First Car, 318is or 325i?

[Bennycappa]

Hi there, I've recently been allowed to spend some money (around 4-5k) to buy my first car and use on my L's and eventually full license here in Aus. (16 yo)
Definitely want an e30 but am stuck between a 1990 318is, 89' 325i or 325i 87' model with the Euro bumper.
Any help, advice or tips would be greatly appreciated! :)

[dnguyen1963]

318is is making a comeback lately. You should test drive both to see which one you like better. I would prefer the '89 325i over the '87. It's all personal preference.

[GillesBigCowboy]

More important is picking one that has been well maintained, and most important is getting the third pedal!
But if all else was equal, I would pick the m20.

[Stanley Rockafella]

540i

you can thank me later

[aintnothang]

Is the 318is cheaper to insure?

[nando]

either would be fine. M42 might be better for a new driver since it has less power. I doubt insurance is much different. a modern scooter comes with more power than an M42.

[mr2peak]

You're in Australia, get a Ute.

And a ZXR250 for you riders license. I would kill for one of those. 40hp @19k rpm out of a 4 cylinder 250. Crazy cool.

[Bennycappa]

Thanks for help, definitely going to test some out first

[Bennycappa]

540i

you can thank me later

540 is v8 which p-plate cant drive here :(

[HennaE30]

540 is v8 which p-plate cant drive here :(

535i

It'd depend on what you'll be doing with it. Personally 325i all the way.

[Ether-D]

M42 might be better for a new driver since it has less power.

I think when my kids start driving, I'll put them in m42's first. I got my first e30 (m20) when I was 22 in 1999 and I hit shit and spun it constantly.

[totheredline]

318is is a great car to learn what rear wheel drive is about. you really cant go wrong with either though

[ttrousdell]

Not knowing price and condition, I would go with the 89 but im just partial to plastic bumpers and m20. All are good cars so really i would pick the car with the best maintenance history, condition, and price.

[Farbin Kaiber]

318iS.

[C.Lanph]

Just depends on your preference. 318is is a great car for cruising, great gas mileage because of the 4-banger, all around great car. 325is is little faster so like I said its all about preference. If you go the 325 route definitely get a late model (88-92) they look way better because of the plastic bumpers. You can't go wrong with either though bother are fantastic cars. Good luck finding one!