What is the newer equivalent to an E30?

[325e '87]

I've only driven 3 bmw's.

1985 535i
1987 325e
1991 325i

so, everything I know about how great bmw cars are is based on an E28 and E30. I'm always interested in the newer bmw models but I'm wondering what you all think would be a good place to start.

is there a model or model year where a good 3 or 5 series car can be had with a manual transmission and an in line 6? What's the best year model?

[323i E30]

You might be better off in the general bmw section of this site for this. How much newer are you looking for?
Newest I've driven is a '98 E39, so can't help you much..
Great car btw, but still prefer an E30.

[Ceekers]

I would consider the e46 mid to later models to be equivelant to the e30 model. It is still relatively reliable and not to much increased electronics in the car to go wrong.
Like the e30 they do have inherant wear and tear issues. Mainly real coil springs break frequently. Control arm bushings go; Window regulators sieze or break. Tensioner pulleys then to sieze, squeal and need replacing. shock mounts in the rear; power steering pumps go bad. and as far as the body goes. Typical rust arear is between the top lip of the bumper cover at the rear wheel and body. They tend to rust there. there may be other things that go wrong but this is my knowledge of these cars.

I've only driven 3 bmw's.

1985 535i
1987 325e
1991 325i

so, everything I know about how great bmw cars are is based on an E28 and E30. I'm always interested in the newer bmw models but I'm wondering what you all think would be a good place to start.

is there a model or model year where a good 3 or 5 series car can be had with a manual transmission and an in line 6? What's the best year model?

[82eye]

1 series 135i hands down. 1m even better of course.

[my1stE30]

I believe that a 128i would provide a good newer model near-E30 experience and the 135i had the twin turbo engine

I am not sure of the manufacturing history of these but from memory I think the 128i E87 was made (sold in North America) from about 2008 to about 2011 with an N52B30 inline-6 engine ... it had a much longer run in Europe with a larger variety of model styles

[ELVA164]

I think an FR-S/BRZ is a pretty good modern equivalent.

[JIM1inWisconsin]

I believe that a 128i would provide a good newer model near-E30 experience and the 135i had the twin turbo engine

I am not sure of the manufacturing history of these but from memory I think the 128i E87 was made from about 2008 to about 2011 with an N52B30 inline-6 engine

I owned four E30's and recently now a 128i. The 128i is a far better car in all respects if for no other reason it is over 25 years newer than the E30 and they are now reasonably priced. This car has the last in line six engine BMW has made or plans to. However in direct answer to the question, the E30 seems to have more character and charm to it. Perhaps it's the road feel, styling, balance and relative simplicity of the thing. Mine became a bit to costly to maintain. The 128i is similar in size, has a much more solid feel to it and is of course much quicker. The E30 then stands alone unless you want to consider a five series of the same vintage. But what would be the point?

[325e '87]

Thanks for the comments. It is as I feared, the E30/28 chassis truly is the beginning and end of a great car. I will be paying attention to the 1 series. I tend to tell people that bmw quit making cars in 1992.

[JIM1inWisconsin]

What you say has some merit. But don't be dismayed until you've tried some of the newer ones, including the 1. You may like them but for different reasons. Time to move into the 21st century.

[ELVA164]

I think an FR-S/BRZ is a pretty good modern equivalent.

Seriously though, look into these. They're extremely comparable.

[Kershaw]

Good looking too.

[my1stE30]

I think an FR-S/BRZ is a pretty good modern equivalent.

I agree.... but.. but... but... it's not a bimmer

[325e '87]

What you say has some merit. But don't be dismayed until you've tried some of the newer ones, including the 1. You may like them but for different reasons. Time to move into the 21st century.

Exactly why I'm asking for comment. I don't want to believe that new bmws aren't as nice to drive as the old ones. I've never been in a newer one so I'm pleading ignorance willfully.

ive driven an frs but only briefly when they first came out. They are slick but I'd need more time with one to be honest about my opinions.

