Which E30 to choose? Year and Model besides an M3

[rwh11385]

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

Personally, I definately looked for a 1989 325is. But somehow I couldn't pass up on my 1990. IMO it is pretty easy to change a 90 to have all the good stuff of the '89, be it steering wheel, headlights, or pop-out windows if you so choose.

Hey, my 1990 325is has a non-airbag steering wheel......but i didn't do it. ;) One of these days I'll cop some ellips as well.

You want the 325is, it's great. It is the most popular car on this board, by # of people who drive it. Check out the thread about what we own. http://www.r3vlimited.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=3828

[jweb]

Wait for an '89 325is.

[WRX2M3]

Wait for an '89 325is.

Bummer, looks like I am going to have to wait then. I haven't seen a 89' 325is for sale in my area, hopefully when one does pop up it is a good deal. What is the difference between the 325is and the 325i?

[rwh11385]

Wait for an '89 325is.

Bummer, looks like I am going to have to wait then. I haven't seen a 89' 325is for sale in my area, hopefully when one does pop up it is a good deal. What is the difference between the 325is and the 325i?

enough to wait......

http://abadesco.com/bmwe30cc/news/models.htm

"Any model with an "s" suffix, like the 318is, 325es, and 325is, denotes the sport model which only came in two door form. It can be easily recognized by its front spoiler with integrated foglights, rear decklid spoiler, and 14" BBS cross-spoke "basketweave" rims. It also featured a limited slip differential (optional on the 318is) , bolstered sport seats, thicker swaybars, slightly stiffer shocks and front springs, and 3-spoke sport steering wheel (except '90 on, which used a leather-wrapped airbag wheel). The 325es and 325is came with an on board computer, power sunroof/mirrors/windows, central locking, and premium sound system standard as well. In 1991 there was no official 325is model, although the Sport package with all the aforementioned items was still available. "

[Stu]

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?

It comes with a $600 shadowline kit from the factory.
He wants a lightweight car, 318's are in the 24-2500's.
It has extremely low production numbers compared to the 325; rarity factor.

:idea:

[nando]

I don't think the differences between 89-91 cars really warrant passing up a clean example. US ellipsoids are ugly (though not as bad as sealed beams ;) ), the airbag wheel is no biggie to replace and whatever other nuances don't make any difference in the end. Pick up the cleanest car you can find, and spend maybe $500 on changing things like the headlights and steering wheel.

Also, don't discount the 325i. if your'e serious about tracking it, you'll want to install some racing seats anyway, and the suspension you're going to replace (right??), there aren't really any other differences, except the badge. as far as I'm aware, LSD is not standard on any E30 except the ix and M3, every other car it was optional, including the 325is and 318is. It's pretty easy to verify if the car has LSD or not though (like my friend did with his 318is, did a doughnut with the owner in the back seat )

[e30Matt]

I have to second Stu on this one. The fully shadowlined car is pretty damn sexy, especially if you can find one in either Alpine II or Brillantrot. The 318is is so damn fun to toss around in the curves because of its lower weight, and the M42 can provide a good amount of fun when tuned right.

[Digitalwave]

Tuned right? Mods don't do crap to M42's... see Rob's M42 dyno thread.

[nando]

He wants a lightweight car, 318's are in the 24-2500's.

not stock they aren't.. more like 2600lbs. still light, and very tossable, so it might be a good choice for track use. the M42 just has no torque.

[Low Level E30]

It comes with a $600 shadowline kit from the factory.
He wants a lightweight car, 318's are in the 24-2500's.
It has extremely low production numbers compared to the 325; rarity factor.

:idea:

Shadowline - who cares? Easily replicated or retrofitted.

He made no mention of a lightweight car, anywhere. All E30s are flickable cars, in general.

4-banger E46s are made in lower numbers than 6-cylinder E46s, but that doesn't make 'em rare or any more desirable :roll:

Point is, you may think they're the most desirable non-M E30 - but remember - you drive a 6-cylinder now too ;) -- you forewent the light weight of a 4-banger for more power. Just a reminder...

[Rob]

AJ makes a good point.


However, I spent 8 hours in a 325 yesterday (first time i've gotten that much seat time), and after driving my 318 today, my car feels significantly more nimble than the 325. I was honestly shocked

[NCm42]

AJ makes a good point.


However, I spent 8 hours in a 325 yesterday (first time i've gotten that much seat time), and after driving my 318 today, my car feels significantly more nimble than the 325. I was honestly shocked

I have done the exact same thing before. The 318is is just plain FUN and gets good MPG in the process

[M42Technik]

Tuned right? Mods don't do crap to M42's... see Rob's M42 dyno thread.

Werd. No reason to mod M42's. Get an M50 or S50 if you want power.

[Rob]

with 104whp, my 318is is still faster than my abilities.

[Digitalwave]

with 104whp, my 318is is still faster than my abilities.

As I witnessed at the autocross :P