Looking to join the E30 Family

[ohthejosh]

Just to add a bit more. If you want gas mileage but like lower rear arches and the larger tail lights go for a 318 but if you like the smaller tail lights and higher rear arches get an eta or seta (pre- 88). It's really up to you, etas + chip + manual is what I think you are looking for but again its up to you ;)


If my information is wrong some please correct me. Thanks. Happy hunting!!

[Threehz]

Looks like you got the lock on both those years and the awd, nice! How is the awd on these, I thought it was really cool they added that.

Good to know.

[Kershaw]

1989 is the best year.

e30 trannies are the same for that engine type. all m20b25s use getrag260s. all m42s use getrag240s.

certain issues? lack of 24v and low hp. expect 23-24mpg with an engine in good shape. 30mpg for etas and m42s.

if you want punch, you have to get a manual. the automatics feel anemic.

[Threehz]

First off, howdy! I'm a Z car fanatic ready to start my Bimmer addiction. I'm currently restoring a 77' S30 (280Z). Nice to meet you guys

So I'm about to sell my current vehicle and I plan on buying an E30 as my new car. I'm a college student, working full time and my SUV drinks more gas then I drink beer which isn't working out for my wallet. I've been reading up on some of the basic of the E30's over the past few days but I'd like to get some opinions from you guys (the one's who really know) on what to look for, and what E30 is right for me.

I've seen the E30's rated at around 18-20 MPG but hear from owners that they can get 25-30 or more. Either way that is a huge improvement for me.

Are any of the years/models known for certain issues?

Adversely what are the 'best' years/models?

Definitely want a stick, but I do see quite a few autos that are good looking cars out there. I'm wondering is a tranny swap pretty straight forward, no crazy tricks to these E30's? Also is there good availability of used trannies for sale for not too much?

Also what kind of differences are there between the E30 trannies?

As for engine and the likes seemed there are quite a few different kinds and some of it was odd like the 2.5 being tuned to be more powerful then the 2.7, etc. I definitely want my E30 to get as good gas mileage as it can but I need it to have punch.

So all in all I want a hard-top stick, for use as a daily driver, I want to keep the body and look very stock as they are beautiful cars, however even though it's going to be my DD I want it to have some balls and I plan on tuning it up at least a little bit.

Sorry for the HUGE post, I'm sure most all of this info is available so if you guys want to throw me links I'm always down to read up every bit of info there is. I tried using the search but no matter what I searched for nothing came up, don't know what's up with that?

Thanks in advance!