Advice on first e30

[Telegraham]

^^Haha.

I live too far from Graham, WA to pick up a car there. But maybe I should live there someday.

[//MPower]

Get the eta, then after that get an i car, only then will you appreciate an eta for what it really is, a parts car.

hahaha

Yea, wait for the 325i

ETAs are slow turds, and aren't economical enough to be worth the power downgrade.

<--- 325es owner. :tsk:

[brutus87]

Get the eta, then after that get an i car, only then will you appreciate an eta for what it really is, a parts car.

[AirplaneBuilder]

Your name is Graham and i bought my e30 in Graham WA. Just putting it out there.

[Telegraham]

Yeah It's gonna suck but I'm going to wait. I've made large purchases too soon before and ended up kicking myself for it because I didn't wait for what I really wanted. Perfection would be a late black 325is. Not a vert. Manual. Clean.

[bloodshot-e30]

i would say wait... i didnt wait and i already dumped 4 grand in my new car.... but im gonna be taking a lot of shit off my other E30 including my M52 and all the stuff for the swap etc etc

but u could always get the eta sell ur other car save up and get a NICE i or iS

[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

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[mikeedler]

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