Which E30 to choose? Year and Model besides an M3

[WRX2M3]

Which car should I be looking for? I'm looking for a car to tear up the backroads with, and eventually going to the track. Which year is the best year and what model should I be looking at? Thanks for your advice! Also what price range and mileage should I look at? Along with what pieces need to be replaced?

[Sean]

I'd say the most ideal years are 1988 and 1989. ;)

Why?

No stupid airbag, still pretty light, and plastic bumpers.

I'd say go for a 325is, that seems to be the best overall. 8)

Also, look for something around the 150,000 - 180,000 mile range. But, frankly, I say, go for a car that seems right and straight. The engine can always be worked on and stuff.

[Jb325is]

I'd say 89-90 325is. The '88 still has aluminum bumpers, but plastic bumpers are a straight bolt on.

[Stu]

The '91 318is is the most desireable non-M E30.

If you're looking for more straight line, the 325i has more balls. If you want a 325i, try to get an '89 or '90 iS model.

[Mystikal]

1989 325is. Ellips, fold-out rear windows, plastic bumpers, no air-bag (for you US suckers).

1991 325i w/sport package is sweet too, the sideskirts are original.

[Low Level E30]

The '91 318is is the most desireable non-M E30.

According to who?

Consider that an opinion - not a fact.

Tell us what else you're gonna do with the car. Will it be a daily driver? Are you willing to strip it? Do you want more modern amenities, like airbags?

[WRX2M3]

I'm looking for something that I will enjoy driving everyday. So therefore I think stripping the car is out of the question. I want a car that I will be proud to own, and I want it to be fun. Airbags I think could help with insurance right? And also what should I look for when buying various models?

[Digitalwave]

1989 325iS.

[Jordan]

IMO the 89 325iS is the best all around optioned out e30 to go with.

None of the gay shit that came later, all of the gay shit from earlier gone, and all the best shit at the time already installed.

[Mystikal]

None of the gay shit that came later, all of the gay shit from earlier gone, and all the best shit at the time already installed.

That's some serious shit. :shock:

[WRX2M3]

None of the gay shit that came later, all of the gay shit from earlier gone, and all the best shit at the time already installed.

That's some serious shit. :shock:

hahah, Thanks for your help guys. What does the 89 have to offer that other years did not?

[Low Level E30]

I agree - '89 325is --- manual gearbox, for sure. Shifting is FUN :D

I don't know whether or not '89 325is's were equipped with a limited-slip diff -- but if you can get an LSD, do it.

[Nick325is]

Stick with the 89 325is. It has ellipsoids and the non air bag wheel. It is also slightly lighter than the 1990 model. The 1989 model also has plastic bumpers.



Nick

[Mystikal]

hahah, Thanks for your help guys. What does the 89 have to offer that other years did not?

See my post up there. It had the better headlights which came on 88-89, it had the venting rear windows, it had the much better looking plastic, smaller bumpers, and it is missing the huge air bag steering wheel of later cars.

[WRX2M3]

Stick with the 89 325is. It has ellipsoids and the non air bag wheel. It is also slightly lighter than the 1990 model. The 1989 model also has plastic bumpers.



Nick

What are my options in regards to headlights? I want something that will light the roads like day without adding additional fogs. I just want to use the stock looking setup and have the road light up. Also if I am going to track this car along with drive it daily what are some essentials?