Never owned a BMW....

[cb750caferacer]

I found this forum doing a google search and it looks to be hands down the the best BMW forum out there. The most info, most users, etc.

I work on 1970's Honda CB550's and CB750's bikes. The are great old school reliable bikes that are easy to work on. They have a large enough following that I can get and share info on rebuilds and customizations. I would like to start something similar with a car. I know the old BMW bikes are great work horses and everything seems to be pointing me in the direction of BMW car for a project.

So to my question. I would like to be pointed in the right direction for a first project car. I'd like it to be manual (of course), 4 door, and at the lower end of complicated to work on. Something to get me feet wet but not to overwhelm me. With that in mind I would think a late 70's or early 80's model would be the place to start. I would go for the 2002 but I would also like it to become a daily driver once the ice breaks in the spring.

Where do you suggest starting?

Thanks, Bobby.

[pckl300]

I haven't done too much work on my E36 (that's mid 90's 3 series), but from what I hear, they're fairly simple mechanically. Especially the I4s. They come in sedan and manual forms.

[oldMcR]

I found this forum doing a google search and it looks to be hands down the the best BMW forum out there. The most info, most users, etc.

I work on 1970's Honda CB550's and CB750's bikes. The are great old school reliable bikes that are easy to work on. They have a large enough following that I can get and share info on rebuilds and customizations. I would like to start something similar with a car. I know the old BMW bikes are great work horses and everything seems to be pointing me in the direction of BMW car for a project.

So to my question. I would like to be pointed in the right direction for a first project car. I'd like it to be manual (of course), 4 door, and at the lower end of complicated to work on. Something to get me feet wet but not to overwhelm me. With that in mind I would think a late 70's or early 80's model would be the place to start. I would go for the 2002 but I would also like it to become a daily driver once the ice breaks in the spring.

Where do you suggest starting?

Thanks, Bobby.

the world is your oyster Bobby. late 70's / early 80's could turn into a life's work. primal restoration comes to mind here brother. i might suggest an e30 over a 2002 if you want a feet wet resto/DD that won't break the bank and destroy any marital/SO relationships you might currently be involved in.

[PETER LEE]

get an 1988/90 E30 325 is they come in 4 door and manual and is a whole lot of fun to drive plus there is alot of info on these cars

[cb750caferacer]

i might suggest an e30 over a 2002 if you want a feet wet resto/DD that won't break the bank and destroy any marital/SO relationships you might currently be involved in.

LOL!!! You must know about my obsessive compulsive nature when it comes to my projects. *smile* I think I found the most patient woman in the world. She says it better to see me full of oil in the garage then full of beer at the bar. *wink*

I was worried that I would get replies like, "Oh no, not this question again." It's very encouraging to see the replies you folks have given so far.

I figured the late 70's or early 80's would be a bit easier to work on and there would be a ton of info/parts cars to be had.

What changed from the early 80's to the later 80's?

BTW, how long till I can use smilies in my posts?

[pckl300]

I think smilies are 10 posts.

[SeanSerino]

Definitely go with an e30, which are ~85-91 3 series. Real reliable, real simple to work on, great for restoring, and an all around awesome car.

[JB6712]

yah e30 was the first thing that came to mind for me too when i was reading the description... semi easy to work on reliable and would make for a good dd... and you can pick one up at good price.

[slocar]

e34. Enough electronics to keep it modern even now, but not enough to mess with your head.

That and there is a turbo/supercharger/all sorts of crap, no matter which model you choose.

[alwayzlate]

I found u the perfect starter bimmer. 318 e30 2 door stick. 1500 bucks bid so far.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1991-BMW-e30-318iS-5-speed-Alpine-White-Mint-Condition_W0QQitemZ110187956601QQihZ001QQcategoryZ 6007QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[tka1]

Definitely E30. Classic looks, fun to drive. Easy to work on. Just search Craiglist and Ebay every day. I see a ton of E30's in the 1200 - 1800 range that look like they would make good DD's. You've got the tools and you're mechanically inclined. You'll have a blast.

If I had a 3 or 4 car garage, I'd be bringing home strays every week. My wife would leave me.

[cb750caferacer]

OK, help me decode here.

e30 will be anything 1985-1991 that has a description of 3XX and one letter, correct? For instance a 1985 535i wound not be an e30, but a 1991 318i would be an e30. Am I getting this right?

alwayslate, thanks for the heads up, but I need a 4 door.

[downeaster1]

OK, help me decode here.

e30 will be anything 1985-1991 that has a description of 3XX and one letter, correct? For instance a 1985 535i wound not be an e30, but a 1991 318i would be an e30. Am I getting this right?

alwayslate, thanks for the heads up, but I need a 4 door.

correct. except that the 1991 318i, I believe is an early production E36. not too sure though

[RandallPhoto]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_3_Series

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_E30

[cb750caferacer]

That clears up quite a bit.

I should have though of Wiki....

Thanks!

[RandallPhoto]

That clears up quite a bit.

I should have though of Wiki....

Thanks!

No problem! I've learned ALOT from a whole lotta stuff on there.

[Ozzel]

The i6 e34s and e39s have a slightly larger engine bay than their smaller 3-series cousins, thereby affording more convenient space for hands and tools. Just a thought.

[The_Stig]

She says it better to see me full of oil in the garage then full of beer at the bar. *wink*

And that's saying something coming from a Sconny! But, eriously, get an E30. They are modern enough to still have amny parts available and old enough to not have much electronics and computer stuff get in your way. Plus you can get them for under $2k.

[The_Stig]

correct. except that the 1991 318i, I believe is an early production E36. not too sure though

No (for the US at least), 1992 was the first year of the E36, so any 1991 3 Series is an E30 in the US.

[glwillia]

The E30 is a good choice. But if you're looking to get into BMWs for CHEAP, consider an E28 (1982-1988 5-series). It basically looks and drives like a big E30, and I've seen quite a few that are ugly but driveable for under $1000. Or an E34 if you want something that actually feels kind of like a modern BMW.

[cb750caferacer]

The i6 e34s and e39s have a slightly larger engine bay than their smaller 3-series cousins, thereby affording more convenient space for hands and tools. Just a thought.

Good point, I LOVE working in cramped spaces. The less comfortable, the more it feels right. LOL I'll have to look into those as well.

And that's saying something coming from a Sconny!

WOW, sounds like someone partied...uhhh......I mean studied in Madison. LOL

[cb750caferacer]

After looking around a bit it seems to me that the 325e is the most plentiful. It has the largest number of years in production of any e30 and being on the lower end of cost I think affordability added to it's manufacture. With all that in mind, I do believe I now have a hunt on my hands.

I plan to pick one up, and then most likely a parts car or two. This strategy has done well for me with bikes, why not cars too. Although I can fit a lot mire bike in the garage then I can cars.

Thanks for all the help!

[jeremye30]

e28

[oldMcR]

325e is going to have the lowest amount of power should you decide you might want to track the DD once in a while. 325is would be ideal. also more expensive and harder to find. auto tranny probably more plentiful/ less track desirable. personally i prefer the e36 but i am not so hands on.

[downeaster1]

No (for the US at least), 1992 was the first year of the E36, so any 1991 3 Series is an E30 in the US.

i mean like production year not model year
theres a bunch of guys with 1991 E36's