Discussion
Hi everyone, ok I'm looking at getting an E46 3 series but having a bit of trouble with the engine specs, can you lot help?
What power/torque/MPG do the 318's get? I'm getting conflicting results from Google.
Also same info for 323's and 325's can anyone put me straight?
Which years got which engines? I'm confused now.
Which model is best all round for performance/economy?
Cheers Everyone
Al
What power/torque/MPG do the 318's get? I'm getting conflicting results from Google.
Also same info for 323's and 325's can anyone put me straight?
Which years got which engines? I'm confused now.
Which model is best all round for performance/economy?
Cheers Everyone
Al
Facelifted mid life so the early ones have less power 2001/02 IIRC.
later 318i has 140bhp but from the digging I did doesn't seem a million miles less economical than a 330i, of the 6's the 328i or 330i would be the engine of choice.
320d has the best economy in 150bhp form (Unless you go for a 318d that seems rare), 330d is quick and sort of economical but probably more likely to self destruct than a 330i.
later 318i has 140bhp but from the digging I did doesn't seem a million miles less economical than a 330i, of the 6's the 328i or 330i would be the engine of choice.
320d has the best economy in 150bhp form (Unless you go for a 318d that seems rare), 330d is quick and sort of economical but probably more likely to self destruct than a 330i.
hi mate, ive got an e46 330ci and its considered the best all rounder.
its the most powerful(except m3) at 231bhp, while the 325 has 200bhp,323 170bhp and 320 150bhp iirc
despite this all the 6 cyl lumps listed above return the same MPG figures and service costs
i got 28.9 MPG from my last tank with a mix of town, gentle and hard driving.
obviously the diesel models are better on fuel, expect 40-45mpg on a 330d and if its the later 204bhp engine its barely any slower than the petrol model.
i chose a 330ci manual as i wont get lumbered with any autobox issues or swirl flap issues, both of which can be VERY expensive.
i would say the 330 or 330d are the best all rounders, se spec can be picked up cheaper but ci/cd m sport is the most desirable
its the most powerful(except m3) at 231bhp, while the 325 has 200bhp,323 170bhp and 320 150bhp iirc
despite this all the 6 cyl lumps listed above return the same MPG figures and service costs
i got 28.9 MPG from my last tank with a mix of town, gentle and hard driving.
obviously the diesel models are better on fuel, expect 40-45mpg on a 330d and if its the later 204bhp engine its barely any slower than the petrol model.
i chose a 330ci manual as i wont get lumbered with any autobox issues or swirl flap issues, both of which can be VERY expensive.
i would say the 330 or 330d are the best all rounders, se spec can be picked up cheaper but ci/cd m sport is the most desirable
Pre-facelift e46 318 had the same 1.9 engine the old z3 had. These are quite underpowered. Post facelift they had a 2.0l 16v with 143bhp which is quite economical. I used to get mid 30s around town and 42 on a mway run in my old '52 coupe.
When you hit the 6 cylinders (320 upwards) you obviously get more power but less economy. 320 is the worst as there's hardly any more power than the fizzy 318 in 2.0 guise but worse economy, on a scale with the 330.
If you're after economy then 320d/330d or 318. If you want more power then 330 or 330d.
Beware of rear subframe issues (problem with a lot of cars where the subframe was literally ripped out). Should have been fixed under warranty and if you're going for an average/high miler if it has not happened and doesn't look like it's half way through happening you should be ok.
When you hit the 6 cylinders (320 upwards) you obviously get more power but less economy. 320 is the worst as there's hardly any more power than the fizzy 318 in 2.0 guise but worse economy, on a scale with the 330.
If you're after economy then 320d/330d or 318. If you want more power then 330 or 330d.
Beware of rear subframe issues (problem with a lot of cars where the subframe was literally ripped out). Should have been fixed under warranty and if you're going for an average/high miler if it has not happened and doesn't look like it's half way through happening you should be ok.
WorAl said:
Cheers for the info everyone, looks like a 323/325 it's going to be then. Mainly as I'm unsure how to tell the 318 engines apart (1.9 or 2.0 versions) but also, like a nice 6 pot bellow 
Keep the advice coming though.
Easy to tell them apart, 2.0 is DOHC, 1.9 is SOHC, riden in them both and I'd say ignore the 1.9, the 2.0 is decent though, I'd take it over a 320 I think but like you say I'd rather have a 323/325Keep the advice coming though.
WorAl said:
Cheers for the info everyone, looks like a 323/325 it's going to be then. Mainly as I'm unsure how to tell the 318 engines apart (1.9 or 2.0 versions) but also, like a nice 6 pot bellow
Keep the advice coming though.
Depending on budget you really want to be looking 328/330 as you will have the same fuel and servicing bills without the extra power and torque. 323/325 are not bad cars at all but if you can, get the 328/330 they are just a bit better. All depends on budget I guess...Keep the advice coming though.
Dino D said:
WorAl said:
Cheers for the info everyone, looks like a 323/325 it's going to be then. Mainly as I'm unsure how to tell the 318 engines apart (1.9 or 2.0 versions) but also, like a nice 6 pot bellow
Keep the advice coming though.
Depending on budget you really want to be looking 328/330 as you will have the same fuel and servicing bills without the extra power and torque. 323/325 are not bad cars at all but if you can, get the 328/330 they are just a bit better. All depends on budget I guess...Keep the advice coming though.
t ones.318's would be ok, if they have right engines. 323/325' I should be able to find a good one in budget as long as I don't dive into buying the first one I see
I would say go for a larger engine if possible. I have a 318i 1.9 (due to my age and insurance), it does the job getting me around but it only does about 10 secs to 60 and wont set the world alight.
I think you would struggle to get the 318i 2.0 within your budget, the few I have seen for sub £3k all had 130k + miles on the clock and looked a bit rough.
A 323i can be picked up for sub £3k quite easily. When I was searching for my car I watched on ebay a nice looking 323i in silver, auto box, leather seats, 2000 reg with about 80k on the clock go unsold for about £2250. I would have had it if it wasn't for extra insurance cost.
Edit: I just remembered the one i was watching was a 328i, not a 323i
I think you would struggle to get the 318i 2.0 within your budget, the few I have seen for sub £3k all had 130k + miles on the clock and looked a bit rough.
A 323i can be picked up for sub £3k quite easily. When I was searching for my car I watched on ebay a nice looking 323i in silver, auto box, leather seats, 2000 reg with about 80k on the clock go unsold for about £2250. I would have had it if it wasn't for extra insurance cost.
Edit: I just remembered the one i was watching was a 328i, not a 323i
Edited by anonymous-user on Friday 23 April 15:16
rich85uk said:
to the OP if its 3k max you have does it HAVE to be an e46?????
would pick up a lovely e36 328, with any luck a sport for that money.
i dont mean to put you off but if your looking at a 318 i would rather a mondeo and i own an e46....
Doesn't have to be, I just like them a lot more than the E36'swould pick up a lovely e36 328, with any luck a sport for that money.
i dont mean to put you off but if your looking at a 318 i would rather a mondeo and i own an e46....
ETA Plus the E36's are at least 12 years old now, starting to get on a bit.
Edited by WorAl on Friday 23 April 18:50
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