From a miata to a Bmw...

[mikeedler]

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.

Some of that stuff is true, but I think that is alot of OVEREXAGERATED replacement in there.

[herbivor]

Problem solved. You're welcome.

[Vivek]

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.

This is amazingly far from the truth. Honestly that link is insane. It's like he's paying super high rates for everything he can find. $800 for OE dampers? Koni's are not only better, they're cheaper, and have a lifetime warrantee. Everything that I see him listing is just nuts. Who pays over $2500 for new cats?? He claims he spent $4700 on only the front suspension. Im not sure how you even manage to do that.

[graveshaker]

This is amazingly far from the truth. Honestly that link is insane. It's like he's paying super high rates for everything he can find. $800 for OE dampers? Koni's are not only better, they're cheaper, and have a lifetime warrantee. Everything that I see him listing is just nuts. Who pays over $2500 for new cats?? He claims he spent $4700 on only the front suspension. Im not sure how you even manage to do that.

Sorry to thread jack, do you have a link to pics of your car? I always stare at your sig and try to figure out the type of wheels you're running. Not a vert fan but yours look sweet.

[Herr Faust Schinken]

Some of that stuff is true, but I think that is alot of OVEREXAGERATED replacement in there.

yeah the last time i checked spark plugs aren't 100 bucks for 6 of them too

[325ix]

BMW E30s and E36s are not bad at all for maintenance. Are they Honda cheap? No but, as far as European cars or really and car they aren't bad. Parts do generally have to be ordered online or from a dealer though. They aren't quite as prevalent at general auto parts stores.

[future rs]

after months of daily driving my 91 318is it's been nothing but a champ. replaced a brake light switch and some misc. fuses. Brake light switch was in stock at local parts store and cost 12$. For the 91 318is make sure the chain has been serviced and you are golden. I don't know where people get that these are money pits for maintenance.

[UpOn3]

an M42 will be more reliable than an M50, IMHO. Cooling system is weaker, oil pan harder to get to, vanos... plus 2 more cylinders.

I also have a Miata and am looking to have the E30 replace it for a little more practicality. Not sure if I'm ready to let go of the Miata. I'll keep both until I'm sure the M42 E30 is for me.

My E36 doesn't feel anything like a Miata! Get the E30 if you want something close. The E36 feels a bit stiffer and has a longer wheelbase, not to mention at least more 300 lbs. The upside is it's high speed stability and space, though not agility.

[kung fu jesus]

I come from a long-time Miata ownership. I still own one but my wife drives it. I owned my NA for 12 years and sold it last summer. I had an e36 m3 at the same time for a while and am going back to an e30. The M3 was a frustrating experience. For the money I spent on it, I should have just bought a restored e30. I never found the M3 that great of a sporty drive, but engine was fantastic. The interior was garbage, the maintenance was expensive, the electronics were irritating. It was a great high-speed touring car, though. It is a little unfair because the Miata was modified for tracking, but still street legal, so comparing the shifter, agility and cost to maintain is not apples to apples. For your needs, I would stick to an e30 for ease and cost of maintanence. Maybe an e24.

If you want to find a clean e30 on the east coast, you need to be prepared to make a trip down the 95. I think I would look from NC southward. VA cars are iffy, because the closer you get to D.C., the greater the chance it has seen salt in the winter or had a hard life in the North. Flights are cheap out of Philly and NYC, so figure that in, or just iron-butt that trip in the Miata with a friend. If you travel out, always bring the cash with you. It is always more influential to whip out a wad of money than bitch out and offer a deposit to hold it.

[e30trooper]

E30's are cheap and cheap to replace parts.... Only parts that cost a fair amount are plug wire sets and maybe water pumps. Besides that everything else is sub $25.

Shit headgasket, head bolts, thermostat, timing belt kit , plugs , intake gaskets , valve cover total is under $100 if you order from pelicanparts or BMA... I cant see how that cost alot lol.

[ssublime]

I thought that guy was off his rocker. $1200 for a break job seemed just a bit much. I'm leaning towards the e30 just because of how much simpler it is.

Thanks for all the tips on finding one guys. it took my two years to find my miata in jersey. Ill just take my time. thanks for the advice everyone.

[doucy2]

Yea the more time you put into your search the better off you will end up. Hope you find a clean one, gl with your search.