Thoughts on trading an E46 for an E30 cab? I'd break even if I swapped cars. Found a sweet black 1992 318iC 5-speed with only 135k miles, good condition near me and I love it. Doesn't have much maintenance records unfortunately, I can't have both cars though, 318iC is $4000. Maybe if I talked it down to $2500, I can keep both. I currently have a 325i 5-speed, completely stock except for a dinan exhaust and bmw intake.
I love the fact that my E46 looks very sharp in red and handles beautifully, it's really fun to drive and sounds amazing...but I've always wanted an E30 convertible and the late model 1.8L m42 is one of the most reliable out there (it's slow compared to the 325i though, but rev happy and sounds good, plus you can really hear the engine with the top down.) . I'd feel like I'd be downgrading in "all categories" but getting a major upgrade in "fun" and "uniqueness"
Go for the 4 cylinder e30 or stay with the e46?
2019 X3 M40i Glacier Silver
-stock
2003 540iT Titanium Silver
-Dinan Exhaust
2003 325i 5-speed Japanrot
-BMW Performance Intake
-Dinan exhaust
They are very different cars and all the points you made are valid. I have a ZHP and an E39 M5. I recently acquired an 87 E30 due to spending way too much too quickly on parts for the M5 as it was my “backup” vehicle for when the ZHP is being worked on. That plan failed a month ago as both cars were down at the same time!
However with that said from my perspective the E46 and E30 are very different vehicles and I personally wouldn’t trade my E46 for an E30.
E30's are going up in value. The newer cars seem to be going down. Maybe because an e30 has classic style also I think a lot has to do with maintenance, an E30 is one of the last cars that is easy and cheap to repair. With the newer cars the price of repair can easily exceed the value of the car. Go for the Convertible!
The refinements you take for granted in the e46, I’d keep it. The m42 is dog slow and their value is only propped up by the fact the m3 was a 4 banger and people are too cheap or poor for e30 m3s now. It gets boring quick having to strangle and wrap out the engine EVERY SINGLE TIME just to merely keep up with modern traffic. 318s are not nearly as much fun as either a cammed m20 or s14, or a 24v-6 swap (most fun). I’d consider an m20 or a 24v i6 swapped vert, but the first rain storm you find yourself getting wet through top leaks or hit a pothole and cowl shake with window slap rattles you down the road you are gonna put down the crack pipe and wish you kept your e46 or had made better life decisions.
If you are a low n slow SoCal all show and no go, fine, take the 318, god knows they aren’t much good for anything else. LOL
lol SpartanEuro, that's all I needed to hear. Thank you for saving me some money!
"Howdy, Folks!"
1986 Delphin 528e - Roof rack equipped lumber hauler.
1989 Zinnoberrot 325iX Sedan - I miss this car. (Deceased)
1998 Avus Blau 328iC - Someone else's project now
2008 Platinum-Beige X3 3.0si - Current project
2012 Alpine White X3 xDrive35i - My new snowmobile.
2020 Estoril Blue 440i xDrive cabrio - This car is a blast to drive.
In Germany we never got the ZHP but there is the M-Sport package which resembles the same a bit.
E46s are cheap ranging from €3.000 to €8.000 sometimes touching €10.000+ if one owner and really low milage.
Rule of thumb in Germany, never get an E30 less than €10.000 since they will be riddled with issues if any less. But some E30s are touching €30.000 if 1st owner and low milage (excluding E30 M3s off course).
You are correct when it comes to maintenance, running costs and how simple hand tools can repair virtual everything in an E30, which is also why they are becoming more and more desirable here in Germany not to mention how crazy well the handling is as well as virtually endless engine/power options (if desired).
After proudly driving these things into the ground for over two decades, I’ve had the privilege to taste most of the flavors at least once or twice. Gotta say a 318 with a LSD truly is a lot of fun in the snow, but all e30s are equally a good time in that situation.
I need to get my hands on a wagon next...
Last edited by SpartanEuro; 03-19-2019 at 02:36 PM.
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