Its quite a rare model as they only made the 4door in 1998 for one month.

 

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/131668.htm

 

Waddya think? I know its only 140bhp - but I need an economical family car

Hi mate, looks like quite a nice example, but, my missus had a '99 318is coupe, and I have to say we were always pretty disappointed with the economy...

 

It was a nice car generally, but the 5th gear ratio was too low, which may have been one factor in the poor-ish economy....

 

I've got a 95 525 tds as my family "cheapo" - only 143 bhp, but I do get high-40s on a long run, and it's as comfortable as you like - I'd go for a "5" everytime - more room for the family too!

 

HTH...

 

CheerZ,

JB.

Hi mate, looks like quite a nice example, but, my missus had a '99 318is coupe, and I have to say we were always pretty disappointed with the economy...

 

It was a nice car generally, but the 5th gear ratio was too low, which may have been one factor in the poor-ish economy....

 

I've got a 95 525 tds as my family "cheapo" - only 143 bhp, but I do get high-40s on a long run, and it's as comfortable as you like - I'd go for a "5" everytime - more room for the family too!

 

HTH...

 

CheerZ,

JB.

 

320 is more economical than 318

325td would be quicker and more economical.

as said, they are not particularly brilliant on fuel. the 320 (a bit long in the tooth, only built to 95 ish) were the M50 6 cylinder motor so even heavier on fuel. (changed to M52's with the change to the 323i (a 2.5 @170bhp) and the 328i, (a 2.8 @ 192bhp))

 

If you can find a clean 325tds, they are a cracking bet. 318tds is a little gutless, (only a 1.7 td, bless it!)

 

Avoid the 8valve motors, really a bit pathetic, 106 (ish) from the 1.6 (later 1.9 including the first 2 years of production of the E46) and 115 from the 1.8 (later 1.9, again same with e46 for first two years)

 

After the engine upgrades the e36 had the M44 engine (over the M42), which were a 1.8 in the 316 @ bhp and a 2.0 in the 318i @143bhp)

 

320i 325i 330i were all M54's, 2.2 @170bhp 2.5 at 192bhp 3.0 @ 231bhp

tbh mate, that looks quite nice......... if it suits your needs, looks good for the money.

Hi, Just thought I'd say hello, this is my car and I'd spoken to Steve about a deal with his 300 but that unfortunatly didn't happen :(

 

I've seen 40-50mpg with ease at motorway speed and around the 30's in town.

Its never let me down once in the time I've had it and is a very comfortable car which handles well too.

 

I know its only 140bhp but it does pull quite well and the 1.9 16v is a very reliable engine.

 

On a side note Steve, If you are going to consider a 2.0l plus engine (Any of the 6 cylinders)

Do a google search on "Nikasil".

This was something that affected alot of the big engined BMW's in the 90's (4 cylinder engines not affected) and is worth knowing about.

 

I'm in no rush to sell it Steve but get in touch if want to know more,

I'll be happy to answer any questions you have.

 

Ric.