New Car!

[animal]

Have just bought my first BMW: a '96 318iS in Metallic Green. Found one with full history, low mileage (60k) and in fantastic condition close to home and got what seems to be a decent price.

It's so much better than my last car (he says, in Brucie's dulcet tones), and initial impressions are very good.

Does anyone have any tips on things I should look out for when driving? Being my first RWD car I've no idea how careful I should be when cornering, but with only 140 bhp I doubt it's exactly going to be a lairy sideways monster!

What kind of performance and economy should I expect?

[Geoff_33]

The only issue with RWD will be in the snow. Especially if you're got wide tyres. Otherwise, it's much better IMHO than FWD and more fun.
Enjoy.

[Cotty]

animal said:

oes anyone have any tips on things I should look out for when driving? Being my first RWD car I've no idea how careful I should be when cornering, but with only 140 bhp I doubt it's exactly going to be a lairy sideways monster!

I wouldnt bet on it, day I got my 318 I spun it, it was raining at the time

[kenny320]

Cotty said:

animal said: oes anyone have any tips on things I should look out for when driving? Being my first RWD car I've no idea how careful I should be when cornering, but with only 140 bhp I doubt it's exactly going to be a lairy sideways monster! I wouldnt bet on it, day I got my 318 I spun it, it was raining at the time

Yeah, the 320 has 130bhp and is more than happy to wag its tail in the wet if you provoke it. Its very progressive and controllable tho (on the E30 anyway). Just build up and you'll find its limits. Have fun

[XM5ER]

Unless it has an LSD fitted you will find it hard to spin an e36. They are so well balanced you will find youself in a 4 wheel drift before the backend lets go, otherwise the inside rear just spins up.

If it has an LSD then watch youself in the wet until you get the hang of it.