differences between bmw 316, 318 and 320

Brendan Flowers

Sorry if this seems like a stupid question to be asking but my knowledge of cars aint the best! Anyways what are the main differences between BMW CI 2DR 316, 318 and 320? I was looking to buy one of these (around 2004/2005). Also what is people's opinions on these cars? Would you recommend them? I had also been looking at the Lexus IS200.

spankadamonkee

Brendan Flowers wrote: »

Sorry if this seems like a stupid question to be asking but my knowledge of cars aint the best! Anyways what are the main differences between BMW CI 2DR 316, 318 and 320? I was looking to buy one of these (around 2004/2005). Also what is people's opinions on these cars? Would you recommend them? I had also been looking at the Lexus IS200.

As far as I know the 3 means 3 series. The model of the car. So 316 means 3 series 1.6 litre. 318 means 3 series 1.8 litre and 320 means 3 series 2 litre . I am open to correction though.

challengemaster

spankadamonkee wrote: »

As far as I know the 3 means 3 series. The model of the car. So 316 means 3 series 1.6 litre. 318 means 3 series 1.8 litre and 320 means 3 series 2 litre . I am open to correction though.

That'd be too sensible It used to work that way until a few years back Afaik

i = petrol, d= daysul

For 04/05 you're talking about an E46 3 series



The 316i from 1999-2001 had a 1.9L 105bhp engine, in 2001 it got a newer 1.8L 116bhp engine - this would be the one in a 04/05

The 318i between 1998 - 2002 had a 1.9L 118bhp engine, 2002 it got a new 2L 143bhp engine. Again, this would be the one in 04/05 models

The 320i has a 2.2L 170bhp engine


The E90 3 series was launched in March 2005.

pajo1981

spankadamonkee wrote: »

As far as I know the 3 means 3 series. The model of the car. So 316 means 3 series 1.6 litre. 318 means 3 series 1.8 litre and 320 means 3 series 2 litre . I am open to correction though.

The [3]xx number is roughly proportional to engine power.

ed: what he said ^^

qz

Such a good looking car, still.

ugglasdav

Just to add the 320i has a 6 cylinder engine while the 316i and 318i have 4 cylinder engines

RandomAccess

Theres a useful table on the wikipedia page, this link should bring you directly to it.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_3_Series_(E46)#Petrol_engines

Celtic Mech

Keep an eye on the N42 engine in particular!!! Can be troublesome at times....a quick google will show it up. Just bear this in mind if you are going to look at one. The Camshaft adjustment units on these can cause issues resulting in big bills! I have been there....just a word of caution. Not saying every N42 engine is troublesome...far from it. But just beware as there are problems. A beautiful car and engine when all goes well....but when things go bad, they mount up and so does the cost..
Best of luck!

galwaytt

Slowest, slower and slow........?




Only messin'.....mind you, the 316 is pointless and the 318 not far behind. Under-engined would be the kindest words.....

bazz26

There was no 316Ci, thankfully. The 318Ci was the entry model in the E46 coupe.

Rich11

tax;)

Idbatterim

op what is your budget? there is no 316 coupe for the E46. If your thinking of going for 6 cylinder, id go for 325ci, difference in tax is negligible for extra 25bhp...