WTB 318i or 318is

[Garcia Hotspur]

Hello everyone,

I'm a long timer lurker, but this is my first post. I love BMW. I own a 1971 2002 which I love but which has caused me some grief over the past 10 years (rust issues). I drove it for a while but needed a more reliable car as I entered into university so I bought a 2005 Saab 9-2x, some may know this is basically a Subaru Impreza.

I love this car! It is reliable, comfortable, smooth, handles well, gets good mpg (around 30 because I am a conservative driver), and it has decent power.

But, I keep thinking about, 1990's cars, Bimmers, and RWD. I always liked the e30's but I had heard they can be expensive to properly maintain, and that the mpg wasn't good enough. That was until I found the 318i, and also a thread about a nice bolt on turbo. This seems like a perfect next car!

Sorry about all the background, my main question is this: is the 318i(s) is a good car for a student with decent mechanical ability?

Also, I live in northern cali, and I have these cars (see link v v v) as potential options. I know I have asked a lot, but I am curious which of these cars seems like a better deal or if most of them are over priced. The cars on this forum seem like way better deals, but there aren't that many 318i(s) that appear on here that are close to me. I know this was a long post. Thanks in advance for any help.

http://stockton.craigslist.org/favorites?fl=bmo4YzNpOWU1cWFvcjo0NjQwMjExOTA2LDEyNjI4MDU4LDI5MDQ2NDAwLDMyNzE3MTgxLDQwNjQwMTg5LDQyNDY1NDAyLDQ4Njc3MjAwLDQ5NjEzMTg3

[Wild Ride]

E30's are expensive if the previous owner has not proactively done maintenance. Much like the 2002 they are very reliable cars once you have replaced old wear components like relays, anything rubber etc.

I have personally owned a 441k 318is. It was clean and sold for $4,000 if that gives you any indication of the market. Cooling system, gaskets, relays, transmission mounts, brake lines, fuel lines, alternators etc should all be replaced within the last few years or you will have to do it on your $$.

My favorite of the options listed is the red 318is but it seems to have an owner that knows about the level of preventative maintenance that the car really needs to not cost you lots of $$ in the next year. Cant say the same about the rest. Looks to be fair market value if the car is clean and mechanically sound.

Don't Be afraid to travel for the right enthusiast owned and documented example. The best value is spending more for a car like this over a 5k example.

Always get a pre purchase inspection at a mechanic.

[Mulletproofed]

I have owned 5 318's since I was 16 and I am now 27.

There is very little difference between the 318i and 318is. The S version for the 318's didnt always come with the LSD rear end or sports seats. So they may just be overpriced for very little more car. If you find an LSD, get it. Goes much better in snow and it more fun drifting after rain etc.

That being said, I like the M20 engines, but as far as reliability the 318's are bullet proof as long as you change the oil, correct antifreeze ratio, stop vacuum leaks and get the car aligned properly.. You dont have to worry about the dreaded timing belt on the M20's.

These cars DO NOT need any maintenance, only up to your standard of living. I had two of them (over 250K) in high school and college when I was broke. I spent about 100 dollars on them, (NO LIE) in about 5 years. About the only thing that was broken were a few switches and lights and bald tires.

That being said, I have a good job now and have two that are much nicer with proper maintenance to the engine, body, seals, wheels, bearing, interior etc. I now do it because my standard of living is higher and it looks and drives well, not because it needs it!


Thats my two cents

So get one that was not sitting(the worst things for cars) and enjoy it.