howdy

[big_jesus]

my pal at www.automobileforum.com wibler sent me... hey.

anyhoo,
i wanna get an e30, right?
but i'm torn. between the 318is and 325, mostly (if i could get a good 325is for the price... but i'm a bit strapped...)

i know the m42 is supposed to be bulletproof (as long as you've replaced the profile gasket) and the lighter car it's packed in is very tempting to me...

but then i get really tempted by the 325...
do you think that the m20b25 is really solid? really really solid?

i want dependability/economy most of all, but i'd like pep too... at least in short bursts... and i've found a couple good 318is's, several good looking 325i's
which would YOU choose?


oh, and most of the 325i's for sale are convertables. (not that i'm making that a part of the poll)

BONUS QUESTIONS:
how high mileage should i always turn away from? there's lots of options around 150k.
and how much money should i EXPECT to buy one for? (i don't trust KBB or edmund's) let's say 91 100k 318is -or- 91 100k 325i (or is)?

[bimmerphile]

The 318iS is the "poor man's M3" for a reason. It is very well balanced, and though it doesn't have gobs of power and torque, it is quite fun to drive. Mileage is in the eye of the owner, read: good maintenance: no big deal; shitty maintenance: run.

BMW engines will run forever, or damn close, if they get their regular oil changes and tune-ups.

For your purposes, I'd recommend the 318iS over the 325i.

You're going to end up dropping an S50 in there anyway, so it's not going to matter which you choose, right?

and how much for a 100k 318iS? $4000 is a good price, but $5000 is more realistic.

[Ryan Stewart]

either or. If you ARE gonna swap get whatever just with a ragged motor.

For a full track setup the 318is was the only choice stock available without all the power toys in the US.

I would love to have a 318is.

[OreoGaborio]

"wibler" eh?.... I remember him. Dave (WilberM3 as he was on e3s) isn't around the e30 scene much anymore... spends too much time on his damn jeep instead of his m3.... what a bitchass :roll: . i'm gonna kick him in the nuts next time i see him for neglecting his m3 & you can tell him that.... what a friggin jeep lovin piece of shit that kid is :?

as for your 318iS/325iS debate.... it's long been argued & they both come up neck & neck. the 318iS is tougher to find, so if you find a good one BUY IT.... but if not, you'll be happy w/ a 325i/iS.

what it really comes down to is what you can find & the options that your findings. Sport seats are sweet, especially if you can find em in cloth (grip better & last longer than leather) they own standard seats (like mine :roll: ). other than that you have premium sound (nice, but no biggie) power sunroof (eh, whatever, just makes for more weight upstairs), OBC (just a cool little doo-dad), etc etc etc.

[Super Eta]

if your going to drop an S50 in it get an Eta.

You can pick up a fairly decent one for 2k-2700

[M42Technik]

I got my 318is for $2,750 instead of $3 grand because the owner gave me money to buy new discs and pads since they were old and torn. Rebuilt top engine, new hoses, like new interior.

Paint is oxidized and such, minor crap. I absolutely love this car for its superior handling. I've driven a 325iC, and I can say yea its fun in a straight line, but not as good in the turns. Wonderful cars.

[LikeCDoos]

i say get a decent condition 325is if you can find one. If your planning on hardcore autox then i say get the 318is. I think i'd miss the better acceleration of the 325 is i had a 318, but then again the 318 is just so damn light.

[Rob]

the 318is has plenty of power for autocross I would think.

[SlammedE30]

6 cylinders own me ;) And Ryan(Super Eta, not Stewart) etas don't have pretty bumpers :P
-Ted

[BavarianBimmer]

If you want a track car, go for the 318iS
IMO the DOHC 4banger has a much sporty handling character it's a damn light car and pretty good balanced,
but on the other side of the medal a BMW needs a 6 inline engine (more torque at low revs)

I would say : 100% track driving = a 318iS with mods on the engine
if you want to use you car as a daily driver get an 325iS ;)

[big_jesus]

thanks, guys. a couple of things in light of your responses:

i don't plan on doing an engine swap ANYTIME soon (at least i HOPE not to), and though i want the car for daily driving, i also want a car i can take out to the country and have some fun with. wisconsin is good for twisties, as is michigan.

i'm looking to balance fun with economy.

[LikeCDoos]

thanks, guys. a couple of things in light of your responses:

i don't plan on doing an engine swap ANYTIME soon (at least i HOPE not to), and though i want the car for daily driving, i also want a car i can take out to the country and have some fun with. wisconsin is good for twisties, as is michigan.

i'm looking to balance fun with economy.

with that being said i think you would enjoy a 325is alot more

[OreoGaborio]

wow... no one's said anything about my "pure hatred" towards Wibler/WilberM3 & his jeep.....

just to let you guys know, he's actually a good buddy of mine i went to HS with & i love busting his balls about his jeep.... much love for the kid 8)

[franz]

I was told the 318is gets spanked in Auto-x because it's in a tougher class than the 325is. It is a better auto-x car than the 325is though, strictly speaking.