What do you guys think of this '84 318? Should I wait for a 325?

[Joey Link]

As I'm sure some of you know, I'm looking for a clean E30. I've been searching for a while and I'm gettin so tired of my old truck that I'm somewhat desperate at this point. I found this car today and called on it. She's only had it since June and doesn't have much history on it. She's taken it to a BMW shop and had some work on it but she doesn't know what exactly, although she has the records. It has one dent near the headlight and the paint looks to be in good condition. She's firm on her price of $2000. Do you guys think I should buy it or should I wait for a 325? I do have a budget of like $6k so if I bought this then another one came along I could purchase that one as well and sell this one, but I'm nervous about possibly not getting my $2k out of it, what do you think?

http://portland.craigslist.org/car/103047972.html

[James Crivellone]

If your okay with the "performance" of the M10 then go for it, price is fair considering the location and miles in this area.

If your dead set on a 325e/i then i would DEF wait, swapping the 6cylinder into 84/85 318 chassis takes a bit of work as you need to swap a ton of parts to bring it up to spec with the 6 cylinder e30 (brakes, trailing arms, etc)

[rede30]

I would wait for and 325i. with that budget just wait to get everything you want in a car. that does have low miles though.

[Joey Link]

If you guys were in my situation and needed a clean daily driver, would you buy it, drive it, then sell it when you find the 325? I dont want to spend the full $6k on a car, 325 or not, more like $3k-$4k, so I'd have enough.

[Julien]

If you guys were in my situation and needed a clean daily driver, would you buy it, drive it, then sell it when you find the 325? I dont want to spend the full $6k on a car, 325 or not, more like $3k-$4k, so I'd have enough.

WAIT.


there.
Julien

[terrybpp]

Considering I paid $600 for my 85 that is in about the same condition wait. Either you'll find a 325 or a cheaper 318.

[BMWM5LOVER]

SAY NO to M10 power.

[StereoInstaller1]

Do you want an iC?

From: Allison Kramer kramerallison@hotmail.com
To: bmwe30nw@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Monday, October 10, 2005 8:47 AM
Subject: [bmwe30nw] looking for a bmw?


My 1990 BMW 325i convertible is for sale.

195,000 miles, black with tan leather interior, 5-speed, 2nd owner. $3400/reasonable offer

* New black canvas top
* New brakes & bearings
* Heated seats
* Manual top
* Onboard computer
* Power windows
* Wheels replaced with American Racing rims 4 years ago
* Blaupunkt stereo w/ CD (detachable face)

Details:

Florida car until 2002. Since then in Wisconsin, Oregon & Washington (still has WI tags). Garaged (never through a Wisconsin winter!). Maintenance records kept since 1998. Recently invested $1200 in misc. maintenance as well as the cost of a new top. I'm only selling because I'm buying a newer model. This has been a great, reliable car for me over the past 7 years.

Black paint with tan pinstripe weathered but still nice with a few dings on hood and scratches on side panels. No rust. People are always surprised to hear this car is 15 years old. Stitching is failing in one spot on passenger front seat and leather has split on the top of the back seat.

This car is great as-is but could be really fantastic with some additional care put into restoration. I want to be upfront about its shortcomings:

* Odometer recently stopped working
* Power doors no longer work (I lock with a key)
* Cruise control not functional—was fixed once and then went out again
* I recommend new shocks
* Some dings on the body and aging of interior leather, mentioned above

For more information or to set an appointment to view, call 206.909.3031 or email. I also have photos that I am happy to email.

Thanks,
*Allison


Luke

[StereoInstaller1]

Or an iS?


My black on black 325is is for sale.
Perfect paint and (accident-free) body with rear and side aero.
Yokahama tires with custom wheels. 150+K miles. Well-maintained and
documented. 4 speed, OD auto trans. 3.73 limited slip. Completely
stock. Only problem I ever had is now-and-then the starter gets a
little fussy (a new starter comes with the car). Prefer selling this
little beauty to a club member or enthusiast. Drives and looks like a
new car. Asking $4,000, OBO.

Don H.
Gig Harbor, WA
Cell: (253) 270-4035



Good luck,
Luke

[Joey Link]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. Unfortunately I don't want an iC and I really wanna get into something with a 5 speed.

[KenC]

Don't spend more than $1500 for a PERFECT 84 318. I'd offer $800 for it... KBB value is much less than that.

[Mystikal]

Haha, $2k for an M10.

[Joey Link]

Hey Sherwood, Oregon :D

Why are these little cars hated so much? I bet it'd make a great commuter, wouldn't it? it's gotta get good gas mileage, right? I'm gettin very impatient waiting for my 325is to come along, driving this truck is killin me. I don't wanna buy a car though if I cant sell it for what I bought it for when I'm done with it when I do find my 325is.

[Marvin_Hecht]

318i's from 1984 to 1985 had a very gutless M10 engine-the lowest
powered e30's. They also had drum brakes in the rear instead of
disc brakes, and had more squarish turn signals on the front of the
car than anything after 1986. Not recommended at all, no matter
how bad the condition...at least 325e's have disc brakes all around
and driving around you "feel" powerful cause you have a big torquey
engine. The 325i and 325is from 1987 to 1991 (170 hp) are the best to get
-particularly 89-91 since they have the plastic bumpers. The 318is
from 1991 is also nice has an M42 engine with 134hp...

Man I have an 86 325es here that is clean just has a blown timing belt
and may need some headwork (have a spare head) and I am going
to sell it soon for like $600... if you wanted to learn to do the work
on it would be a great deal...and I gotta a friend that is into trucks
in case you need to sell your truck..

[KenC]

Yeah, I'm from Sherwood.

I have an 84 318. It makes a great commuter car, as I get about 26 in the city and 35 on the freeway. That one just isn't worth $2000.

If you can find a nice shell, I know of a guy in Eugene who has a full M42 and drivetrain for $500. The swap can be done in a weekend.