I didn't know a THING about BMW's (or any car) before I bought this one.. So if any of this is wrong, let me know
but don't make a deal of out, because I don't care.
BMW's are typically divided into "series", such as the sportier 3-series, the luxury 8-series, the SUV x-series, etc.
The 3-series from early 80's until maybe 91 are the E-30's. After came the E-36, then the current E-46. Each series (E-30
for example) is then further subdivided into different models. The old E-30's came in 316's, 318's, 320's and 325's (as well
as M3's and M3 EVO's, wicked fast, expensive and rare). Each model is then defined by an additional letter, defining the type
of engine, pretty much. A 325e, ('e' stands for 'eta', greek letter for efficiency, for you non-engineers) has a low-revving,
high-torque, gas efficient engine. A 325i has a faster, sportier engine. A 325is is a 325i with sports options (like better
suspension, steering wheel, better seats). 'ix' means all wheen drive, and 'ic' is not a true model, but sometimes people use
it to classify convertibles. Sometimes there won't be a letter (like '325') but I think that just means it's basically an 'eta'.
So my 318i is basically a low end, weak assed car. It has a 4 cylinder, 1.8 L (1776 cc) engine that redlines at 6500 rpm,
has 105 horsepower. It has a limited-slip differential (not all models do), 2 doors and a sunroof. Aside from that, there's
not all that much to it. Body-wise, it's an early US model, so has the infamous "diving board" aluminum bumpers. These brutally
ugly monstrosities can be "tucked" (by puncturing the shock and permanently collapsing it). Some later models still have an
aluminum bumper, but most ('88 on) have the much better plastic ones. Those later models with aluminum can very easily do a
"bumper swap". Just take the old ones off, and bolt the new ones on.
The 318i has rear drum brakes, whereas the 325 has four-wheel disks. The newer cars are faster, but an old 325i still takes
less time (8.3 secs 0-62 mph) than a newer 316, for example. The old body style is rad too, certainly one of the best of the
eighties. The 318i has a Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection system, Vane type air-flow meter (VAF), two fuel pumps (one in-tank transfer
pump and a main external pump).
That's all for now.. Go do something else. Like surf for porn. That's what the internet is there for.
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