Falling back on the 318iS

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MaxF

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Reality just hit me and told me that I probably won't be able to comfortably afford the 96-98 328iS so instead of giving up on my all time most favorite car body the e36 I began considering the 318iS. I will be getting the exact same esthetics, but obviously it will be a big 50hp downgrade (friggen pansy 4cylinder), but maybe later on I will be able to chip it, induction, exhaust... etc+ it is way lighter than the 328 so speed wont be completely sacrificed.
Also, since this will be my first manual shift car [driving] (im only 18) perhaps it is better for me to stay on the lower end of the power spectrum. The 328 is one step away from m territory and maybe I should stay away, at least for now [thumb] .

My main questions are about $$$ of course, namely how much of a drop off in price am I looking at from the 96-98 328iS to the 96-98 318iS? Am I still looking at a big jump in insurance rates just because it is the all mighty [bmwdance] (i mean comeon, friggen 4 cylinders!, gimme a break)?. Also, How does the 318iS fare maintainence wise?

Any other opinions and advice that would help me in my decision making would be well appreciated,

Thanks again guys.
 
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epj3

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There's a company that makes a low boost bolt on supercharger that requires absolutely NO other modifications. Install time is like 4 hours. It's $3000 I believe, and pretty much causes NO premature wear on your engine. I would DEFINITELY consider it. Gives it a VERY useable 200+ hp, and VERY good torque.

The M44 is a super reliable engine too, shouldnt cost too much to maintain.
 
selavia

selavia

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MaxF said:
Reality just hit me and told me that I probably won't be able to comfortably afford the 96-98 328iS so instead of giving up on my all time most favorite car body the e36 I began considering the 318iS. I will be getting the exact same esthetics, but obviously it will be a big 50hp downgrade (friggen pansy 4cylinder), but maybe later on I will be able to chip it, induction, exhaust... etc+ it is way lighter than the 328 so speed wont be completely sacrificed.
Also, since this will be my first manual shift car [driving] (im only 18) perhaps it is better for me to stay on the lower end of the power spectrum. The 328 is one step away from m territory and maybe I should stay away, at least for now [thumb] .

My main questions are about $$$ of course, namely how much of a drop off in price am I looking at from the 96-98 328iS to the 96-98 318iS? Am I still looking at a big jump in insurance rates just because it is the all mighty [bmwdance] (i mean comeon, friggen 4 cylinders!, gimme a break)?. Also, How does the 318iS fare maintainence wise?

Any other opinions and advice that would help me in my decision making would be well appreciated,

Thanks again guys.
Click to expand...
I think it's a great car. I have one, in fact I'm actually going to sell it. As far as price goes, depends on the mileage you want. You can get a decent one with around 100,000 for anywhere from 5000-7500, depending on how hard you look and whether you're willing to do some work on the car yourself. Mine has 116,000 and blue book is 6,8xx(ppv). Insurance isn't too bad. I pay about $800 a year, but that with the car in my parents' name. Mantainence wise, I think it's more reliable than a Camry, at least that's been my experience. I had one real issue with my car, but that was due someone else's ignorance, not the fault of my engine.

Other tid bits:

*Control arm bushing will probably need replacing
*If it's a manual, then shifter will probably be worn (that irritates me: a car with a sticker of over 24k and the leather ball doesn't last more than 75k?)
*Water Pump should have been replaced (ask for documentation)
*I would definitely try to find one with a sport suspension...I think that's one of the greatest things this car can come with...it makes up for the sluggish feel of the four banger.


Good Luck. They certainly are fun cars to drive; it's been one of the best cars I've ever driven. Oh and if this is going to be your first car, I think that's a good idea regarding the engine size...I was in the same position you are in a while back. I went with the four cylinder and other than some members of certain boards giving hell about my engine size, ahem, I am very happy with my choice. Truly an excellent vehicle. And it's still powerful enough to have fun.
 
selavia

selavia

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epj3 said:
There's a company that makes a low boost bolt on supercharger that requires absolutely NO other modifications. Install time is like 4 hours. It's $3000 I believe, and pretty much causes NO premature wear on your engine. I would DEFINITELY consider it. Gives it a VERY useable 200+ hp, and VERY good torque.

The M44 is a super reliable engine too, shouldnt cost too much to maintain.
Click to expand...

Eric, what company?
 
bahnstormer

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318's are not worth your time nor your money.
get a nice beater saturn manual car. learn to
drive stick on that. insurance will be super cheap,
gas will be super cheap, and you'll appreciate
a nicer car when u're ready for it....

it just sounds like u had your heart set to this 328
and you're "settling" for a 318...the 318 is bad enough
on its own, if u make comprimises to get one, well
it'll be even worse =]

perhaps you might be interested in the 1 series, if/when
it comes stateside...
 
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epj3

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I didn't know that there was an E36 323!! I'm sure they are pretty rare though... I dont remember ever seeing one on ebay or anywhere else.

