BMW E36 318i or 328i?

[ahmadsp]

Hey guys so I’m currently in college and I’m looking to buy an E36 to replace my Toyota 4Runner which is an extreme gas guzzler. I I’m familiar with the E36 generation since I own an M3, but I do not daily it for obvious reasons, (still in college, drive it only on the weekends, maintenance costs, etc). I’m looking at either getting a 318i or a 328i. I need good fuel economy and something that won’t break the bank that’s fairly reliable. I know the weaknesses on these cars and I know how to do some DIY work. I know some of you may recommend getting a Honda or Toyota but I absolutely despise them, I’m looking for something nimble and somewhat fun to drive since I am quite a spirited driver, so much to the point where I’m almost always at the point of rolling over my 4Runner haha.

I found a few good examples online via craigslist that are in very nice condition, two 318i’s, one that’s a ti that’s manual, an auto sedan, and an auto 328i. I don’t mind driving an auto since I do wanna save most of the spirited driving for the M3. I drive mostly city miles, and gas has just become very expensive here in SoCal, which is why I can’t afford to fill my 4Runner tank every 4-5 days (yes, I do a lot of driving).

Would you guys recommend the 318i or the 328i? I know there is a considerable difference in performance but I’m looking for something that isn’t a complete slug, something that can keep up with modern day traffic. Any input would be appreciated.

[ultimatetester]

318is since you already have an m3

[66 6]

318 stick. No autos

[gdavid]

The fuel economy numbers really aren't that far off, assuming you maintain your own car like most here, the convenience of shared parts and know how between the m3 and 328 would out weight the fuel savings of the 318. The difference in mileage between 4 and 6 cylinders is about the same as the difference between auto and manual. A 6 cylinder will cost more but will make it easier to sell should you tire of maintaining two e36's.

https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/bymake/bmw1997.shtml

[Team Neverlift]

328, but I am biased because I like them more than the US spec m3s anyway.

My GF had a 318 w/ a M44 about 10 years ago.... I would never recommend one.

[ahmadsp]

The fuel economy numbers really aren't that far off, assuming you maintain your own car like most here, the convenience of shared parts and know how between the m3 and 328 would out weight the fuel savings of the 318. The difference in mileage between 4 and 6 cylinders is about the same as the difference between auto and manual. A 6 cylinder will cost more but will make it easier to sell should you tire of maintaining two e36's.

https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/bymake/bmw1997.shtml

I was looking at the fuel economy numbers comparing the 328i auto vs the 318ti auto, the 328 averages 17 city while the ti does 20 city. The ti is definitely one of the uglier ones in the e36 family, but it does seem quite practical. I would get a manual but here in california traffic really isn’t the best for a DD imho. I will be looking at one this week that’s a manual, priced a bit high but let me know what you’re thoughts are:

https://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/...492747246.html

I’ll also link the 328i that I’m looking at:

https://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/...451766527.html

Also, here is the fuel economy comparison sheet:

https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/Find...13314&id=14175

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328, but I am biased because I like them more than the US spec m3s anyway.

My GF had a 318 w/ a M44 about 10 years ago.... I would never recommend one.

Really? I know they’re a bit underpowered but what was so bad about the motor?

[gdavid]

If maintenance costs are what is preventing you from daily driving your M3, none of these cars would be a significant reduction in operating cost. They are all 20 year old BMW's and the 328 is 98% the same car. I can see where you may want to preserve your M3 but from a strickly cost perspective, the cost to insure and maintain two cars would out weight the accelerated maintenance needs of your fun car. When your DD is 20 years old, a second car makes sense, just maybe not another 20 year old that is virtually the same.
All that said, the Ti's are fun little cars and the hatch makes it surprisingly utilitarian. A really clean one that can runs well and can pass inspection is worth $3k in my opinion.

[Eric93se]

That 328i has the GM auto in it, if it had the ZF 5spd auto then i would have said go for it.

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If you were down with doing a 5spd swap, here's a 328i for just $700 with a blown auto trans:
https://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/...482766781.html

[Moron95M3]

Regardless, get a sedan...4 doors is nice for a beater. (or a vert if you want a different fun beater).

[XnWarden]

If maintenance costs are what is preventing you from daily driving your M3, none of these cars would be a significant reduction in operating cost. They are all 20 year old BMW's and the 328 is 98% the same car. I can see where you may want to preserve your M3 but from a strickly cost perspective, the cost to insure and maintain two cars would out weight the accelerated maintenance needs of your fun car. When your DD is 20 years old, a second car makes sense, just maybe not another 20 year old that is virtually the same.
All that said, the Ti's are fun little cars and the hatch makes it surprisingly utilitarian. A really clean one that can runs well and can pass inspection is worth $3k in my opinion.

