318is vs. 325is

[LivinFast67]

i'm looking at both but would really prefer the 325. but since i just totaled my landrover off road, parents are afraid it's too quick. how quick is a stock 325? and how slow is a 318is if thats all i can convince them of. can u mod the 318 to be as quick as a 325? Thanks for any help

Jack

[Kevin325i]

325s really aren't fast, in fact the only BMWs that would fall into the "fast" category IMO are the e46M3 and the e39 M5.

Either or it doesn't really matter, if you find one in good condition get it. And why the hell did you crash the land rover?

[LivinFast67]

long story short, i'ze off road in hollister and a combination of a little too much speed, too much dust, off camber, and abs letting go of the brakes followed by a steep fall off a cliff that just happened to be there. this is it after it'd been put back on its feet from its side and dragged up 300 ft.

[LivinFast67]

it was a sad death

[earthwormjim]

For normal driving around, a 318is is plenty fast. I've never run into a situation where i was pouding on my steering wheel because the car was just not moving. Mine is a manual, and that did make a fairly big difference compared to the automatic 318is.

Going with a 318is compared to a 325is does limit your possible engine upgrades, but that's only if you really care. Price wise, you might also save a bit by going with a 318is (and you'll get better gas mileage), since they aren't quite as desirable as a 325is.

[zeaq]

LivinFast67

Sad to see your Land rover ..So long will it going to take to repair your land rover? ...

I used to have a Land rover Disco....But ended like this....

[El Presidente]

The 318 is a great choice for better gas milage, lower insurance, and arguably better handling. I've seen the 0-60 on the 1.8 listed from 8.3-10. 8.3 is a bit much, but mine is quite peppy and I would lean toward the mid 8s. Thats with a manual though. I've also driven the auto, and can tell you there is at least a second difference, if not two.

The 325 autos can be beat by a 318 driver who knows how to drive and gets a great launch. The 0-60 on the 325 is high 6s-mid 7s depending on driver and tranny.

Aside from that, the cars are virtually the same. The 325 has an OBC that displays more useless info, and generally there are more with upgraded interior trim.

[mikester328]

I'm not absolutely sure, but overall, isn't engine maintenance less expensive on the 318?

[NeverLeaned]

Just tell your 'rents a new V6 Accord sedan has more ponies than a 325. (that should seal the deal

[LivinFast67]

lol, thanks for all the advice. i was also wondering what a 1.8 sounds like with say a uuc exhaust. i've heard a uuc on a 325 and it sounds deep and powerfull. won't a 1.8 i4 sound like a ricer. i don't want to be mistaken/sound like a ricer going by.

[El Presidente]

The number of cylinders has little to do with the sound created by ricers, but much more the design of the exhaust systems. I haven't heard clips of the UUC (and are you sure they make one for the i4? most companies don't), but I have heard the supersprint and it gives it a nice growl, not a rasp like rice.

[Kevin325i]

Nothing wrong with a little raspiness when you're hitting 6-7k, it's when it's all the time that I don't like it.

[thekid]

318i is a great car, and handles beatifully. Let me give you an example. I went to a BMW show with my mechanic (also friend) and his tech. They both drive BMW 2002s with completely tricked out suspensions. Lowering springs (Eibach and H&R respectively) and Steins all the way around, and of course sway bars. Accleration wise I might have a bit of an edge, and I also have the edge on top speed, but they had me on gearing. However, during a 20 mile section of down hill twisties on the way back (with no traffic thank god) of the most radical road I have ever been on, I was stuck to the back of my mechanics car, relatively speaking for very aggresive driving, and we both left his techs car completely. We had to wait at the bottom for a few minutes for him to catch up. This was just with the Bilstien touring shocks (15% stiffer than stock and like stock ride), and almost new tires and new brakes. So the 318i handling great and can keep up when needed. Just don't be afraid to let the engine rev (once it is warmed up of course). Just make sure you get a manual no matter which car you get and I don't think you will be disappointed with either.