How is the 318is as a daily ?

[Jean]

So, I've been trying to find a clean e34 m50 5spd car and haven't been successful, so I started looking for a 318is that isn't a basketcase, with a working A/C and wow, are they hard to find or what!?

I have one e30, it's barely streetable because of it's suspension and no a/c. Another problem is my 318i is damn loud too, not the exhaust, but the engine/car is loud to a point that I have to raise my voice to speak to a passenger....thanks to the suspension/engine/tranny bushings.

I haven't driven a nice oemish 318i(s), is it a good choice for a daily driver ? When I got my e30 from what I remember it drove smooth and wasn't as loud, but it was a basketcase with many problems. Now, I feel comfortable working on my e30 and because of that I am looking at another e30 but I keep thinking e34 is probably a better car as a daily ?
Not sure if I should bother looking at out of state cars or just be patient and wait for the right car to show up locally instead .

Are there good example still out there with working A/C, good engine/tranny and body/paint? Is 3k too little for such example , would I realistically be looking at 4-5k examples ?

[Bill-B]

Mine is slow, but still alot of fun. It just has the suspension done(H&R, Bilstein, ST, etc) and exhaust. I like it for DD

[LivingLegend06]

A 318is is a good daily driver, good gas mileage, comfortable, and I think its pretty quiet as far as road noise too.

I was shopping for my current E30 for quite some time and I realized that a decent E30 is going to be about 5k in the Portland area(its always possible to get lucky). My standards for "decent" are extremly high though, I guess some other people would use the word "immaculate".

[JasonC]

What does a e35 look like?

[Jean]

Sorry typo, should say e36 325.

[rede30]

I keep going back and forth between e32 m30 or 318is. right now i am more into the idea of a 318 for a DD. I have so many ideas and plans for it, i even have parts sitting around for it. What are the MPG diff from a m42 and a m50?

[Funkmasta]

I have owned 3 318is', and call on every one that I see. I can't wait for my next one.

They. Rock.

They get GREAT mileage, have enough pep to keep you from going insane, make you smile when you walk up to it, and they look awesome!

They draw attention only from enthusiasts, no negative officer-attention, no one is going to be looking in your windows for stuff to steal, they come with sport seats, and wont depreciate one bit.

The best part? You can get them in EXCELLENT condition for $5k.

The second best part? people leave notes under your windshield wiper, "in case you ever want to sell".

I dig.

The e36 328i/is is also a great commuter car.

[JasonC]

I voted for e36 325is, but only in a 2 door. I haven't drove any of the cars listed but i've been seeing some nice looking e36's. Plus you allready have a e30.

[Funkmasta]

M50 E34 and M42 E36 really really suck.

[Il Duce]

M50 E34 and M42 E36 really really suck.

yes. hard too.

[Teaguer]

I don't share the same opinion of the two clowns above me .

I'd say of the cars you listed the E34 M50 is the best daily , hands down .

Jean you should not put so much weight into just looking for a manual version though .
Auto E34 525's are all over and there are a bunch of really clean examples out there .
I find that for a true daily an auto is better/easier/friendlier anyway .

[craig4ie]

I am VERY happy with my stock 318is for a DD.

[Funkmasta]

I don't share the same opinion of the two clowns above me .

I'd say of the cars you listed the E34 M50 is the best daily , hands down .

Jean you should not put so much weight into just looking for a manual version though .
Auto E34 525's are all over and there are a bunch of really clean examples out there .
I find that for a true daily an auto is better/easier/friendlier anyway .

A 535 maybe, but a 525? ??

[Teaguer]

A 535 maybe, but a 525? ??

Hells yes . As a regular daily the M50 beats the M30 in all areas except torque .

I've never seen the desireablility of an old M30 powered E34 but on the other hand I've owned a few M50 versions .

[windnsea00]

I personally find an E36 nicer from purely a DD standpoint.