I'm looking at getting this 1985 318i because i want to get a bmw and it is the right price(~$2000). What are the aftermarket scenes like for 318's compared to 325's? It is 4 door, 5 speed and i started it and it sounds and feels pretty stong. Can i make a 325 that much faster than a 318? Also, it has rear drum brakes. I would definitely want to get a car with discs all around, when were 4 wheel discs an option? I saw a Brembo upgrade/conversion kit for x-drilled rotors, so could i just swap these onto this car? thanks for any advice/wisdom/ comments.

Maybe I misunderstood what you said in your message, but it seems you were implying that the 318 is faster than the 325. Well, that is not the case. The fastest E30 (excluding the M3) is the 325is (0-60mph in 7.5 sec), then the 325e (9.2 sec), and then the 91 318i (9.4 sec). I think the 85 318 is the slowest of the bunch.

Having said that, there are a lot of mods available for the 85 318. That engine is supposed to have more potential for modification than the 91 4 banger. But the 91 318 comes with discs all around (I think. Someone correct me if I am wrong).

I don't know anything about converting from drums to discs but it seems there should be more work involved than just a simple swap.

Hope this helps,

Omer.
86 325e.

P.S. I might be ticking a few people off by saying this every time but I say get the 325is. In my opinion it is the best E30 (excluding the M3). A 325i is just as good but comes with the 4 doors.