im at a crossroad

[slammin.e28]

Sounds to me like someone is coming up with problems that don't have to be problems.

[e30trooper]

One is worried about maintenance, but is willing to pay 300 per month in insurance . . .
Spend $100 on new parts for your e30 everything , within a year the car will be as solid as it can get.

[Me+SPEED=]

S52 and call it a day.

[emerson.]

Sounds like someone needs an e46

another option, but imo the ugliest bmws ever made.

[emerson.]

nothing was wrong with my setup except for annoying drain leak issues and a proper tune, $$$. I want to stick to na if im keeping the bimmer. less to go wrong less to spend $ on..

[tonerrrr]

Sounds like someone needs an e46

[slammin.e28]

Sounds like someone needs an e46

[F34R]

ive done the turbo game withy m20 and as a dd the maintence sucks. if I go turbo again I want it to be something that had a turbo on it to begin with

Any engine can be converted turbo for daily use and be great. It is the person converting it where you will find the issues. So maybe build a better turbo swap?

[defaultName]

I had the same thing happen to me with my first E30. It stranded me a lot and I got sick of spending money to fix it. Decided I would look for something new.

I sold my E30 and bought a 2003 Mini Cooper S (this was in 2005). I wasn't looking for something faster, just equally fun to drive and still under warranty.

I drove it for 2 years and only put 10,000 kms on it. During that time I was raped by car insurance, maintenance costs, and car payments. I sold it with 20,000 kms on it and in absolutely perfect condition and I still lost over $10,000!

NEVER AGAIN WILL I BUY ANYTHING CLOSE TO A NEW CAR!!! (until I get really old, or win the lottery, or something)

[emerson.]

Buy a Honda and go away.

you never fail to deliver

Turbo M20.

Turbo M50.

Stop fuking whining.

ive done the turbo game withy m20 and as a dd the maintence sucks. if I go turbo again I want it to be something that had a turbo on it to begin with

Buy a really slow car to daily drive so when you drive your E30 it feels faster.

id do that except I cant stand having a slow car. which is my current problem...

lack of space, living in an apt stops me from owning multiple cars

[defaultName]

Buy a really slow car to daily drive so when you drive your E30 it feels faster.

[Threehz]

I don't think any car will be able to replace what your E30 has to offer you. If you're craving more power go for an engine swap. I'm sure that will be more rewarding in every way than buying a new car with a stronger engine.

I think having another car for DD duty (not necessarily new, but reliable) would also take the stress off of opening your E30's world.

Or if you just want something new in your life, keep the E30 as a DD, and find another enthusiast car to build up.

[Emre]

Back in 2003 I figured it was time to stop messing with my E30 and buy a modern car. Picked up a brand-new Evo VIII. Soon modified it with bigger turbo, downpipe, exhaust, injectors, EBC, and custom dyno tune. I was making 360 hp at the wheels. It was fast as hell and had tons of grip.

I enjoyed the car...but something was missing. Then I drove a friend's E28 535is around a local racetrack and I remembered why I loved old BMW's. Took my E30 out of storage (glad I didn't sell it!) and put it back into service. Never looked back.

[willworkfore30s]

My e30 is my "second" or "extra" car but I drive it more than my main car. Whenever I get bored of it, I drive my truck for a day or two. Then get back in the e30 and fall in love with it all over again.

If it is cheaper to swap the e30 then I would do that. It will have much more character than either of those other cars you were looking at.

[einhander]

Turbo M20.

Turbo M50.

Stop fuking whining.