[ELVA164]

I agree.... but.. but... but... it's not a bimmer

As you can tell from my sig, I'm a 100% BMW purist as well.

[JIM1inWisconsin]

Exactly why I'm asking for comment. I don't want to believe that new bmws aren't as nice to drive as the old ones. I've never been in a newer one so I'm pleading ignorance willfully.

ive driven an frs but only briefly when they first came out. They are slick but I'd need more time with one to be honest about my opinions.

Test drive the 1 and others and let us know. I would never go back to the E30. The 128i has so much more to offer and far fewer headaches.

[ELVA164]

Test drive the 1 and others and let us know. I would never go back to the E30. The 128i has so much more to offer and far fewer headaches.

[JIM1inWisconsin]

Last request. Wooden stake please.

[psmura]

My personal take from my own BMW purchases... I have owned a few e30s, 1 e28, 1 e36M, 1 e46M. Anything after the e34 chassis really just doesn't do it for me unless its an ///M. So if I had to say what car would I purchase if I was coming out of the e30??? e36/e46M3. I would do all that I could to own both an e30 and a cheap e36M3. My college set up was an ix and an e36, it was the best of both worlds since I am from NY and need a dedicated winter vehicle. Just keep buying and tinkering with these old BMWs they seem to be getting harder to find, as time goes on.

Newer cars just seem boring, especially if its Plain Jane like a 128i (no offense). Me myself, am also not very fond of all these new turbo cars. I know that is the future due to emissions etc, but you will have the whole rest of your life to drive these super tunable turbo variants. Can a 335i be faster then an e92M3 sure...guess it depends on what really makes you love the car you drive.

[325e '87]

Yeah, I hear you mura. I had a '91 325i for almost a decade, sold it when my son was born. I went 12 years without a car, drove a big pickup (F350).

just bought the 325e and I'm so so happy to be back in a car. The 325e isn't fast, not even quick, but it's a 5 speed with that I6 and there just isn't anything more satisfying to drive around town that this silky smooth torque of these old engines. Even though it's an eta it is just such a pleasure to drive. I definitely miss the i car with its 6500rpms but still, I'm just over the moon being back in an E30. The only decent chassis I could find and if I EVER see an 80's 5 series I'm going to get it, no matter what.

[Escaport]

For 3-series I've owned several E30s, an E36, an E46, an E90, and currently an F30.

Worst car for repairs of the bunch was the E46 for me. i did own it for 11 years from new. It was fantastic until about year 7. then it started falling apart.

E36 annoyed me when the door panels leather started coming unglued (Hot areas do this). It was my least favorite one to drive.

I loved my E90 335d, but it didn't have the sports package and I hated those flat slab seats. Other than that it was fairly good.

I absolutely love and have had zero issues with my F30 335i M-sport. It's amazing. Just finished the lease and then bought it because it was one of the few cars I've leased that was good enough to want to own.

I'm just returning to the E30's this week with my first convertible. I bought it last Saturday, and I pick it up this upcoming weekend. Can't wait. It is my 4th E30 to own. The E30 is just nearly perfect. I love them above all.

I've had several other BMWs, but the only other one I liked nearly as much as the E30 and F30 has been my old E34 535i. Great car too, but not quite as good as the others.

[sienayr]

The only decent chassis I could find and if I EVER see an 80's 5 series I'm going to get it, no matter what.

Your move.

https://kansascity.craigslist.org/cto/6115486320.html

https://kansascity.craigslist.org/cto/6110229209.html

https://desmoines.craigslist.org/cto/6109668363.html

https://fayar.craigslist.org/cto/6106884231.html

[325e '87]

An automatic 535i? That's a crime......

i drive through MO and KS fairly often for my work, thanks for the finds!

[ba114]

17951990_10154264950057391_4650974118763773650_n.jpg

Old: e30 318i with m50 turbo
New: e82 135i

I consider the 1 series to be the next iteration of the classic