Assistance in picking an E30.

[Mr_Tripp]

Dear R3v,
I currently have an e34 that I was very excited about it because it was BMW, I was a second owner and it was going to my project, but now as the problems continue to stack up, I realize that this car cannot be my project and my daily driver at the same time, so I'm retiring it to the garage to begin the work it really needs but in the meantime I'm looking to pick up e30 for daily driving purposes. The only thing I asked that it be is two door (non-vert) and 5-speed. I will be using it to drive 60 miles to work and home daily. I am not asking that you do the search for me I am just asking help for things that I should watch out for such as certain years that have lots of problems, whether I should go with a 4-cylinder or 6-cylinder and thinks like that? Any knowledge you spare will be much appreciated. :D

[Stanley Rockafella]

Dear R3v,
but now as the problems continue to stack up, I realize that this car cannot be my project and my daily driver at the same time, so I'm retiring it to the garage to begin the work it really needs but in the meantime I'm looking to pick up e30 for daily driving purposes.

so your gonna park your project car that has issues (the e34) to purchase an older bmw that obviously has it's own issues? and use that as a daily driver?

if you ask me, that's just asking for more headaches, but that's just me

[Mr_Tripp]

There are a few reasons I'm picking any e30 1) It happens to be a masterpiece of a car 2) Is I don't have a lot of money to a lot for this and 3) From what I hear and see on this forum when proper maintenance is done they can be great and reliable cars.

[Bimmerguy91]

The M20 (6 cylinder) and the M42 (4 cylinder) are respectively great motors. Either one would be a good choice. Just depends on how much power you're wanting. If I had my choice of a E30 it would be either a 91 325is or 318is. IMO they look the best and were obviously the most modern of all the E30's (except maybe the M3)

[e30runner]

My two cents- If your looking for a commute car then the 318i/is will be a great choice since they are very fuel efficient. Depending on your preference, some people like the 88's and up because you can have the plastic bumpers where as everything before had the metal diving board bumpers. The 87-91 325i/is is more fun to drive in my opinion because you dont feel like your holding up traffic sometimes trying to get up to speed. Each e30 that you find will be in a different condition and therefore hard to specifically diagnose potential problems. http://www.rtsauto.com/e30-bmw-buyin...d-from-german/ is a great source.
-whats your budget?
-plans for the car?
-mechanic skill level 1-10? (1 is changing a tire and 10 is rebuilding an engine)

[e30runner]

There are a few reasons I'm picking any e30 1) It happens to be a masterpiece of a car 2) Is I don't have a lot of money to a lot for this and 3) From what I hear and see on this forum when proper maintenance is done they can be great and reliable cars.

So you dont have a lot of money but you want 1) an e30 with no problems at a bargain price 2) an e30 with issues that need money to resolve them?

[Mr_Tripp]

-whats your budget?
-plans for the car?
-mechanic skill level 1-10? (1 is changing a tire and 10 is rebuilding an engine)

Budget- 2k
Plans- DDing eventually(2-3 years) turn it in to something nice
Mechanic skill-|5-6| (not a master but I certainly know how to figure things out)

Also I'm not looking for something with no problems, just no mechanical problems the paint could be screwed or it be missing bumpers. I just want a mechanically stable e30

[CorvallisBMW]

The M20 (6 cylinder) and the M42 (4 cylinder) are respectively great motors. Either one would be a good choice. Just depends on how much power you're wanting. If I had my choice of a E30 it would be either a 91 325is or 318is. IMO they look the best and were obviously the most modern of all the E30's (except maybe the M3)

This. Or if you don't mind four doors, a 318i (m42)

[Mr_Tripp]

This. Or if you don't mind four doors, a 318i (m42)

4-door isn't bad I just know I'm going to keep this car for a long time so I rather buy correctly the first time.

[ScHpAnKy]

I've had them all but the m3, and the 318is are my favorite e30's (and this is including my 24v)

[GillesBigCowboy]

They are all good, just check underside for rust and try to find one that has had at least some conscientious maintenance... Four doors are nice, but not many have LSD, and i don't think any came with the sport seats, which I love.

[Silverdogz]

If you want something a little sporty try for any is model.

[Vivek]

Just don't get an eta. I'd personally get a late model because I like the styling better. Other than that there's nothing really like "XXX e30 always has Y broken and ZZZ e30 doesn't".

Edit: Well the m42 always has the mess under the intake and the m20 won't. There's a few others like that but it's more important that you inspect the car and feel that its in good condition and has been well maintained.

[stamar]

an e30 has a reliable drivetrain but dont let that get confused with a reliable vehicle. stuff breaks down on an e30 at a remarkable rate it takes constant tinkering. This is not the car for a novice or someone who does not fix their own minor things.

large parts of the interior are made of hardened cardboard. Paint can be scratched off with fingernails....

Electrical guages. Theres toothaches involved. Theres no impending heart attack but constant toothaches.

[Mr_Tripp]

Other than that there's nothing really like "XXX e30 always has Y broken and ZZZ e30 doesn't".

Huh?