Which of these two E30s would you choose?

[AjPjSay]

Help me figure this out, really struggling here. Which E30 should I go with?

1991 318i vert $3500

https://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/c...447490081.html

1988 325i vert $4300

https://tampa.craigslist.org/pnl/cto...458522301.html
Do I want the bulletproof M42 or the zippy M20?

Mechanically: they're both claimed to be mechanically sound. The 325i has higher mileage but who cares.
Cosmetically: both interiors need front/rear reupholstering and I intend to use cardinal red seats/door panels so the 325i's black interior will make that much easier than the 318i's grey. It'll save me from having to buy a black tonneau cover, arm rests and carpets. On the other hand the 325i has pretty jarring mismatched paint whereas the 318i only has minor imperfections. Also... that damned diving board.

Which one would you go with? The one with a six cylinder and blacker interior? Or a better bumper and paint job? They're neck and neck. Really can't go wrong with either but somehow I can't make my mind up...

[325e '87]

Wow, that is tough for sure. I’ve never driven or ridden in a 318 so I have no idea how they drive. I do really love the M20 in both forms. A ‘91 car definitely has its pluses over a ‘88. The last e30 update made a few things better.

maybe give it a day or two and you might find another one that makes you pull the trigger.

[tomstin]

The 318 looks rough to me. I like that body style a bit better, but something about it looks like its had a tough life.

[AjPjSay]

Wow, that is tough for sure. I’ve never driven or ridden in a 318 so I have no idea how they drive. I do really love the M20 in both forms. A ‘91 car definitely has its pluses over a ‘88. The last e30 update made a few things better.

maybe give it a day or two and you might find another one that makes you pull the trigger.

Right you are. I just found this thing.

https://orlando.craigslist.org/cto/d...449386576.html

For sure rougher than the other two, but it is a sedan 325i for $2500... should this scare me with my limited know-how? I have no idea what to make of the exhaust leak for example.

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[AjPjSay]

The 318 looks rough to me. I like that body style a bit better, but something about it looks like its had a tough life.

I google searched the VIN and was able to find a plethora of info about the 318i. Here's what I found.

https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/sho...d.php?t=351428

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[bobdavisnpf]

I like the diving board bumpers. I think they'll make a comeback.

[325e '87]

Wierd that the 318 was in my town for a while. Maybe it would be a good get.

[aaverhulst]

You know I don't like the ads for either of those cars. Both have high pressure sounding words and don't ring true. For example one says he must sell as losing parking spot but may trade for a Toyota or such. The other says car is all original but those aren't original wheels on car. So what else lurks below the surface?

[e30enthusiust]

Like some of the guys have said before both cars are going to need a bit of TLC. Personally, having owned 6 E30s and counting I would prob go for the 318 being as its a facelift model and the 318s are starting to become a bit of a rarity these days. The 325i honestly looks a bit weird with the bumper surrounds the same color as the body, don't believe that is the way they are stock but I COULD be wrong. Either way I think the 318 is the better buy. Plus you won't ever have to worry about the timing belt job since its chain driven. But any e30 is better than no e30

[hotdish]

The 325i honestly looks a bit weird with the bumper surrounds the same color as the body, don't believe that is the way they are stock but I COULD be wrong.

Those were stock on convertibles

[John Adkins]

I think that the 325i at $4,300 is a better buy than the cheaper 318i. I have an M42 powered BMW as well as one with an M20. I have more fun with the M20...about 38 h.p. more fun.