First E30

[stewmag]

I am 16 and looking to get my first E30, but can't figure out one to choose.(As in the model 318, 325, etc.) I am interested in a sedan, but would be happy with a convertible. SO my question is what's the difference between them. I don't really mind what years, fyi.

Thanks,
Stew

[Jon325i]

Welcome to the E30 community. This particular site has been around for some years now and various topics have been gone over quite thoroughly. Be sure to use the feature....it has helped me find answers I needed. Also, Google is your friend....plenty of info about these cars. Here's a primer for ya...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_3_Series_(E30)

Some differences that distinguish models:

The early cars, 1984 thru early 1988, had the aluminum bumpers (affectionately called 'diving boards') while the late 1988 thru early 1992 had plastic bumpers.

318 designation means a 1.8 liter four banger

325 desgination means a 2.5 liter inline six (please, never refer to it as a V6....some folks are sensitive about that).

The "i" means injected, "is" means injected sport, "eta" (eh-tah) refers to efficiency, "ix" is the all-wheel drive model, and "M" stands for motorsport.

All cars, coupes, sedans, 'verts and the M3 share the same basic platform and wheelbase. Many parts are interchangable, others are not.

So there's a very brief overview. Like I said, you search to get more familiar with the site and to find some answers to your questions.

[stewmag]

Welcome to the E30 community. This particular site has been around for some years now and various topics have been gone over quite thoroughly. Be sure to use the feature....it has helped me find answers I needed. Also, Google is your friend....plenty of info about these cars. Here's a primer for ya...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_3_Series_(E30)

Some differences that distinguish models:

The early cars, 1984 thru early 1988, had the aluminum bumpers (affectionately called 'diving boards') while the late 1988 thru early 1992 had plastic bumpers.

318 designation means a 1.8 liter four banger

325 desgination means a 2.5 liter inline six (please, never refer to it as a V6....some folks are sensitive about that).

The "i" means injected, "is" means injected sport, "eta" (eh-tah) refers to efficiency, "ix" is the all-wheel drive model, and "M" stands for motorsport.

All cars, coupes, sedans, 'verts and the M3 share the same basic platform and wheelbase. Many parts are interchangable, others are not.

So there's a very brief overview. Like I said, you search to get more familiar with the site and to find some answers to your questions.

This was a ton of help! Thank you so much! If anyone can put any other input, suggestions, or experiences fill me in.

Thanks,
Stew

[Raxe]

A 1990/1991 318i sedan would probably meet your needs nicely.

[StereoInstaller1]

Do you have a place to work on your car? Tools, maybe some experienced help (Dad, Uncle, older Brother, Mom?) and mechanical inclination?

You might just want to find an ETA, as they are much less money. Drop it, add some decent struts and shocks, get used to driving...then sell it to another 16 year old!

[stewmag]

what do you mean ETA? Also, I was planning on investing in tools and such and have a plain garage at my house that I could work on it at. Also, one of my good friends dad is a mechanic and if I had problems that I couldn't figure out on my own, I could turn to him.

[JasonC]

The two you are wanting to choose from are kind of different. A 4 door or a vert. Just to let you know that most people on here call 4 doors, sedans. Eventhough 2 doors are also sedans.

[Thedude00]

http://e30world.com/

[323iNathan]

what do you mean ETA? Also, I was planning on investing in tools and such and have a plain garage at my house that I could work on it at. Also, one of my good friends dad is a mechanic and if I had problems that I couldn't figure out on my own, I could turn to him.

The ETA is the 325e - e standing for ETA (Greek Letter) -> efficiency.
some info
There seem to be loads of them in the US, not quite as many down under... Welcome from Aus!

Also I was kinda surprised by how civilised the responses have been, usually r3v seems to have fun with the initiations... haha

[Deltron Dirty30]

Just my 2 cents dont get an eta unless its a Super Eta.

A 1990/1991 318i sedan would probably meet your needs nicely.

also this

[Strelok]

The cost difference between an i and an eta is honestly not worth the performance drop, imo. My biggest problem with the eta is its low redline.

I would look for a 1987-1991 325i or a 1990-1991 318is.

[McGyver]

if you are on a small budget, get a 318is (coupe). otherwise i would get a 325i or is. the only difference between i and is is the wheels, seats, exterior styling, and some options. the engine and suspension is completely the same.

when you choose an e30 you will either get an early model with the large aluminum "diving board" bumpers, or a late model with plastic bumpers. decide which you like more. then choose whether you want a 2 door, 4 door, or convertible. then WAIT until you find one that has minimal rust and is in good mechanical condition!

do alot of reading on this site and you'll become familiar with e30s and know what to look for when buying one. good luck!

[That Nice Guy Beck!]

325ix means it has M parts

[McGyver]

325ix means it has M parts

...this guy will not end well.

[CharlesDickens]

325ix means it has M parts

hahaha...

IMO, the 325ix (the awd model) is the one e30 to stay away from as a beginner. I have one myself and I love the car, but they're pretty expensive to maintain, usually have rust from being driven in winter, and aren't the easiest to find parts for.

A late model 318i/is would make a really good dd, unless you want more power, then the 325i/is is your car.