16 and not being a dumbshit

[jss8422]

OK guys, in contrast to my last forum, I am going to be smart and take some advice from "experienced drivers." I am looking at the 325 series or323 series. I don't want a 318, no matter what you guys say. So can I get some advice on which one to pick? I want it to be an e30 of course, and I want to buy it in a condition where I can take my time on doing exterior work and worry about the engine (if i have to).

[Erick]

there's no such thing as an e30 323i, unless you're tlaking about the euro model which is VERY rare.

And you are still being naive to deny the 318iS like that.

Get an '87 325iS or a '91 318iS.

[jss8422]

Ok my mistake on the 323....not talking about the rare euro model...

[Jarvis]

there's no such thing as an e30 323i, unless you're tlaking about the euro model which is VERY rare.

The E30 323i was the precursor to the 325i in Europe. We didn't get them here, but I checked out an imported '85 323i the other day. They're not that rare.

[hamann318is]

Never knock the M42. I love mine. The 318is is a car that's more than the sum of it's parts. I don't see how 150hp (chipped) in a 2600 lb car isn't fun...

I guess if you don't get one, it means more for me. :D

[jss8422]

Also on the 318is note...How much horse does it have? Is there a 4 door model (just curious)?

[GaryE30]

If you want a BMW for straight line speed then you're getting it for the wrong reason. (Not saying that you are). But seriously, the 318is is a great car to buy as far as price and handling go. If your main concern is having a 4 cylinder then you can just talk to most ofl the people with E30 M3s, because they have 4's too. The purpose of the 318is is to be extremely light and tossable, which is exactly what it is. Being so light, it could most likely defeat a 325is in an autocross. If you're wanting a BMW for handling sake, save yourself the time and money and get the 318is. If you're getting it for some other reason, omit everything I just wrote down. Your choice, and welcome to R3V.

[jss8422]

Well I don't want a car thats to light, because apparantly being 16 means im gonna wreck it no matter what. I've heard that bimmers are made mostly of steel, and safety is an issue when u have a mom in general. But i still want a car that has some power to it and that I can have some fun with. two of my friends have e30 m3s and like to race and u know have fun after school, and i wanna be able to keep up...

[bmwannabe]

heh

A. Are you sure your friends have M3's?
B. If they do, have fun trying to keep up with them in any other e30
C. They probably dont have M3's (assuming they are 16)

[Ryan Stewart]

Is it JUST a first car or do you have apserations of racing it?

If you want to race it the 318is is a great car. If you just want a first car get a 325e. The only downside is they have the big bumpers but that might help you in a low speed accident like in a parking lot.

The 325 is nice in that it is optioned out and has a lot of torque so its great to learn how to drive a stick on and FEELS fast. It also gets good gas mileage and is ultra-reliable in general so its great for a person who is only working part-time.

The other plus is since they are not the most sought after one you can get mint ones for dirt cheap. Mine was only a couple grand. That leaves money for customizations and such.

from 84-85 they were only two doors but from 86-87 they were 4 and then the 325es was the sportier modlel with 2-doors.

also, where are you? That might play a role in what might be the better car. It also might corroborate what cars your friends have.

[jss8422]

i swear to god they have m3s. They are a year older though, and one has had a 325i and the other had an old 2002 before hand.

[Erick]

i swear to god they have m3s. They are a year older though, and one has had a 325i and the other had an old 2002 before hand.

And they had those cars for less than a year, and now they drive M3s.

[jss8422]

Ryan I like your thinking on the 325. I am looking at the car for a first car, and not a racing car as you described a 318. I do hope to upgrade it some in the future, but purely for recreation.

[trent]

there's no such thing as an e30 323i, unless you're tlaking about the euro model which is VERY rare.

The E30 323i was the precursor to the 325i in Europe. We didn't get them here, but I checked out an imported '85 323i the other day. They're not that rare.

Well, there are not that many of them around. Grey market cars rule.

[Jarvis]

Well, there are not that many of them around. Grey market cars rule.

I agree, and that's why I was pissed when the one I checked out ended up being too shitty.