Which Model should I buy/look at?

[Mechanical Joint]

Greetings All!

I'm a newbie at this site...and I'm in the market for a car...but I don't know what to buy. I' like the E30's primarily...especially 2-dr

I'd like to spend less than $5k (not much I know) and be able to get a reliable car that may need some minor work/repair. It'd be nice to get something with "reasonable" miles, too...I know I'm dreaming...but,

I'm comfortable doing my own mainenance and repair.

But since I'm not familiar with BMW's I'm looking for advise on models and years...reliability, availiability of parts, know problems, what to look out for, any particular model/yr to avoid? etc...

Eventually, I'd like to run SCCA Autocross with it and use it as a daily commuter...

Please help me...or I might end up with a Honda Civic or Acura Integra...

[DSK M3/4]

you might be able to find an E28 535i/is in that price range. don't be put off by high miles. find one with 150k+ miles that has been taken care of and have it checked out by a mechanic. those big sixes run forever when taken care of. out of the E30s, you might be able to find a 325i/is for $5k, but it might be tough. you should definitely be able to afford a 325e, but they are kind of doggy compared to the 325i/is. stay away from the E30 318i/is, unless it's been really well taken care of.
good luck!

[JasonJ75]

I bought an '87 325is for $3800. Car was in perfect condition outside, seats were worn on the inside. Had 170k on it at the time, and since them I've put almost 20k on it, and aside from minor wear n tear stuff the car has been bullet proof. Never left the misses stranded, and is a blast to drive. Very tossable little car.

Unless your into fuel economy stay away from the 325e (e=eta or efficient) What it really means is a 5k redline and 30 fewer horsies.

Like DSK said, don't let high mileage scare ya...Take care of these engines and they will run forever.

Common Problems:

Leaking tail lights...I fixed mine w/ some silicone.
Steering racks love to leak. (You can replace 'em w/ E36 M3 racks with some effort)
Timing belts must be changed every 60k..If you don't know, change it. Two words - interference engine

Check out www.bmwe30.net....Awesome very knowledgeable guys over there.

[TheBestCow]

I am not too familiar with the E30, but if you were looking JUST for a daily driver, I don't see why you couldn't get a 318i/is. Yes, there is a difference in the power, but if it's your daily driver...

For Autocross, the 325i/is is the obvious choice. I don't know how a 318 would compete, but you could always give it a shot!

I also like the suggestion of an E28/E34 5er ... those are nice rides and would make a very nice daily driver!

On the E34 beware of the nikasil coated engines...

[kowached]

All of those cars have one thing in common, variations of their engine's were used extensively in racing and are just about bulletproof. There are also tons of aftermarket parts available for them. Any BMW with the Inline-4 (1.8L is most common), or the 3.5L Inline-6 should offer you some troublefree motoring, and when things do break any decent independent BMW mechanic knows those engines inside and out if you don't turn your own wrenches.

Dave

PS: In the 1980's the 320i also had the 1.8L I-4.

[Anetsberger]

I bought a '91 318is and I love it. (the 's' on the end stands for sport- I think, which means 2-doors.) Got it for the amazing price of $5k. They guy took excellent care of it and kept it garaged. It had 135k on it when I bought it, but he changed the oil every 2500 miles. Like others have said, meticulous care is definetly neccessary to keep these cars in great order for hundreds of thousands of miles. Take your time and find one you really like- you won't regret the purchase of a BMW.

The rear wheel drive, excellent weight ratio, and superb stock suspension setups are definetly a superior set up for autocross in comparison with the other cars you were tossing around. I am planning on autocrossing my 318. I don't feel the 4-cylinder is really a big disadvantage. You will be placed in similar 4-cylinder classes, and it is really the driver that matters. The pros always say the engine is the last thing you upgrade- the first is the lose nut behind the wheel. The little 1.8s can really move if you step on 'em too. I don't know what your preference is, but usually if you are going racing, a 5-speed is really an advantage.

Good luck with your hunting. Hope to see another fellow bimmer owner,
Tom

[nftyM3]

Originally posted by DSK M3/4
stay away from the E30 318i/is, unless it's been really well taken care of.
good luck!

why?

[DSK M3/4]

i've seen alot of early ('85ish) 318s that were beat. oil changes every 10k miles, midas brake jobs, trashed interior, etc. and even if you get that car really cheap, it is going to eat you alive on maintenance. the 325e/i cars are typically better taken care of.
i would also stay away from 6 series cars- or at least the ones with rear a/c. the rear a/c caused a fair number of problems. also watch out for peeling interior door trim on early E34 cars. looks simple, but expensive to fix.
just things to keep an eye out for.