So I'm looking to get my first E30...

[AndrewAU]

Hey guys, I'm looking to get my first E30 and I'm having a hard time deciding what is most important so I had a question. I'm very new to the forum so I apologize for my ignorance but... How much more powerful is the 325 vs. the 318? Is it worth it spending the extra cash for the bigger engine? I really just want a car that's fun to drive and I can do some work to. Thanks so much.

[Holland]

It all depends on what you are looking for, do you want mid range power or do you want everything up top?

[TS323]

it really depends on what you want to do with the car, personal preference over getting a 4 or 6 cyl. and what kinda money your going to throw at it. what kinda mechanic skills you have, tools and space. haha. give us a rundown of ur life.... plus social #..... that always helps.

[325ix]

The four cylinder is a more free reving engine but also less powerful. I love my 6 cylninder.

[AndrewAU]

I think midrange power would be better, but it's not critical either way. In terms of my life, I'm a student, so I don't have a ton of cash at my disposal, but I can make do. My mechanic skills are pretty limited but I have friends with E30's who know how to work on them and I could probably get access to a lift and plenty of tools.

[pharow]

325i! cant go wrong....you can do just about anything to it.

[Holland]

I would say a 325 would be the best option.

[JBird]

325 is faster and more fun. Why are you considering a 318?

[xwill112x]

318's with the m42 can take loads more abuse than an m20. Thats why i love mine :)

[JBird]

318's with the m42 can take loads more abuse than an m20. Thats why i love mine :)

Really? I haven't heard or read that. How do you know?

[LEANE30]

simply put, no stock e30 is "fast" some are more nimble than others outta the box though.

if you want a bulletproof e30, get an m10. if you want torque, get a 325e, you want a broad power range and the cheapest to be able to get down on some mods that make a difference, get a 325i. like rallying? - no you can't have an IX. want a cabby to catch some rays with? go get a miata, no one's selling. you want a balanced "zippy" type of nimble e30 that costs more that its worth to make faster? get an m42 powered 318i/is ...building that motor just doesn't deplete your pockets fast enough and your left wishing it cost you more? think your better than others for no real jusifiable reason whatsoever? or just want 5lugs cause you already have a set of wheels worth atleast 3 e30s just laying around getting dust? get an S14 powered m3.

You want a faster e30 but are scared of things that can blow up? buy an e30 from a reputable enthusiast who's already broke their bank dropping in an s/m5X 24valve from an e36 that you can buy off them for the value of the gum stuck on the bottom of your shoe.

want something that's gonna appreciate in value? get something rare like a vintage tuner model, top of the line, etc. that has low miles, clean history, in near PERFECT shape and be ready to never drive it and trade your first born child for it cause the previous owner disregards fair market value due to their emotional blindness.

welcome to the flock, your clothes will be burned, your head shaved and new ID number tattood onto your left calf in the next room. everyone say "hello #25569"

[rich4rdee]

simply put, no stock e30 is "fast" some are more nimble than others outta the box though.

if you want a bulletproof e30, get an m10. if you want torque, get a 325e, you want a broad power range and the cheapest to be able to get down on some mods that make a difference, get a 325i. like rallying? - no you can't have an IX. want a cabby to catch some rays with? go get a miata, no one's selling. you want a balanced "zippy" type of nimble e30 that costs more that its worth to make faster? get an m42 powered 318i/is ...building that motor just doesn't deplete your pockets fast enough and your left wishing it cost you more? think your better than others for no real jusifiable reason whatsoever? or just want 5lugs cause you already have a set of wheels worth atleast 3 e30s just laying around getting dust? get an S14 powered m3.

You want a faster e30 but are scared of things that can blow up? buy an e30 from a reputable enthusiast who's already broke their bank dropping in an s/m5X 24valve from an e36 that you can buy off them for the value of the gum stuck on the bottom of your shoe.

want something that's gonna appreciate in value? get something rare like a vintage tuner model, top of the line, etc. that has low miles, clean history, in near PERFECT shape and be ready to never drive it and trade your first born child for it cause the previous owner disregards fair market value due to their emotional blindness.

welcome to the flock, your clothes will be burned, your head shaved and new ID number tattood onto your left calf in the next room. everyone say "hello #25569"

perfect

[Ian Bowers]

318iS are a ton of fun, and I prefer the M42 over the M20B25. I get 22-30MPG beating the crapfuck out of my car.

[Danny]

simply put, no stock e30 is "fast" some are more nimble than others outta the box though.

if you want a bulletproof e30, get an m10. if you want torque, get a 325e, you want a broad power range and the cheapest to be able to get down on some mods that make a difference, get a 325i. like rallying? - no you can't have an IX. want a cabby to catch some rays with? go get a miata, no one's selling. you want a balanced "zippy" type of nimble e30 that costs more that its worth to make faster? get an m42 powered 318i/is ...building that motor just doesn't deplete your pockets fast enough and your left wishing it cost you more? think your better than others for no real jusifiable reason whatsoever? or just want 5lugs cause you already have a set of wheels worth atleast 3 e30s just laying around getting dust? get an S14 powered m3.

You want a faster e30 but are scared of things that can blow up? buy an e30 from a reputable enthusiast who's already broke their bank dropping in an s/m5X 24valve from an e36 that you can buy off them for the value of the gum stuck on the bottom of your shoe.

want something that's gonna appreciate in value? get something rare like a vintage tuner model, top of the line, etc. that has low miles, clean history, in near PERFECT shape and be ready to never drive it and trade your first born child for it cause the previous owner disregards fair market value due to their emotional blindness.

welcome to the flock, your clothes will be burned, your head shaved and new ID number tattood onto your left calf in the next room. everyone say "hello #25569"

Seriously.

/thread.

[imdashiz]

simply put, no stock e30 is "fast" some are more nimble than others outta the box though.

if you want a bulletproof e30, get an m10. if you want torque, get a 325e, you want a broad power range and the cheapest to be able to get down on some mods that make a difference, get a 325i. like rallying? - no you can't have an IX. want a cabby to catch some rays with? go get a miata, no one's selling. you want a balanced "zippy" type of nimble e30 that costs more that its worth to make faster? get an m42 powered 318i/is ...building that motor just doesn't deplete your pockets fast enough and your left wishing it cost you more? think your better than others for no real jusifiable reason whatsoever? or just want 5lugs cause you already have a set of wheels worth atleast 3 e30s just laying around getting dust? get an S14 powered m3.

You want a faster e30 but are scared of things that can blow up? buy an e30 from a reputable enthusiast who's already broke their bank dropping in an s/m5X 24valve from an e36 that you can buy off them for the value of the gum stuck on the bottom of your shoe.

want something that's gonna appreciate in value? get something rare like a vintage tuner model, top of the line, etc. that has low miles, clean history, in near PERFECT shape and be ready to never drive it and trade your first born child for it cause the previous owner disregards fair market value due to their emotional blindness.

welcome to the flock, your clothes will be burned, your head shaved and new ID number tattood onto your left calf in the next room. everyone say "hello #25569"

/thread