A 328i is 98% the same car as an M3??? Get out of here.

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[Nanniepoo]

^ Not sure if serious, but 85%, 90%, 98% doesn't matter. His statement about a cost perspective is still accurate.

[JDStrickland]

Why can't you drive the M3? You say, "...for obvious reasons..." the reasons are not obvious. If the car is a convertible, then maybe you can't drive it when it is snowing, but there's no reason you cannot drive throughout the summer months, and at least part of spring and fall. There's nothing about an M3 that says you cannot drive it. Maybe you don't WANT to drive it, but that's a choice you make, not a choice that's forced upon you.

[zohaibrose]

get a 325i

[DarbBMW]

Notnsure why the guy said don't get the 318i, I have one and love driving it. Not the fastest car, but with a 5 spd, it gets up when it needs to. Fun daily driver if you ask me. Now mine has 238k miles and finding I am replacing a lot of things on it. You need to be able to work on these yourself, otherwise the mechanics bill would go out the roof. I got mine for $500 and put almost $1000 into it, $500 was for a new clutch, I did it myself.

Go test drive and see what you like. But coming from your M3, you may not like the half amount of power you will get.

Brad

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[E36328Coupe]

328+lpg

[gdavid]

328+lpg

Propane?

[E36328Coupe]

Essentially yes

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Actually I had forgotten the US M3 is basically a 330.

Run the "M3"
1 lot of insurance and bills, no outlay on another car - that will buy you a lot of fuel..............it'll buy you a lot more if you use that money to subsidize the gap between "M3" and 318 fuel

[LSxDreamer]

I still say OP needs to get over it and grab a manual Civic/Accord for commuter duties. Then he has the M on the side.

[Deus Ex Machina]

As far as the posed question I would go with a 328i over a 318i all day long.

[thenjnick]

As far as keeping up with modern day traffic, I would suggest at least finding a manual 318 if you go that route. From experience, the auto really is a bit of a slug but its not really the worst and the M42/M44 is a very reliable engine if you keep it in half decent shape plus its very easy to work on.


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[myblackcar]

The M42/44 engine has less parts to fail (ie - vanos). The smaller engine provides a lot of access to parts when doing maintenance. The M42/44 engine is very reliable with regular maintenance. If the PO abused the car, budget for surprises. The usual culprits will be valve cover seals, oil filter gasket seal, power steering hoses, and cooling system. Address these weak points and the engine is good.

The ti interior and rear end parts are unique to that model, so expect a price premium if you want to upgrade or replace. The upside is the ti is the lightest of the E36's and it has the rear suspension of the E30 so it is a hoot to drive at limit.

The auto 318 are very sluggish. You need to maintain at least 3K rpm to ring out power out of the M42/44 engine. I would not even consider the auto.

[DarbBMW]

The M42/44 engine has less parts to fail (ie - vanos). The smaller engine provides a lot of access to parts when doing maintenance. The M42/44 engine is very reliable with regular maintenance. If the PO abused the car, budget for surprises. The usual culprits will be valve cover seals, oil filter gasket seal, power steering hoses, and cooling system. Address these weak points and the engine is good.

The ti interior and rear end parts are unique to that model, so expect a price premium if you want to upgrade or replace. The upside is the ti is the lightest of the E36's and it has the rear suspension of the E30 so it is a hoot to drive at limit.

The auto 318 are very sluggish. You need to maintain at least 3K rpm to ring out power out of the M42/44 engine. I would not even consider the auto.

Great points on all. Mine was sitting for 2 years, I had to replace thermostat, water pump, coolant water return adapter on back of engine, radiator hoses, oil housing gasket, valve cover gasket, and reservoir for coolant. Those we're all wear and tear items. Car has 238k miles on it. Big item was the clutch. But doing it yourself if very doable. I did mine. Save a ton doing it yourself. Easy car to work on.

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[E36328Coupe]

Seriously do a spreadsheet on costs and as above without buying a car and 2 lots of insurance etc you will likely be better off running the M3

[Germanas]

I would go with the 318i, but if you're looking for fuel economy I would just avoid the E36 in general

[MParallel]

Supersmooth classic n/a inline 6 with lots of torque vs 4 banger?

328i all day long.