Extremely underwhelmed - Are e30's not for me?

[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?

[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.

[Brownie hound]

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

[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.

[golde30]

If u don't like the driving position, then no model e30 is going to feel rite. 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 still love my e30, but its a garage queen/toy to best on, stuff like driving position no longer matter in this situation.

[lukeADE335i]

This could be the answer to your question. I love mine :)

As previously mentioned - a properly maintained e30 with new bushings and suspension is a pretty solid drive - one with shagged shocks and crappy bushings will feel very old and loose.

Either of the 4 cylinder models (318i or iS) have basically no sound deadening in them either vs. the 325i.

Early models seem to have more chassis flex than later models.

Remember that the e28 was substantially more expensive than the e30. e34s feel much more solid than both e28s & e30s - but they were also substantially more expensive new.

[G-Man the Visionary]

Why not look for an e30 with an m30?

[shameson]

I wouldn't judge e30's as whole just based on an experience driving one car. Each car can feel drastically different from one another based on what's been done it to. I love driving my 318, even just cruising. I've also done a lot of work and maintenance on the suspension and motor to get it there, so you just have to find one that's been done to your liking maybe.

Then again its not the car for everybody so maybe you'd prefer another e28 like a 535is or an e24.

[bastianshaw]

the m30 is a better engine and frankly IMHO the e28 is a better all around chassis for DD you prob want a e34

[Stanley Rockafella]

since the OP is accustomed to the inline 6, I'd agree that the 4 cyl is not for him. That's probably why he never drove it as hard.

IMHO take a WELL MAINTAINED AND STOCK 325i(s) for a proper test drive. It'll make you re-think the e30

Also, I'd skip that second e30 in your first post. Something seems fishy about that seller and his feedback from those who were interested in the car previously.

[cwatt]

Much of the cult e30 following is the nostalgic driving experience these cars deliver. An almost equal proportion loves them for the plethora of possibilities. Each person is chasing their version of the 'ideal' e30, and the ease for which these 'lego' cars offer supports that. They're like the blank white Vans of the automotive world. Make of them what you want and look classic doing it.

Perhaps give some thought to what your vision of the car is and work toward that. Is it powerful? Maybe an engine swap is in your future. Do you want it to handle like it's on rails? Suspension and wheels are on the list.

Re: interior build quality... as already pointed out, these are old cars. Standards have improved, but trust when I say a worn out e30 feels terrible. Fresh fluids, bushings, filters, and normal maintenance and wear items and you'll experience the difference.

[DrJosh]

I enjoy my 325is every time I drive it. I have put a couple hundred miles on it this weekend through rain, snow, and dry weather. I have a few other cars, but the E30 is by far my favorite.

[reelizmpro]

You went from a 3.5L big six in a 5 series to a 1.8L 4 cylinder bare bones 3 series. They are very different cars. It takes some seat time to understand what the car is about. What you despise about it is exactly why some people like the 318iS. It's a lightweight, fun car. If you don't like it, try the 325iS and go from there.

[word is bond]

How healthy was the car you drove? I love my 318is, but my M42 is pretty low mileage, and has no a/c or the dual mass flywheel that comes with that. It's fun, but only cos I drive it like I stole it, and feel confident keeping the revs up. If you're looking for torquey straight line speed, there's nothing really there, but if you want a momentum car for backroads and canyons, it's a great choice.
I would try to drive another example if possible. Given the age of these cars, I'd argue that individual cars can all drive remarkably differently from eachother.

[325isdan]

You are looking at 20 year old cars here. they are going to feel cheap until you replace/upgrade the suspension components. A 318 needs to be reved to be in the fun zone.