1.8 vs 2.7...

[2002obsession]

I've driven a 318i for about 15 minutes, but never a 325- What is everybody's opinion on the 2 engines? Obviously the six is more powerful and hungry, I'm wondering if the 1.8 is any more or less reliable and such. What kind of other differences were between the 318 and 325? (1980s US models)

[Numark318i]

i got a 318 with an M42 engine( i think it was 88on). It runs ver good at 127k and loves to be driven. As long as you keep the rpms above 3500 its a fun little car. I havent driven a 325 though..so really i dont think im much help.

[bex325]

Well there were 2 318's and 2 325's available in the North American market. First being the 84/85 318i with an m10, same basic engine as in the 2002, approx 110hp. I've never personally driven an m10 powered e30, although i would imagine that it would feel slow in comparison to mine.

Next up we have the 325e or "eta" which is a 2.7l m20b27, 121hp 170lb/ft. Low-revving, high-torque engine that gets pretty good milage around town. I have one of these, and i love it, i can get 30+mpg around town, and the torque makes it very tractable. Best money you can spend if you do get an Eta is to buy a good chip, it really transforms the car. These were available from 85-87 and in 88 there was a model called the Super-eta which shared more parts with the "i" engine and in turn could rev higher.

Third we have the 325i with the m20b25, 165hp 164lb/ft. Higher revving, higher horsepower 6-cylinder e30. available from 87-91 in North America. Its a nice engine, but in comparison to the Eta it needs to be revved more to get power out of it. I prefer this engine the most out of all the available engines in NA, its the best compromise IMO.

Last there is the 318i with the m42, 136hp 134lb/ft. Available in 91 only (92 for convertibles). The m42 is the most modern engine available in the e30, likes to be revved. I have driven one of these and i found it to feel slow at anything below 4000rpm.

In terms of differences b/w the 4 and 6 cylinder models, the early 318s had a different rear subframe (drum brakes, smaller diff) and I believe the front suspension was different too. Other than that, the differences b/w the cars are minor, different differential ratios and trim levels. One advantage that the 4 cylinder e30s have over the 6 cylinder ones is weight. The 318s have less weight over the front axle, and in turn handle a bit better.


In terms of reliability, my experience has shown that the 6 cylinders are very reliable if they are maintained. The timing belt should be relaced every 50,000miles or 5 years. In the 2 years that i have had mine, i have had to replace the alternator once (the original lasted for 20yrs) and the ICV. Nothing too major. I would imagine that the m10 and the m42 are just as reliable.