Extremely underwhelmed - Are e30's not for me?

[naplesE30]

Its going to depend on what you are looking for in a car. I loved my 318is slicktop, but looking bac, it sucked for highway cruising, and it had 3.73 diff swapped in and it was still buzy as all hell. My e90 is a far better choice for dd duties. However, if its a fun car you are looking for an e30 is def that. The 318is begs to be reved, cant be below 4k and still have fun. It also needs to be in good shape mechanicaly to be appreciated. Bushings, tierods, bearings etc all need to be fresh, and in good order to appreciate the chassis, even then it suffers from a slow steeringg rack that takes time to get used to.E30s are like fine leather shoes, you gotta stick with them to break em in but then youlwill love them.

Also going from in my opinion prob the best six bmw ever produced, to the m42 is a big leap in torque backwards. If you end up getting an m42 you will have a new appreciation for the big six everytime you drive it.

[Brownie hound]

And I thought I was r3v's official chubby chaser. Wanna hook up OP for some man lovin'?

[Kurt V]

The 318is isn't for everyone. Not a lot of torque, but with the revs up, is no highway slouch. It's just a fun, simple, rev happy car. Easy to fling around, park, take on trips. It will hold 4 adults and their luggage, but is happier with two adults with no particular destination in mind. It's the journey. Between my wife and I, along with the 318is, we have a Mini Cooper S, a Porsche Boxster and a Toyota 4Runner. When it comes time to take a trip, the 318is, with 169,000 miles is generally the go to car. It also tends to be my daily driver during the week. As old as it is, it still doesn't squeak or rattle. That in itself is a testament to the build quality.

[Stanley Rockafella]

I was a fan of the driving position until I started driving more newer(e90 chassis) bmw, and realized that they offered a much better driving postion for daily use.

I find this interesting. Anyone else care to elaborate on this statement?

[nando]

I have an E90 - I dunno, I don't find that big of a difference. other than my seats being broken, the steering wheel being the size of a bus, and a rack ratio like a 1970's buick, I'm comfortable in either one.

[Jb325is]

I have had 3 e28's, all 535i's, and I kind of feel the opposite. The e28 feels like a slower, slightly lighter, but less comfortable e34 or a really heavy e30. That said, I drove a 318is expecting a lot and was sorely dissappointed. They are so torqueless and while they do rev, nothing really happens up there either. The m20 feels slightly better, but you really have to be beating on it for it to be fun IMO, the m30 or s50/2/4 swap is what makes the e30 appealing to me.

I'll agree on the driving position, I think the e30 wheel needs a spacer. My e34 m5 driving position was a lot better than the e30 and e39 m5 is worlds better than that.

[Nesset]

If you want something that feels really high quality. Look at a 2002. Nice feeling dash and what not. Center console and seats being my only complaints.

[BLACKCHARM88]

Not to mention the M42 has that wonderful "timing... chain" and no climbing onto the cam

[golde30]

I have an E90 - I dunno, I don't find that big of a difference. other than my seats being broken, the steering wheel being the size of a bus, and a rack ratio like a 1970's buick, I'm comfortable in either one.

Steering wheel tilts and telescopes. I have an msport e90, steering wheel doesn't feel like a bus, and ratio isn't bad for city, maybe there is a big difference between my 05/11 build e90 msport and whatever model you have?

Also you say your seat is broken, I'm sure that doesn't add any driveability value...

[Best_name_available]

Steering wheel tilts and telescopes. I have an msport e90, steering wheel doesn't feel like a bus, and ratio isn't bad for city, maybe there is a big difference between my 05/11 build e90 msport and whatever model you have?

Also you say your seat is broken, I'm sure that doesn't add any driveability value...

I think he was talking about his e30...

[brbahner]

it took a lot of upgrades and mods to make me love my e30. it was a pile when i got it now everything but the trans and dif have been changed serviced or rebuilt, and i love it more than anything iv'e ever driven. i think it takes time along with making the car your own. but if it isn't your cup of tea then don't get one, especially with price averages the way they are.

[naplesE30]

I have a e90 non sport seats which fits me just fine at 6 4' 200lbs. However the 318is was the most comfortable seating car i have ever owned. It fit me flawlessly. Throw in a little lumbar support and i could havemade it my home. I also thought that the clutch in mine was perfect. I remember the first time i drove it i felt like i was in a clown car until i found the adjustment to lower the seat.

I think the e30 is def a car that grows on you over time. You really need to spend time behind the wheel to appreciate them. I went from a 350z to a 318is and it took a while to get used to it, but once you do its hard to walk away from them.

[nando]

Steering wheel tilts and telescopes. I have an msport e90, steering wheel doesn't feel like a bus, and ratio isn't bad for city, maybe there is a big difference between my 05/11 build e90 msport and whatever model you have?

Also you say your seat is broken, I'm sure that doesn't add any driveability value...

Yeah, my E30. My E90 is a 330i zsp, so it's pretty tight. It's just huge compared to an E30. And faster. :p

[golde30]

Makes sense. Was wondering what kinda e90 fit that description...

[dubdub]

As others have said, torque is what you are missing. Americans tend to respond better to cars that have more torque and less HP... in Europe it is the opposite.

Regardless, as others have said, maybe the 318 isn't for you. I had an 1986 es, that had 170 ft lb of torque, plus a chip, plus I swapped out the 2.93 rear differential for a 3.73 differential. It was suuuuuper fun to drive, but topped out at 75ish. That had tons of torque and was really quick! But nothing like an 318.