From a miata to a Bmw...

[ssublime]

I need some advice.

I love my Miata but being in college I need something a bit bigger to haul my bicycles, wench, beer ( not pbr of any other piss peer), and more than one person.

So I have been looking into getting a e36 328IS or a 1991 318IS.

Now I love how light and twitchy the Miata handles. Obviously the 318IS would be more similar to my Miata. The only problem is that in NJ every one wants 5k for their rusty 200k mile 318is.

So this brings me to my main question, how sluggish does an e36 handle compared to Miata's or e30's? Is it worth the extra power from the m52?

I have searched and found material saying the e30 is the go to Miata replacement but i just cant find a decent one that I would like to drive.

Thanks for any advice!

[doucy2]

On a college budget you may be better off getting a well sorted e36. e39's are way down in price too right now, and they handle great (I had one during my college years).

If you go the e30 route or just bmw route in general be ready for repairs. Hence why I recommend a lower milage/newer vehicle in your current situation.

[ssublime]

Repairs are no big I had to swap the sub-frame on my Miata...It was educational.

[doucy2]

By repairs I meant $$. If you can find a e30 thats not all rotted and had a decent history for a good price then that would be good. An A4 may not be a bad option in your situation either.

[CabbE30]

Repairs are no big I had to swap the sub-frame on my Miata...It was educational.

Its not the repairs themselves, It's the money for the repairs & if you have the time/place to do them.

Edit: too slow

[ssublime]

http://www.dvatp.com/bmw/e36_long_term_review// This just explained it all to me.
Welp thanks for bringing that to my attention I didn't know it cost so much to keep these cars in good condition! looks like I'll have to do some thinking. Thanks for the help.

[RondoAcapriccio]

well there is quite a bit difference in power between 318is and 328is lol... 328is is the most powerful non m e36. both cars are great.

[lowsodium]

Shipping costs arent all that bad if you buy one from a non-rusty state. Better to spend $700 on shipping than deal with a rusty car.

[slammin.e28]

Buy an e36 M3. They're getting cheap enough to where if you buy any other e36 you should be kicked in the head.

[InuFaye]

Point me to a 1500 dollar running driving e36 m3 plz.

[slammin.e28]

Point me to a 1500 dollar running driving e36 m3 plz.

That was a fluke 'cause you knew someone.

[iamsam]

Hold on a second. Since when are E30s expensive to maintain?? Do you guys all take them to the dealer for everything? My 318is has been one of the cheapest cars I have owned, and utterly reliable. Of course, I have had to do a lot of repairs to it, but none of it was expensive at all!

[Vivek]

Hold on a second. Since when are E30s expensive to maintain?? Do you guys all take them to the dealer for everything? My 318is has been one of the cheapest cars I have owned, and utterly reliable. Of course, I have had to do a lot of repairs to it, but none of it was expensive at all!

+1. Bought mine a year ago this month with zero records. I just looked over everything and made sure that nothing looked like it needed attention. It's been driven basically every day since and I haven't had a single issue. And even if I did, e30 parts are pretty cheap honestly. Even if you blow an m42 it's only 2-300 for another.

[Nick_S]

Hold on a second. Since when are E30s expensive to maintain?? Do you guys all take them to the dealer for everything? My 318is has been one of the cheapest cars I have owned, and utterly reliable. Of course, I have had to do a lot of repairs to it, but none of it was expensive at all!

This. Aside from a few more expensive bits that any car will need (clutch, axles, wheel bearing etc) it's been dirt cheap. Parts readily available and insanely simple to work on.

[evandael]

new guy, you can still get a decent runner for $1500-2000. it probably won't be a late model plastic bumper 325is manual with teh iS lipzors but they're all fun.


and despite what some of these people are saying, they are cheap to maintain, easy to work on, and reliable. between the internet, Bentley manual, a good internet parts supplier, and a decent set of tools there is very little you won't be able to do. just take care of all the little things first and you'll be set to mod once you have more cash.


good luck on your search! i recommend a 4 door 318i if you're set on a 1991, because it'll likely be cheaper than equivalent 2 door and better for hauling things (4 doors = easier access to backseat obviously). but any e30 will be fun and capable enough.