Are any of these cars worth it? And which one?

[Bullwings]

Hi all, first post here. Yes, I know there's a ton of these threads, but, each is specific to each poster who finds a car. Anyway, I've been looking at E30s for the past year or so, but only more seriously started looking at them about 3 months ago. Anyway, I'm going to post up 3 cars here, and my question is if any of them are worth it. I'm looking for a DD beater that will be enjoyable, RELIABLE, and get decent MPG. Right now I have my eyes on the 4-door 318iS. My trackcar (and current DD) is an S2000. Anyway, here's what I'm looking at. Thanks for any opinions and input.

first car:
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/cto/2879058090.html
The price point and 4 door is nice, but maybe too much if I need to swap out the clutch? I'll probably swap out those wheels.
EDIT: I should point out the list price in the add at $2800 is now down to $2200... I could probably low ball for $1900-$2000

second car:

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sgv/cto/2874332771.html

It's a 325i and a 2-door... nice, but I already have a 2-door track car, and the m20 would get less MPGs, plus, i've been led to believe that the m42 in the 318is is SLIGHTLY easier to maintain.
EDIT: This is listed at $3200 now

third car:

http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/cto/2835506906.html

i like the color. I like the 318iS part and the 4-door part. Some of it is a little bit ricey, but that's easy to fix. i can sell the wheels easily on honda tech or something or craigslist. I'd also get rid of the "eyebrows". The rest of it looks pretty solid. Assuming no mechanical issues, I'd replace the springs with GC-coils. I do feel the price might be a little bit high.

anyway, let me know what you guys think and if any of these are worth it. Thanks in advance.

[mr.vang]

second

[ReallyDirtyThirty]

I second the second.

[Insomniac912]

325 ftw.

[KenC]

I owned an M42 car for years and would never buy another one.

[5Toes]

Number 2... me want

[F34R]

Second one.

[Nick_S]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but there was never a 4 door 318is right? I do like the 318 but it looks like it probably hasn't been cared for aswell as the 325. The first one doesn't look terrible and the price is lower too.

[NeedaBimmer]

The second one, but find out why they rebuilt the engine before you make an offer. It's also been painted a different color. Looks like it could be a good DD if you can get it for a good price.

[shaferbm]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but there was never a 4 door 318is right? I do like the 318 but it looks like it probably hasn't been cared for aswell as the 325. The first one doesn't look terrible and the price is lower too.

You're correct there was never a 4 door "is" model.

[jasonbk]

second one looks good except for the shitty paint job..or it could be oxidation which you might be able to restore.

[Bullwings]

Cool, thanks for the input everyone.

I owned an M42 car for years and would never buy another one.

Also, why is that?

Everyone in this thread seems to prefer the M20 over the M42. If I could get the first car for under $2k, would it be worth it?

And yes, I stand corrected on the "iS" part. 318i is what I'm looking at/for with the M42, not the M10.

I'll cross the third one off of the list...

I'm not trying to turn this into an M20 vs M42 thread, but I do would like to hear some pros and especially cons for both.

M42 Pros:
-No timing belt
-better balanced and lighter weight
-all forged internals
-better MPGs
-higher revving
-"newer" technology - 4 valves
M42 Cons:
-Sits low (oil pan hits bumps if lowered too much)?
-less hp/tq

M20 Pros:
-More hp/tq
-internals (also forged??)

M20 Cons:
-not balanced as well (more engine protruding over front axle)
-less MPGs
-timing belt
-heavier
-???

Is one "easier" to maintain over the other? I know the S14 was super problematic, but awesome when it was running.

[graphikg]

The second looks repainted.

[Bullwings]

Edited with new list prices. I posted up old adds.

The first one (4door 318i) is going for $2200

And the second 325i is going for $3200.

The third one still has the same price (to my most current knowledge/search).

[stamar]

the only one that is close is the first one. the other two are way overpriced.

I wouldnt even bother to look at the third one.

I would like to get the first one for 1500$. Id email him saying thats the bottom line, can i check it out and then but in a lowball bid.

Dont even fool yourself, there is not a big market for spending 2 3 4k dollars on cars from the 80s. theres at least 10 cars per buyer in that market.

I have an m20 and I love the power but i hate the gas mileage. now the m42 robs peter to pay paul...not enough power for good gas mileage.

I think all things considered the m42 e30 should be more expensive than the m20 one.

All things arent equal the 2nd one is the nicest car but its more like 1000 off not 500 off.