I do agree with bahn somewhat. There's nothing wrong with a 318is BUT they do lack a lot of power, especially in the heavier E36's. How much money are you talking about? A very nice lower milage (120k or so) 328i or "is" can be had for under $10,000.
 
selavia

selavia

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epj3 said:
I didn't know that there was an E36 323!! I'm sure they are pretty rare though... I dont remember ever seeing one on ebay or anywhere else.
Click to expand...

Might be rare around you, but I see them constantly; actually I see them more than I see 325is or even 318is e36. Look on autotrader, you'll see a bunch.

149 BMW 323Is for sale on autotrader (e36)
89 BMW 323Ic for sale on autotrader (e36)
 
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epj3

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selavia said:
Might be rare around you, but I see them constantly; actually I see them more than I see 325is or even 318is e36. Look on autotrader, you'll see a bunch.

149 BMW 323Is for sale on autotrader (e36)
89 BMW 323Ic for sale on autotrader (e36)
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Ugh they took place of the 318's for the obd2 switch. I guess I did know this [hatchet]
 
M

MaxF

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Isn't MUCH of a compromise

Sure I wanted the 190hp 328, but the main reason I love bmw's, especially the e36's, is because of their looks and I get the same esthetics w/ the 318iS. (Bahn, a saturn?[nono]?? I almost blew chunks when I read that.[xx(])

I don't plan on spending more than 9 or 10 k on the car so I am probably looking at 80-120k miles. What specifically should I ask the seller when I am negotiating? I got a few things in mind:

1.O2 sensors
2.Cats
3.When was the clutch replaced
......

If you guys could give me a list of specific things I should ask about I think that would really help me find the best possible car.

Thanks a lot! Really helpful info! [cheers]
 
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epj3

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MaxF said:
Sure I wanted the 190hp 328, but the main reason I love bmw's, especially the e36's, is because of their looks and I get the same esthetics w/ the 318iS. (Bahn, a saturn?[nono]?? I almost blew chunks when I read that.[xx(])

I don't plan on spending more than 9 or 10 k on the car so I am probably looking at 80-120k miles. What specifically should I ask the seller when I am negotiating? I got a few things in mind:

1.O2 sensors
2.Cats
3.When was the clutch replaced
......

If you guys could give me a list of specific things I should ask about I think that would really help me find the best possible car.

Thanks a lot! Really helpful info! [cheers]
Click to expand...
Why dont you look for a nice 1994 or 1995 325i/is?? They are VERY nice, and are obd1. OBD1 has 1 oxygen sensor... obd2 (any e36 1996 and newer) has FOUR... they are $140 a piece.
 
Chesty Bonds

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What's with all the 318is hating!!!!

Great car, and the engine, while lacking a bit of power, is an absolute gem. Revs hard and sounds great, with good torque from 3,000rpm onwards.

Then there's the handling to consider since the 4 banger places less weight over the front wheels which makes it an ideal track car.

Don't write off the 318is: it's an underrated BMW.
 
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epj3

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Chesty Bonds said:
What's with all the 318is hating!!!!

Great car, and the engine, while lacking a bit of power, is an absolute gem. Revs hard and sounds great, with good torque from 3,000rpm onwards.

Then there's the handling to consider since the 4 banger places less weight over the front wheels which makes it an ideal track car.

Don't write off the 318is: it's an underrated BMW.
Click to expand...
The E30 318is is TOTALLY different from an E36 318i's. It's a totally different feel. The e30 is nimble and very quick, the E36 just feels like a dog.

Consider this - the E36 325i which weighs 90 lbs (roughly) more than a 325i E30, 0 - 60 is the same despite the E30 has 167hp and the E36 has 180?

I've never understood why becuase 90lbs isnt that much, and the E30 still has a higher top speed even though its shaped like a brick (though drag coefficient is .33, not bad!!!!!)

I dont have a problem at all with the M44 in the E36 318i, but honestly the M50 in the E36 325i is such a sweet engine. Smooth as can be, and sounds absolutely amazing.
 
Chesty Bonds

Chesty Bonds

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Yeah I will admit that I absolutely love BMW sixes and the M50 is no exception.

My mum used to have an E36 318is and it was a great car. Sure, it was a bit heavier than the E30 318is but the handling, braking, steering was exceptional. That was a really nice, tight car IMO.

But yeah an E36 328i takes a dump on an E36 318is for sure. [hihi]
 
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epj3

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Chesty Bonds said:
Yeah I will admit that I absolutely love BMW sixes and the M50 is no exception.

My mum used to have an E36 318is and it was a great car. Sure, it was a bit heavier than the E30 318is but the handling, braking, steering was exceptional. That was a really nice, tight car IMO.

But yeah an E36 328i takes a dump on an E36 318is for sure. [hihi]
Click to expand...
The handling on 318's is awesome!!
 
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