Bmw E30 help.

[Bmwseth]

Hello, i've been lurking around the forum for a little while now and decided that i should sign up and be a part of the family.


I'm currently in search for an E30 325i or 325is. I was wondering what some of the major differences are between them.

I'm having a hard time making my decision by just reading, so if you guys can give me some feedback, i'd appreciate it.

thanks.

[thejlevie]

The differences between an I and IS are trim and that all IS cars have a limited slip differential. Limited slip was an option for all E30's, so an I car may have it.

[HunkaTunka]

exterior and interior trim, and drive control; specifically diff, rear and front suspension. what may be options on an i came standard with is....everything else is the same mechanically and chassis wise and same mb2025...unless you go convertible or M3 then the chassis structured differently...though it goes without saying the m3 had an 4cyl s14 engine different from all other e30s

btw with age of these cars now...just buy an I and do what you need to do to it nothing real special about an is except for the extra letter....coming from someone who currently owns an is which is a replacement for an i

[Bmwseth]

The differences between an I and IS are trim and that all IS cars have a limited slip differential. Limited slip was an option for all E30's, so an I car may have it.

Can you please clarify or give me a link to the differences of the trim.

And What are the ratios for the differentials including the lsd?

exterior and interior trim, and drive control; specifically diff, rear and front suspension. what may be options on an i came standard with is....everything else is the same mechanically and chassis wise and same mb2025...unless you go convertible or M3 then the chassis structured differently...though it goes without saying the m3 had an 4cyl s14 engine different from all other e30s

btw with age of these cars now...just buy an I and do what you need to do to it nothing real special about an is except for the extra letter....coming from someone who currently owns an is which is a replacement for an i

haha thanks for the suggestion.

Can you give me some advice on purchase for a 325i? anything i should specifically look out for?

I went through the list of e30 buyers guide (http://www.e30tech.com/forum/showpos...40&postcount=1) and specifications (http://e30world.com/specifications/BMW-E30-specs-table)

Basically, i don't want to regret my purchase, really want to take the time and find something that in good shape that i can hold on to for a long time.

bump.

bump.

[HunkaTunka]

just look for rust though you're in LA you may not encounter any as bad as over here in NY....many parts you're gonna end up replacing anyway. Don't worry about ticking engines they all have a slight tick....check for any leaks, odd sounds...don't pick one up off of some ricer...try to get one clean and stock so you can make it a car to suit your style. even the newest e30s are almost 17yo....be prepared to have normal maintenance done immediately (timing belt, oil, coolant flush, other belts, hoses, etc) that will cost some money but it'll pay off in the long run....if you start if off right with the essentials, your ownerships costs with be kept at a minimum...with that being said these cars will run forever if maintained properly and regularly. Keep in mind they are performance cars and many of them over their lifetimes have been beat on especially mb2025....thats the thing they're fun cars and you can continue to beat on them if you take of the essentials and don't cheat on it.

BTW, they're real easy to work on...most of the time its straight forward parts replacement

[Bmwseth]

just look for rust though you're in LA you may not encounter any as bad as over here in NY....many parts you're gonna end up replacing anyway. Don't worry about ticking engines they all have a slight tick....check for any leaks, odd sounds...don't pick one up off of some ricer...try to get one clean and stock so you can make it a car to suit your style. even the newest e30s are almost 17yo....be prepared to have normal maintenance done immediately (timing belt, oil, coolant flush, other belts, hoses, etc) that will cost some money but it'll pay off in the long run....if you start if off right with the essentials, your ownerships costs with be kept at a minimum...with that being said these cars will run forever if maintained properly and regularly. Keep in mind they are performance cars and many of them over their lifetimes have been beat on especially mb2025....thats the thing they're fun cars and you can continue to beat on them if you take of the essentials and don't cheat on it.

BTW, they're real easy to work on...most of the time its straight forward parts replacement

Thank you for taking the time to help me out on this subject. I will take everything you mentioned into consideration.

Anymore useful advice/tips like this post above^ would be greatly appreciated.

[Joel 87 325]

Make sure to check when the timing belt was last changed. Look for any indications of previous accident damage.

Some of the more common LSD ratios include 2.93, 3.25, 3.46, 3.73, 4.10

Items that iS cars will have over plain i's: M-Tech I steering wheel, 13-button OBC, sport seats, LSD, iS front and rear lips, basketweave wheels.

Also, have you decided whether you like the diving board bumpers vs. the plastics? Plastics were only on cars from '89 on, however '88s can be converted without any fabrication.

[Bmwseth]

Make sure to check when the timing belt was last changed. Look for any indications of previous accident damage.

Some of the more common LSD ratios include 2.93, 3.25, 3.46, 3.73, 4.10

Items that iS cars will have over plain i's: M-Tech I steering wheel, 13-button OBC, sport seats, LSD, iS front and rear lips, basketweave wheels.

Also, have you decided whether you like the diving board bumpers vs. the plastics? Plastics were only on cars from '89 on, however '88s can be converted without any fabrication.

wow, you answered so many of my questions without me even asking. Huge thanks!

Can you please forward me to some pictures to the plastic vs. diving board bumpers?

and also what is the ratio of Lsd and non-lsd differentials for the "i" model?

Anyone else?

bumpp