should I buy e30 or e36 convertible

[vertbmw]

I want a 325 convertible 95 or older (don't want obdII car) So let me know what you think should I get a e30 or e36? I am a competent shade tree mechanic, I don't like other people working on my cars. So what car is more reliable, more fun to drive, easier to work on, cheaper to maintain, This will be a weekend driver and will remain more or less stock. I am not familar with bmws Thanks

[brandonmatthew]

e30

[1997bmwe36]

i have both (styles) and both are awesome but i dig the e30 moreeeee

[j0sh866]

Go e36, this is my aesthetic choice because I really don't like e30 convertibles. Reliability wise, the e36 is dual cam, has a timing chain, and vanos. The e30 is single cam, timing belt and no vanos. e30 doesn't have hydraulic lifters, e36 has a poor cooling system that will break on you if it hasn't been replaced.

[Art Heritis]

If I can work on an E30 (M20 motor) anyone can. The big question is can you find one that hasn't been trashed? If you can, get it.

[vertbmw]

If I can work on an E30 (M20 motor) anyone can. The big question is can you find one that hasn't been trashed? If you can, get it.
I might go look a a 88 e30 no start no crank convertible auto crn this weekend. he wants $1000 firm for it says the starter will not turn over after it was sitting. what do you think?

[j0sh866]

I might go look a a 88 e30 no start no crank convertible auto crn this weekend. he wants $1000 firm for it says the starter will not turn over after it was sitting. what do you think?

Sounds good besides the auto, if it's just the starter it should be an easy fix.

[RocketJohn]

5 speed E30

[mrkt321]

E30, they're simplified and undiluted

[s38junkie]

My vote is for an early E30 vert 5 speed with no power top. Be careful looking at E30s advertised as "no start / no crank" and make sure the t-belt hasn't let go.

[BLUIZE256]

I love e36's but E30 verts look sooooooo much better than e36 verts IMO :D

[Aindriu]

Yeah E30's with the top down looks fantastic I think! I've been thinking of getting one for my daily driver so I don't spend so much fuel on my M62 addiction.

[robmpulse]

E30, but has to be a plastic bumper car. which means you need a 92 or 93. Maybe 91, but I am pretty sure it's 92 they got the nice bumpers...

you could even luck out in those years and get one with a semi power top, too

[brandonmatthew]

E30, but has to be a plastic bumper car. which means you need a 92 or 93. Maybe 91, but I am pretty sure it's 92 they got the nice bumpers...

you could even luck out in those years and get one with a semi power top, too

92 flipped to e36, thats the 325i non vanos. I believe the bumpers got shorter in 87 then went to the plastic in 89.

Edit: actually I don't know, i forgot bmw changes the verts later