at cambelt changes and the cost associated with that.

interesting, is the 318 chain driven? Don't they have their own reliability issues, ie head gaskets?

Depends on whether you're talking about the 318i (gutless) or 318iS (not quite so gutless). The iS is 10+ bhp up on the claimed figures for the 320, and at least on the E36 Coupe forums, I haven't heard many rumblings about issues with the M42 unit.

I think (someone may correct me) but the 1.8 engine in all E30s except the 318iS is the M40 which does not have a great reputation

[VerySideways]

chippy17 said:

I think (someone may correct me) but the 1.8 engine in all E30s except the 318iS is the M40 which does not have a great reputation

[chippy17]

VerySideways said:

chippy17 said:

I think (someone may correct me) but the 1.8 engine in all E30s except the 318iS is the M40 which does not have a great reputation

so cambelt aside I am better off looking for a six cylinder car, in terms of reliability and of course sound, as to me in a convertible (although I have never owned one) surely sound is important

[Methane Bloke]

Had a few 12V belt driven sixes, still have a 2.3 litre bottom end in the garage. Cylinder heads could be a bit dodgy, camshaft and rocker wear can be a problem on high milers. Definitely smooth little engines though.

Regards

Chris