Make the jump (E36->E30)?

[bdi_fc]

I currently drive an E36 Estoril M3 Sedan 5-speed that is an awesome car; however, in light of recent financial constraints, it would be beneficial if I could sell my car and buy something cheaper (cheaper insurance, smaller tires, cheaper parts). Since I've always liked the way the e30 looks, I figure this is the perfect opportunity to enjoy one of Bavaria's greatest.

My car listed on craiglist:
http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/car/165838658.html

After reading a few articles and lurking around here, I figure a 1988-1990 325is is the best bet. I'd eventually like to drop an S50 in the car once I get comfortable.

A few questions:

• Should I make the switch?
• Is the 325is the way to go? Or since I'm probably going to drop another motor in, should I scrounge IS parts from the junkyard to add onto a 325i?
• Why is it so hard to find an e30 for sale in Southern California that isn't convertible?

Any opinions or suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

[czag13]

Make the switch, you won't be dissapointed. As for finding a non-vert in southern cali, good luck with that. It took me months before I found mine, most 88+ non-verts will appear FS and within three days be gone. Just keep an eye out and when you find something, jump on it quickly.

[Rennsport]

It will be a great drop in power, but the e30 are still a ton of fun. Plus if you are planning on dropping a s50 in you will be really happy you made the switch, plenty of power in very light car.

[bdi_fc]

It will be a great drop in power, but the e30 are still a ton of fun. Plus if you are planning on dropping a s50 in you will be really happy you made the switch, plenty of power in very light car.

Would you recommend a 325i or 325is? How hard is it to change/find the parts out to equate the two?

[BimmerToad]

If you're going with the swap, get a 318is. They're lighter and easier to find than a clean 325is (when I at least looked).

[asubimmer]

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=69516 there you go

[MikeK]

if you are going with an engine swap, i would buy a clean eta since they are usually much cheaper and less desired compared to the 'IS' or 'I'.

[Erick]

if you are going with an engine swap, i would buy a clean eta since they are usually much cheaper and less desired compared to the 'IS' or 'I'.

Agreed. Itll save you gas too and you can basically rape those engines and they still keep going (not very fast because they lack power.... but going nonetheless).

And I was under the impression that the 318iS is lighter because of the motor weight?? (No sunroof option aside)

[czag13]

the biggest difference is going to be the lsd that you'll get with the is. All the other minor differences are listed here:

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=61323&highlight=325i+325is

But yea, if your lookin at an engine swap, you'll be better off finding a 318.

[asubimmer]

And I was under the impression that the 318iS is lighter because of the motor weight?? (No sunroof option aside)

smaller tranny, and diff, along w/ other things

[MikeK]

oh and another thing... clean e30s are becoming SUPER rare, so u may have to shop out of state if ur serious

[bdi_fc]

oh and another thing... clean e30s are becoming SUPER rare, so u may have to shop out of state if ur serious

I'm starting to think I might have to. Once I sell the e36 M then I'll start the hunt. Right now I'm just window shopping.

The only concern I have with buying a 318 or eta is that I won't all the little extras that an 325is would have that are a pain to swap or find.

I appreciate all the feedback and suggestions--keep them coming!

[AdironRider]

It is definately getting harder and harder to find a clean e30. It took a few months plus some serious travel to find mine.

What extras are you talking about? 13 button OBS is ok, but I can live without it. The premium stereo sucks balls so dont worry about that either. Cruise control is the only thing that my 318is doesnt have that I miss.

[rede30]

Where in cali are you, i have a car for sale. Sounds like you have a nice car but the e30's are hella fun and with a s50 you wont miss the power loss.

[MikeK]

I'm starting to think I might have to. Once I sell the e36 M then I'll start the hunt. Right now I'm just window shopping.

The only concern I have with buying a 318 or eta is that I won't all the little extras that an 325is would have that are a pain to swap or find.

I appreciate all the feedback and suggestions--keep them coming!

hmm i see.. well if cost isnt an issue in buying an e30, then i say saddle up and get an 'IS'