Advice on first e30

[Telegraham]

Hey everybody, my name is Graham. I've been lurking on these forums for quite a while now, even though I don't own an e30. I've been looking for one, and I think I may have found one. It's a 1987 325es for 1200. My budget is 1400.

My question is this: Is the M20B27 worth it? I was really looking for a 325i or 325is. Should I hold out? They're pretty plentiful around here, but this seems to be the right price, and I need to get rid of the car I have as soon as I can, but I need another one first.

Thanks!

[JT325is]

if you need a car ASAP then buy the 325es if it is in decent condition, the m20b27 is a torquey engine as well as economical. personally i would hold out for a 325i/s

[Telegraham]

The sooner the better, but I can definitely wait.
The car is going to be used for DD/Occasional AutoX, and from what I've read the b27 doesn't have as much opportunity for upgrades.

Thanks for the input.

[JT325is]

The sooner the better, but I can definitely wait.
The car is going to be used for DD/Occasional AutoX, and from what I've read the b27 doesn't have as much opportunity for upgrades.

Thanks for the input.

you'll be much happier with an m20b25 or you can build a stroker those are pretty beasty.

[Killacortes]

definitely wait!

[Telegraham]

Thanks for the advice guys. I'm going to wait.

[mikeedler]

wait for an i car!!!!! you will regret the extra 50 hp you won't get.

[Eecen]

There is nothing wrong with an eta. Its not going to be as fast as an 'i' car, but they're a perfect car for commuting imo. The low end of the b27 is nice.

OP what are your plans going to be for the car?
If its just a daily driver an eta will do fine.
And hell, if you plan on swapping there's no benefit in buying an 'i' over an 'e'.


What should be affecting your decision is the condition the car is in and price, not its breed of motor.

[Telegraham]

Can't afford an engine swap, and the car is going to be occasionally autocrossed. So I think I'd rather wait for a b25. Thanks though.

SO. If anyone knows anyone thats selling a 325i(s) for <1400 in southern california lemme know. Also no convertibles. Preferably black or white. Manual is a must. Awesome.

[MaxBell]

The biggest thing I am glad is that I had understood ALL the different body styles and engines and years and exactly what I wanted before I bought.

I have a white 1987 4 door 325i. My favourite color for cars, and I more wanted a 4 door. It's got a houndstooth interior, heated sport seats, and is completely bone stock. The only thing I wish is that it was a slightly older car with plastic bumpers. But I'm swapping those bumpers so that'll be good. I'm still a little jealous of the coupes, for their sportyness, but my 10" wide Diamond Racing rims will fix that.

[Turf1600]

If it's a nice well sorted car go for it. If it's a regular clapped out eta wait. Don't worry about the motor and stuff - just get the nicest car that you can. You'll be glad you did.

[Gooch]

My best advice is to wait for a rust-free example. I'm so glad I did, as they are getting harder and harder to find...and now after 4+ years of daily driving, the drivetrain doesn't matter because I'm swapping in an s52.

[OdSkE30]

I was in the same position you're in. Needed to get rid of the car I had quick. An '84 325e kinda fell into my lap. The thing i've seen is if you go older than an '86 you will have some difficulty in finding parts for the body, engine, suspension, everything especially with an e or es. Also, even as a daily, the power of an eta will get a bit boring. I'd wait and get what you want (yeah waiting blows) because you will just end up wishing you had. You'll love an I or IS 100% stock till the day she dies. Whatever you end up getting in the end, in my mind as long as it's an E30, you'll be happy. There is a great community among other E30 drivers and everybody loves the classics. Good luck bud.

[F34R]

My best advice is to wait for a rust-free example. I'm so glad I did, as they are getting harder and harder to find...and now after 4+ years of daily driving, the drivetrain doesn't matter because I'm swapping in an s52.

1+ I am SO happy I found a shell from Cali down the road from me. Cleanest E30 in my area.

[bimmershark]

i for one like the eta's my first e30 was a 4 door 5 speed eta an i loved it..the power is not that bad