Real world MPG difference - BMW 318 vs. 325 (E46)

fitzgese

Posted this over on BMW-Driver.net, but just wanted to get the opinion of people who mightn't be on there as well. Trying to decide between a BMW 318 ci and 325 ci and most of my driving is short commutes to work around Dublin, average journey length would be 20-25 mins. Wondering how much of a real difference I'll see in mpg with this type of driving on a 325 vs. 318?

homer90

Just get the 325. Be done with it.

Difference in MPG would be hardly noticeable.

galwaytt

Can't comment on the 325 directly, but my sis-in-law changed from a 318 to a 323Ci a while back.

iirc, there's only 2mpg in the difference - and her's is an auto.

Considering the quality of the larger-engined model, and the fact that they are usually higher spec - I think it's a good deal.

Her's came with full leather, tiptronic, OE Harmon +Kardon soundsystem etc.. And the engine is more reliable, as well.

L-M

A friend of mine has a 03 4cylinder 2.0 e46 and found it grand, on the other hand my sister had a 01 2.2 6cylinder and found it impossible to keep fuel in.

The only thing I'll say is buy the 318ci (if you're looking for something 03 ish my friend is selling his and it is immaculate) and if you're happy with the economy and wouldn't mind a few more euro's a week, then buy the 325, not the other way around.

wersal gummage

if you take 2005 model, both manual, the official mpg figures are:

325ci: urban 22.1, extra urban 40.9, combined 31.4

318ci: urban 27.2, extra urban 49.6, combined 38.2


I have a manual 2005 318ci and I get 27mpg exactly from short runs around town, keeping the revs down, changing up quickly etc. I've NEVER seen 49mpg on a long run though. The best I've managed is 40mpg and that was driving like a nun.

I know the official figures are often way off - but the above might give you an idea.

fitzgese

Limerick man, this isn't your friend's 318 by any chance:

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2467091

Looks good, but ideally looking for one with leather, think it makes a big difference to the car overall. If not, is your friend's an M-sport with leather?

Think there's advantages and disadvantages of both, I'll keep an open mind for the moment. If I see a 325 ci with the spec I want I'll definitely consider it, but won't rule out a 318 ci as well.

ottostreet

I went slightly further and got a 330ci. It averaged 30mpg easily! Their engines can't be faulted. If it's the 318ci with the updated engine 140bhp, itll do around 35mpg, but if you arent affected by the tax, get the 325!

L-M

That's her alright, the only reason for sale is it was replaced by the Z3 in the background I'd much prefer the seats that are in it, no sticky back in the summer and no cold arse in the winter! :P

He's had it two years I think, and a friend of his had it for 3 before it IIRC. Very well minded.

Shane Slv

Been driving a 01 320 ci for the last few days, average fuel consumption is around 30 mpg. Driving on mostly country roads and towns, She will easily do 40+ going 120 on the motorway.

L-M

I find that very hard to believe...

fitzgese

@ Limerick Man:

No leather seats wouldn't be the end of the world, and it's got good mileage for the year, and looks well minded from the photos.

Will definitely bear it in mind, I'm not saying it's overpriced, there are plenty of sellers out there that are total dreamers and this isn't one, but at the same time, the price seems a little on the high side compared to the likes of this:

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2348484

Shane Slv

What do you find hard to belive ?

L-M

fitzgese wrote: »

@ Limerick Man:

No leather seats wouldn't be the end of the world, and it's got good mileage for the year, and looks well minded from the photos.

Will definitely bear it in mind, I'm not saying it's overpriced, there are plenty of sellers out there that are total dreamers and this isn't one, but at the same time, the price seems a little on the high side compared to the likes of this:

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2348484

Pm'd

Shane Slv wrote: »

What do you find hard to belive ?

Average fuel being 30 mpg, I drove hers for a few days and it was the worst thing I've ever had on fuel, lol.

Shane Slv

Limerick man wrote: »

Pm'd



Average fuel being 30 mpg, I drove hers for a few days and it was the worst thing I've ever had on fuel, lol.

I was expecting it to be shocking on fuel but it just isnt. I put in 20 euro last week @1.50 a liter and it said i could go a extra 101 miles. I have been driving it mostly on country roads and iam not really trying to be efficent. Just been driving it normally.

This is a photo just taking their now:
I have seen the average above 30 a few times.

L-M

My sister being the easiest driver in the world could only max it at 22-23 mpg, and jsut about the 30 cruising at 60 on the motorway!

Shane Slv

When iam doing 60 on the motorway the instant mpg guage is showing 50+. The car has been very well maintained and has good tyres so maybe thats accounts for the difference, I doubt it do....

L-M

Shane Slv wrote: »

When iam doing 60 on the motorway the instant mpg guage is showing 50+. The car has been very well maintained and has good tyres so maybe thats accounts for the difference, I doubt it do....

I drove a 320d recently and it was barely reading that tbh...

Shane Slv

Perhaps 50+ is a bit exaggerated but it will do around 50mpg at a steady 60mph on the flat. Factor in hills and over-taking and the mpg will drop. I can easily manage a average 40mpg doing 60 on the motorway do.

voxpop

Im getting an average of ~29 in the 523 so Id say a 320 could hit 30.