Advice on first E30?

[seannymurrs]

I'm in the market for a new(used) vehicle and think an e30 could be fun. It will be our second vehicle and will mainly be used to drive myself to and from work during the week. I'd like to keep the cost around $5,000. Seems that that's pretty doable with the e30's as long as I'm willing to put a little work into the vehicle. What I'm curious about is which e30 I should be focusing on. From what I understand the different between the 318 and 325 is the engine? I've also seen a few "ix" and "is" models. Seems like ix is AWD but not sure what "is" means. Would love some advise on what to keep and eye out for and if there are specific years/models I should either look for or avoid. Thanks in advance to anyone who can help me out.

[Benjamin_Button]

Hate to be that guy. But use the search function. Been discussed to death.

[mkcman17]

Well it's easiest to split into the early or late model category. It used to be that you could hardly give an early model away but the mood has changed and they've gained some popularity. You've generally got four models to choose from (with some exception); early 318 (m10), 325e (early early, early or 88/late), 325i (early or late), and late 318 (m42). Personally, I've never been drawn to the 4cyl models although they have their following. The best 'out of the box' money has been late model 325i/is but they do draw the biggest premium on the market. The primary differences in the 'sport' models are standard LSD, sport seats, etc (to keep it simple). I would avoid the awd models unless you intend to put one to use. With any path you go, the parts are usually affordable and maintenance can be handled with a basic toolset.

[brbahner]

Just to add to what mkman said, if you are looking for a plastic bumper you buy an e30 1988 or newer, if you want a metal bumper you buy an e30 87 or older. IS stands for sport package (Coupe with a lsd, basketweave wheels, sport seats, premium sound, and oil cooler, along with a spoiler, and a front valence, and stiffer suspension im pretty sure) E stands for eta (engine isnt worth anything and is slow as hell unless you swap an i head on it) ES is just a sports coupe eta. of course if your purpose is to save gas that would be what you want. besides that well the starting point is really determined on what you plan to do to it, how much your willing to spend on it and what work you are willing to do yourself.

figured id directly answer your is es eta question atleast. the rest is up to your own reshearch

[hippiester]

The E is more than enough to boot around in the city. I can zip around like an asshole and still get 400+ to a tank. throw in some sport seats and wait for a diff to pop up and you;ll be more than happy.

i have an 87 "e" with sport seats an a z3 3.15 didd and i couldn't be happier

[SSR-125]

Yeah don't buy one is my advice.. Just kidding I own 4, love them. Be careful of rust. Be that weird guy and pull the drivers / passengers side carpet up to check floor pans, spare tire well, under the battery tray, rockers, fenders, sunroof ect. Just overall overlook everything. Good luck!

[dnguyen1963]

just a warning...E30 is classified by the DEA as an addiction substance.

[brbahner]

The E is more than enough to boot around in the city. I can zip around like an asshole and still get 400+ to a tank. throw in some sport seats and wait for a diff to pop up and you;ll be more than happy.

i have an 87 "e" with sport seats an a z3 3.15 didd and i couldn't be happier

DAMN 400+!!! I wish i still felt like an E was fast, im getting around 160 tops in my car now. After you swap you all of a sudden need more power no matter what mod you do. E30s are an addiction, but torch and HP is an even worse downhill spiral that will only end in a turbo 24V and an empty wallet at some point. Plus not being able to r3v past 5k is complete bullshit that kills most the fun in an eta.

[BobombETA]

Watch for rust... battery compartment in the trunk is a common area.

[hippiester]

DAMN 400+!!! I wish i still felt like an E was fast, im getting around 160 tops in my car now. After you swap you all of a sudden need more power no matter what mod you do. E30s are an addiction, but torch and HP is an even worse downhill spiral that will only end in a turbo 24V and an empty wallet at some point. Plus not being able to r3v past 5k is complete bullshit that kills most the fun in an eta.

Lol 400+kms or 240ish miles to he tank

[brbahner]

i knew something was up haha, thats still great gas millage in a 27 year old car.

[mkcman17]

That consumption isn't all that great, you should be able to squeeze closer to 300 miles a tank from an eta without too much effort

[THEhomelessONE]

I say grab a 318is or 318i 4 door m42. Have a vert now with m50 and the 318is seemed faster and funner to drive while getting better mileage. Vert is over 600lbs heavier I think, weight kills. Bought the 318is with 160k, sold it with almost 500k, original clutch, motor, cat, and it would still pass smog with a chip. I'd consistently get over 350 miles per tank, mostly highway. Just make sure to drop the pan and tighten the pickup and pump bolts!