E46 325ci or 318i

[MeanMachine0312]

Hi all,

Looking for some assistance. I'm about to purchase a second vehicle required for work since it's "back to the office". Have a Toyota corolla 2015 1.8 which I will leave at home for the wife.

Looking for something fun but not too heavy on the pocket regarding fuel and maintenance. Found a great 325ci 2003 manual with almost 300k km's. This will definitely be fun but not sure what to expect on fuel and maintenance. It has FSH but still a worry. Drove it quite smooth. Just a slip on the clutch.

In the same breath, found a 318i 2000 model with just over 100k km's. More sensible choice but is it fun. Also not sure what to expect on maintenance.

Some help will be appreciated 🙂

 

[MR_Y]

I am willing to bet $1million that 99% of respondents to your question will ask you to consider a 320d...

 

[Steph745]

m54 every time.... even if it's not necessarily that particular one......

 

[GoCart]

Usual maintenance should not be too much of a worry providing you're getting into something well maintained to begin with. Any 325i would be more "fun" vs a 318i purely by virtue of having more power and a much better sound track.

Not fully understanding your definition of fun, I'd say, don't focus too much on the RWD setup of these cars, the models you mentioned aren't drift monsters.

There is fun to be had in FWD chassis, you should have some choice from the Japanese manufactures too.

 

[VinceM]

With the fuel prices going up and up, not sure a 325 is the way to go unless your distance to work is short.


M54 engine cars are easy to maintain and well documented, I’d check for more alternatives for “work travel” purpose.

318i, I have never owned one, but yet to meet an enthusiastic owner.


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[evnmopwr]

318i are headaches in my opinion. Ask me how i know, ( battling with 1 as we speak )

M54 all the way.
Its actually more Expensive to maintain the 4cyl petrol than the 6cyl petrol as i noticed parts prices tend to cost more for the 4cyl.

Just make sure you have 10 to 20k Extra that you could potentially need to spend on that 300k 325ci if the maintenance was not up to spec

 

[AdiS]

The performance of the 325 is tepid at best, and it won’t be all that light on fuel. I love e46s, but I wouldn’t consider a 325i an appropriate choice for a “fun” car. A relaxed cruiser, sure. But it’s not particularly charismatic.

Maintenance wise, agree with above: 325 > 318


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[AshG108]

I was going to buy a 2001 model 318i with just a smidge over 100k on the clock after falling in love with one that had only 99k and got sold before i could get to it. I drove the cars, both were beautiful, one owner vehicles however both being prefacelift, they were dead on power. I drove the facelift 318i before when I was a young one...those had much better power. At altitude here, the 318is suffer, I would say 320d in e90 for similar money can be found as those e46 with low kms rather. I would not even bother with an N/A 6 cylinder considering fuel prices...but forget about the 318i...they also have a ton or common issues on those motors.

Good luck on the search!

 

[modocrat]

What's the budget?

 

[Mytfine]

I had a 2005 318i that I took from 70k to 275k. Only non service items needed were control arms bushes and water pump. Car had sufficient power and when stretching the petrol budget could achieve high 6's to low sevens fuel consumption.

On the 325 I currently average around 9 but then again I dont daily it so I would expect that would add another 2lt or so per 100km if you sitting in traffic.

My opinion, go with the lower mileage smaller engine.

 

[MeanMachine0312]

Hi guys,

Thanks for the feedback. This is great. I actually went back to the drawing board. Looking to change my corolla for a 320d 2012 model. Has mostly the same features but more power and better consumption 😊.

Looking at getting a cheap additional as a run around. Probably an older Japanese car. Any thoughts?

MM

 

[MR_Y]

Hi guys,

Thanks for the feedback. This is great. I actually went back to the drawing board. Looking to change my corolla for a 320d 2012 model. Has mostly the same features but more power and better consumption 😊.

Looking at getting a cheap additional as a run around. Probably an older Japanese car. Any thoughts?

MM

320d is a good choice. F30?

 

[MeanMachine0312]

320d is a good choice. F30?

Found a neat e90. 187k on the clock but thinking of going for it. What do you think @MR_Y?

How do I make sure no issues on injectors or dampened pulley?

Also diesel for short trips, good idea?