Choice: 325i vs 318i

[kikkoman]

I'v been vigorously looking for my first e30 for over a month w/o success but all of a sudden I have the opportunity to buy one of two worthy cars. Now, I can't decide which so I need some help with your opinions. First the cars:

1. 1991 318is -clean title w/190k including following mods:
GOOD:
H&R sport springs
Bilstein shocks
Z4 short shifter with M leather knob
Short ram intake
Flowmaster high flow cat
Magnaflo exhaust with a borla pipe
Carbon fiber guage bezel
Dual flip down cd player with speakers all around($500) system
jl audio 12w6 and a kenwood amp.
New maf
italian oil pan, fuel pump.

Look at the clean interior!


BAD (possibly good?): bent front valance and the seller is swapping tranny next week before the sale.

2. 1990 325i clean title w/200k, all stock with no issues except bit of oxidation which isn't a big issue for me

The asking price is about the same around $2500 but I haven't had a chance to checkout either cars yet (going to see them tomorrow). I love the 318 with all the mods I was thinking of doing eventually anyway after the purchase but honestly bit concerned about the new tranny. Also, I live in the foothills traveling up & down the hills so would bigger more powerful six have an advantage? Assuming no unknown major issues during inspection, which would you go with?

[vr2jetta]

Got my first e30 a few months ago, 1990 325i. I couldnt imagine an e30 with any less power, I would probably be dissappointed with the 318, but my other car is an mk2 jetta with a vr swap.

[kikkoman]

That's my concern knowing I'll have to drive up the steep hill (almost 10 miles) back home everyday from work. 318 is most likely lighter but I don't know if the weight advantage is enough to offset the lack of power especially going up a long steep hill. Then again, I haven't driven either so I really can't say.

[Rockinlittle325i]

here is a thought!
the 318i is a lighter car (besides the driveline differance) because BMW didnt insolate the car as much as the more expensive 325i this is good because you can easily swap a bigger 6 into it as quickly as you could with a 325i
but since the 318i is lighter in the first place you have a slightly quicker car (vs. the 325i shell with the same swap)
also that 318i has all the goodies you want, and you will get amazing gas milage as you build up the swap

the later model 318i has the M42 motor and not the M10, it's not that bad

(I hope to do this with a M52 + cams soon)

[kikkoman]

I would definitly be into doing some performance & cosmetic mods but I don't know that I would be into doing a whole engine swap unless the original one dies.

I feel like this decision is like "damn if you do, damn if you don't" kind. I'll win regardless and probably have some regrets later.

[SL a.m.>IN]

You cant avoid the regrets part, once you buy one its bound to happen. If you buy the 325 your going to regret having to buy all the mods that were already in the 318, however if you buy the 318 your gona regret not having the power of the 325.

I dont know if you want to consider buying the 318 and chipping it with the money you save on mods. Heres a thread to the mark D chip.

http://r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=125379&highlight=chip

and maybe later possibly swap it with a better shell since you can save up from not having to fix the interior or add to many mods.

Tell us about the 325 when you go see it and try and post some pics

[kikkoman]

Here are the pics of the 325 as shown in the ad. Looks to be in pretty clean condition inside & out. My e30 wasn't going to be a family car or anthing (I have three growing boys and drive a mini-van now) but having 4-doors would be much more convenient when dropping kids off school etc which means I don't have to drive the boring van as much :)

With this, cosmetically I would start with an is lip and new wheels. Probably new springs & shocks same time with the new wheels.

[kikkoman]

And here are the pics of the 318

[jflip2002]

Go with the 318is. Neither cars are very fast in the grand scheme of things. The M42 is better on gas, and still isnt too bad as far as quickness. I enjoyed my 318ti, it wasnt fast, but was peppy, and it was around the same weight as an E30 IIRC. Plus you dont have to pay for the mods (italian oil pan, italian fuel pump? check that out, probably BS'ing you), if you get the 91. You'll definitely need a new front valance, though. If everything checks out fine, my vote is to the 318is.

[daniel]

M42s are not slow...

[kikkoman]

Thanks for your vote for 318! However, should I be concerned at all with having the tranny replaced? The seller said he has a donor 92 e30 conv (btw, he offer to throw in this car for extra $500 but I don't have the room for it) which I believe is probably where the tranny is coming from.

[jflip2002]

M42s are not slow...

Im just saying on the grand scheme, Daniel. A non swapped E30 isnt really a fast car. Might as well take the better fuel economy.

[selturk]

get the 318. save on gas and it's fun to drive..

[kikkoman]

Hey, didn't even notice the 325i in question is listed on this site for sale here and the seller a member: http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=143612 :)

[SL a.m.>IN]

yea dont concentrate on the power to much. Like jflip said, just go with the gas and the mods. But find out whats up with that transmission?