reliability issues

[Jhinck1414]

hi i am new to the forums, i have an e36 m3 that is giving me the worst head aches, and i am thinking of buying an e30, which ones would you say are the most reliable as well as the easiest and cheapest to work/get work done on....i have been looking at 1991 318is's, or are the 2.5 ltier more reliable?

any and all input would be nice thanks

thanks
jeff

[iXer]

I'd say the 318iS would get rid of one major problem, the timing chain is preferred over a timing belt. All M20 engines, in the 320 E30 and 325 E30, have timing belts. But it is not very common for it to fail if it's replaced in time.

Here is a good thread for you: "How to choose - 325i or 318is...???"

http://www.r3vlimited.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=2830

Seeing as you're used to the power of the M3, I would recommend getting a good E30 chassis with a shitty engine and stuffing a modern (post E30) 24-valve inline 6 cylinder engine into it. That would be your ticket.

/Mattias

[nando]

the M42 is a great motor.. if all you want is reliablility, you can't go wrong with a 318is.

[Jhinck1414]

the 318is is what i have been looking at, i am not to worried about speed. this is going to be my commuter car. i just want something that isn't going to cost a lot to be fixed and wont just stop working on my way to school. i am just looking for a cruiser. i am thinking of turner the m3 into my project car....but who knows.

thanks for the input.

[65Matt]

Im surprised that the M3 is not reliable. Have you taken care of the weak points of the car, like the cooling system? I think that an E30 is going to give you fits. It's 10 years older than your M3, you have to expect some maintenance.

[Jhinck1414]

but should i be worring about whether the car will get from point a to b on any given day....on my m3 i have had well too many little problems and too much money put into it to be somewhat kept up. my m3 wasn't ever perfect....

[Jhinck1414]

anyone else have anything else to say

[65Matt]

Want to trade your M3 for my ultra-reliable 325? :D

[LikeCDoos]

no

[Jhinck1414]

well i got the 318is i have been looking at.