Opinion on these 318i(s) and taking e30 plunge

[Garcia Hotspur]

Hello everyone,

I'm a long timer lurker, but this is my first post. I love BMW. I own a 1971 2002 which I love but which has caused me some grief over the past 10 years (rust issues). I drove it for a while but needed a more reliable car as I entered into university so I bought a 2005 Saab 9-2x, some may know this is basically a Subaru Impreza.

I love this car! It is reliable, comfortable, smooth, handles well, gets good mpg (around 30 because I am a conservative driver), and it has decent power.

But, I keep thinking about, 1990's cars, Bimmers, and RWD. I always liked the e30's but I had heard they can be expensive to properly maintain, and that the mpg wasn't good enough. That was until I found the 318i, and also a thread about a nice bolt on turbo. This seems like a perfect next car! So, I'm considering selling or trading one or both the Saab and 2002.

Sorry about all the background, my main question is this: is the 318i(s) is a good car for a student with decent mechanical ability?

Also, I live in northern cali, and I have these cars (see link v v v) as potential options. I know I have asked a lot, but I am curious which of these cars seems like a better deal or if most of them are over priced. The cars on this forum seem like way better deals, but there aren't that many 318i(s) that appear on here that are close to me. I know this was a long post. Thanks in advance for any help.

http://stockton.craigslist.org/favor...AwLDQ5NjEzMTg3

[roguetoaster]

Hello everyone,

I'm a long timer lurker, but this is my first post. I love BMW. I own a 1971 2002 which I love but which has caused me some grief over the past 10 years (rust issues). I drove it for a while but needed a more reliable car as I entered into university so I bought a 2005 Saab 9-2x, some may know this is basically a Subaru Impreza.

Seems like you have the reliable driver bases covered, so any E30 will be fine as long as it's not your only car.

But, I keep thinking about, 1990's cars, Bimmers, and RWD. I always liked the e30's but I had heard they can be expensive to properly maintain, and that the mpg wasn't good enough. That was until I found the 318i, and also a thread about a nice bolt on turbo. This seems like a perfect next car!

Sorry about all the background, my main question is this: is the 318i(s) is a good car for a student with decent mechanical ability?

They are no more expensive than any other car to maintain. It's all about how much work you have to put in to it from the start. Best bet is to plan to do repairs of larger systems of parts, and not just tackle individual components as they break.

If you want more than 150 horsepower do not buy a 318. While they can be modded just as anything else can be they are not a great base to shoot for more power as you could just buy an M20/M30/M5x and be happier if power is very important to you.

A 318 is a great car for a student or someone with slightly limited wrenching time as they are easy to work on, fairly modern, and do not require constant attention. They also do not have a boatload of power so they facilitate learning RWD easily, and are not as expensive as an M20 car might be to insure as your presumably near 20 year old level.

MPGs are decent in a 318, expect 27-28 overall during your time of ownership. I could go on, but I am totally biased as a 318i was my first E30, the only E30 I have kept, and a gateway to an unhealthy M42 obsession.

Also, I live in northern cali, and I have these cars (see link v v v) as potential options. I know I have asked a lot, but I am curious which of these cars seems like a better deal or if most of them are over priced. The cars on this forum seem like way better deals, but there aren't that many 318i(s) that appear on here that are close to me. I know this was a long post. Thanks in advance for any help.

http://stockton.craigslist.org/favor...AwLDQ5NjEzMTg3

Start with the silver 318i, then the black 318is, the white 318is, and finally the red one in Walnut Creek. Of those the 318i is the best deal, and likely the best car in the long term.

[E30 Wagen]

If mpg is a concern then I recommend you broaden your search to include the early models with an eta engine - averaging mid 20s mpg easy. They are most often cheaper and with routine maintenance will run forever. Simple bolt-ons to free up more power are a full 325i exhaust and a performance chip. Even then you may find the power lacking but I think the torque makes up for it; when it comes to autocrossing or twisty roads I guarantee you won't be having any less fun than the guy in one of those overpriced 318is'. Plus they seem to come in more colors than red, black, silver, white...

[Garcia Hotspur]

thank you so much for the responses so far. I have already learned a lot.

[Codym42]

My '91 318is is my first car. I've been driving it for about 4 years now. I haven't had too many problems with it. The only things that have really left me stranded was a fuel pump and an alternator. The cooling system took a dump too but I managed to make it home that time. The best advice I can give you is to buy a well maintained e30, even if the initial investment is more. Set aside a little money for repairs as well.

For more information on the '91 318i/is and the m42, head over to m42club.com There are some very knowledgeable people over there. Oh, and while the m42 is relatively fuel efficient ( I get around 26-27), keep in mind that you shouldn't run regular gas in it. I have a MarkD chip which requires 93 octane.

[flyboyx]

do you have a mechanically inclinced father with lots of tools to help you work on it?

i pointed my son in the right direction with a 325i.

here is the build thread if you wish to check it out. we started out with a 600.00 car.

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=309300

[She loved E]

Yep you want to wait for the right car. Don't settle for a shitty one & you'll be fine. They're easy to work on & parts are cheap.

Even when buying a good one you'll want to have some cash set aside for maintenance. Cooling systems, suspension bushings etc will crap out on a 25 yo car, as I'm sure you know w/the 2002.

[djmossm42]

I agree the main thing is how well the PO took care of the car and just being prepared to tackle the next thing. They all have quirks and certain things to watch for but if you treat them well they all will reward you. I suggest taking a proactive approach to your maintenance plan. You probably know this with the 2002.

I have a 318ic and love it, it's not blistering fast but it has no problem creating a smile on my face.

Sent from my SGH-T769