Searching for a E30

[E30-JHS]

I am new to the forum on my quest to find my first car. My father drives an F10 M5. I however am looking for something not so electronic and more down to earth. So I landed on an E30. I have been looking at the classifies the past couple of weeks exploring what I can get with the money I have. I am still unsure whether to go with a 318is or a 325is. I also don't know what things I should look out for before settling on the car. I know I will not find a perfect car in great shape I am fine with fixing it up a little but nothing major. I am looking for some guidance anything will be helpful. Thank you.

[DesertBMW]

In my opinion any E30 that is coupe in great condition is worth a buy. I stay away from sedans and convertibles.

[rokai88]

why sedan is not a good idea? Im thinking of getting the sedan :(

[dnguyen1963]

I wouldn't say stay away from sedan or convertible because good decent and unmolested E30s are getting hard to find. Each has its own unique features. Just find a solid car and you will enjoy it. 325is has more power, but there is a great following for the 318is too.

[E30-JHS]

In my opinion any E30 that is coupe in great condition is worth a buy. I stay away from sedans and convertibles.

Thank you very much. I think I have my sights set on a coupe any opinions on 318is vs a 325is?

[Halcyon]

Thank you very much. I think I have my sights set on a coupe any opinions on 318is vs a 325is?

Inline 6 vs revvy 4 banger. Take your pick. 318is is slightly rarer and gives up 50hp although it is slightly lighter and more tossable.

[E30-JHS]

Inline 6 vs revvy 4 banger. Take your pick. 318is is slightly rarer and gives up 50hp although it is slightly lighter and more tossable.

In the future if I were to add somethings to the car such as more power, put some of the Euro parts on etc, which engine would be easier to play around with? Also I hope one day I will be able to turn this into a track car. Do you have any advice regarding which car would be better for tracking in the future? Also in your opinion which is more fun to drive and roll through gears with?
Thanks

[stonea]

I like the 318is because how light and nimble it is, but its not a fast car. The 325is is more powerful but still not breaking speed records. I would vote for you to grab the 325is because the M20 is easy to turbo or stroke depending if you're a NA or FI guy. If you decide to engine swap however I guess just grab the better car, but I would still vote to take the 325is because the 318is is a special car and shouldn't be molested to much.


edit: Also 4 door or 2 door is just a preference. 2 door is lighter, but 4 door is stiffer.

[Gloff]

I have a 318i sedan, super fun to rev out, have driven a 325i convertible, also fun. Can't go wrong sedan or Coupe, but Coupe is more desirable. 318i/is M42 is less maintenance (timing chain, hydraulic lifters) than the M20 (belt, adjustable valves) I'm partial to the late plastic bumper cars, but for driving enjoyment, you can't go wrong with an Early 325i.

[E30-JHS]

I like the 318is because how light and nimble it is, but its not a fast car. The 325is is more powerful but still not breaking speed records. I would vote for you to grab the 325is because the M20 is easy to turbo or stroke depending if you're a NA or FI guy. If you decide to engine swap however I guess just grab the better car, but I would still vote to take the 325is because the 318is is a special car and shouldn't be molested to much.


edit: Also 4 door or 2 door is just a preference. 2 door is lighter, but 4 door is stiffer.

If I decide on an E30 318is can I swap a S14 in instead of the stock engine? Would it be worth it? Or should I stick to the stock engine in it?

[stonea]

I would just google the going prices of a S14 and decide for your self. They're so expensive and even the s14 isn't a fast engine. but paired with the e30 chassis (M and non M) it just makes for a fun car to drive, but in the end its still a 4 banger.

My advice... research. Both chassis are basically the same, what you can do to the 325is you can do to the 325is. I personally like the M30 for an engine swap canidate. Its cheaper, torquey, period correct, and doesn't weigh much more than a M50.