I would definitely go for a 6 cylinder model even if it is a year or two
older. I'm in Adelaide and sold my 1994 320i manual with 100 kkm for around
20K a few years ago. There is simply no comparison between a 3 series with a
4 cylinder and the venerable turbine like sixes ! The post 1993 VANOS engine
is the one to go for and should last forever without serious issues. In
terms of fuel consumption you can expect 10 litres/100 km around town and
around 8 l/100 km on the highway - I doubt that the 318 is much better
particularly if you push it. Try one before you make a mistake and buy a 318
or god forbid a 316.

Regards
Peter Wirthensohn

"Paul Williams" > wrote in message
...
> Greetings. From Aus. I am thinking of buying my first BM. But with
> limited budget. The price range I am looking at will only stretch for a
> manual 1995-1996 316i or coupe / 318i or coupe. I am leaning towards the
> 318 for the larger engine. Looking for 1 with no more than 100,000km
> (62500miles). Are there any nasty surprises with this model ? The 320i
> is 2 grand dearer. 323i 5 grand dearer. 325i 3 grand.
> My new(er) car will need to travel 350 miles per week and as fuel here is
> US$3.22 per gal. so fuel economy also counts.
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