Buying used cars and a general hello.

[DEV0 E30]

Finally, I dont really know of any mechanically-inclined friends. I live in CS and my dad's in Houston. Maybe if he understands Im serious about gettin gan e30, he will meet me in whatever town. He's just not an impulse buyer, but with used cars you really can't sit on it.

Regardless, this summer when I intern in houston, I want to suggest that we work on a car. So even if I dont get an e30, maybe ill get some quality car and father-son time with that.

Somebody already beat me to helping you clarify about the plastic bumper E30s. However, it sounds like you're on the right track. A father-son E30 would be fun. Even if you keep your Camry, you can easily have a lot of fun with 8k and a nice but cheaper E30.

Haha no she bought me a 2002. She's cool.

Just get her one with a / after E36. :) That way it's still half E30.

[VacMan]

I actually don't mind the E36, as long as it's a manual M3 coupe. Of course I've never owned one, but I took a hard look at them before I bought my E39.

[JasonC]

i'm 28 and have had 40 vehicles. I think? I've lost count. But it seems that i can't ad any info it what's allready been said.

[jaredmac11]

I'd definitely enjoy checking out your e30. So exciting its black. Im torn between red, white and black. Black cars get really really hot in Texas (really, anywhere conventional laws of thermodynamics exist.), but they look so slick. White is really subtle and can compliment the e30 well, and red... well, red is red.

Im going to talk to my dad today and tell him Im serious about finding a car, see how he goes with it.


And Tim, I understand completely about askign the same ol question again and again to forumers. But this website is such a huge resource, I hope I can get by with what I have given, heh. Dont want to be exiled from the board so early.

Do you guys have any idea where I can go with some general differences between the 318is and 325is besides the general specs? Ive seen those, I just want impressions from drivers. Or perhaps the 318is is popular because the 325is is TOO popular, heh.

[LivingLegend06]

I'd definitely enjoy checking out your e30. So exciting its black. Im torn between red, white and black. Black cars get really really hot in Texas (really, anywhere conventional laws of thermodynamics exist.), but they look so slick. White is really subtle and can compliment the e30 well, and red... well, red is red.

Im going to talk to my dad today and tell him Im serious about finding a car, see how he goes with it.


And Tim, I understand completely about askign the same ol question again and again to forumers. But this website is such a huge resource, I hope I can get by with what I have given, heh. Dont want to be exiled from the board so early.

Do you guys have any idea where I can go with some general differences between the 318is and 325is besides the general specs? Ive seen those, I just want impressions from drivers. Or perhaps the 318is is popular because the 325is is TOO popular, heh.

There are really not that many differences between a 325is and a 318is. obviously the engine is different (dare I say the m42 is more reliable because broken rockers and timing belts are not an issue?), the 318is had shadowline trim, less sound deadening, less power features for the most part and interiors are most likely going to be vinyl instead of leather, but the vinyl does hold up nicely. The 325is will probably have a power sunroof, a cool 13 button OBC and you might get pop out rear windows.

[shiftbmw]

I'd suggest driving a couple examples so that you have some basis for a comparison. Maybe someone on the board will take you for a spin so you can see what a nice one feels like or something.

As for selecting which you want, it really comes down to personal preference. THe 318is has some perks...fuel economy, lighter weight by a little as does the 325is...more torque, smoother, not that perforated vinyl stuff I see in the 318's. I personally prefer the 318is because I find I use the torque more often than the little bit of extra tossability.

[Julien]

What kills US spec 318is is the heavy dual mass fly wheel. Replace that with a flywheel from a 325i, toss in a chip and forget about owning a 325i. I've owned both, well, i've owned 2 318is, 3 325i (325ic, 325i, 325is) and then some 324tds/etc...
My favorite e30 is my current euro spec 318is (single mass light flywheel). It is as bare bones as it gets, no a/c, no power anything, no abs, just motor, 15" bbs and m42 from the facory...
I love it to death. I abuse it and get close to 30mpg.
In other words, don't get an m20, either get a 6 pot car and swap in a newer motor or get a 318is.
Julien

[whiltebeitel]

Hey! I'm in CS as well. If you want to do a pre-purchase inspection with some guys that reslly know thier stuff in Houston, go to MAS just off 249. If you find a car in CS or just want to hang out with some car guys, join TAMSCC, the Texas A&M Sports Car Club.

[jaredmac11]

Hey! I'm in CS as well. If you want to do a pre-purchase inspection with some guys that reslly know thier stuff in Houston, go to MAS just off 249. If you find a car in CS or just want to hang out with some car guys, join TAMSCC, the Texas A&M Sports Car Club.

I was actually interested in TAMSCC, or at least talking with a few of the guys. Perhaps when I got my E30, but yeah, I wanna learn more about cars and I always like chcking out the cars you guys put out in front of Rudder tower. Good stuff.

[jaredmac11]

I'm going in to Houston tomorrow to see the family for the day and Im going to talk with my dad about the car.

If he seems interested Im gonna go look at it. But since this is my first e30... should I just avoid buying it or what? I mean, should I use this as an experience to get to know the e30s and then come back to it if its available or what?

I mean, I can look for rust, sure, I can see if the engine runs decently, as far as I can tell, sure... but how do I know if its the one? Any input in that regard? Should I go in for it being a learning experience or what?

I guess that question is hard to answer, but yeah.