Help this noobie!

[ILoveMPower]

Hey all I am new here from DTMpower. I have loved BMW all of my life, my father owning several up to his newest toy, the '91 M5. I've just really started to get a thing for E30's... and I was wondering if somebody could really help me out and describe which models have which engines and whatnot. I really don't know what to look for other than an M3. So please, tell me what kind of beaut bimmer I should be searching for to start modding!

Thanks,
Jeremy

[e30bimmerdude]

Well first off what kind of budget do you have? Secondly there are a few different model e30's

325e: 2.7 liter with 121hp/170ft
325i/ic/is/ix: 2.5 liter 168hp/ and site i got it from said 180ft which i think it wrong :?:

If you are looking to mod a BMW go with the 325i platform which is the 2.5, it is a better starting point and all around a cleaner care without the diving boards found on the eta...which i have but they are tucked :D, The eta is tourqy and fun around town, but for the open road or racing app..the 2.5 revs higher to i believe 6800, as where the eta is stuck at 5300 and thats with a chip.... so if i were to buy another e30 it would be a 325i simply because it is a better platform..But i can say that i love my car to death and am planning a M52 swap in the future :twisted: so that might help yah out..

[Grant]

First of all, welcome!

I'm sure I will get all of the ETA owners to yell at me and the 318's will, as well, but for the money, the 325i, 325is (or 325ix if you're brave) is the way to go for your money (unless of course you have the cash for the M3. They have the 2.5 liter inline 6cyl M20 engine that puts out 168hp. They're fun cars. For daily drivers if you want the car but not quite so much power, the 318is is nice and you would save a little money.

What exactly are you looking to do with the car?

[hamann318is]

Show those punk 325 kids who's boss, get yer self a 318is. ;)

[ILoveMPower]

I'm just looking for a good (clean) looking RWD E30 with some bawls. An M3 would be the dream (preferably alpine white to match father's m5) but any of those 2.5L's sound enticing. Just curious as to which of them have the good looking plastic bumpers (i.e. non-diving-boards). Thanks

[hamann318is]

I'm just looking for a good (clena) looking RWD e30 with some bawls. An M3 would be the dream (preferably alpine white to match father's m5) but any of those 2.5L sound enticing. Just curious as to which have the good looking plastic bumpers (i.e. non-diving-boards). Thanks

Anything model year 88 and up has plastic bumpers. You can swap those bumpers directly onto 87 cars.

[ILoveMPower]

Also what is the model designation difference between "is" and "i" ??

[Grant]

Also what is the model designation difference between "is" and "i" ??

IS is available in 2-door only, gives you Recaro sport seats, a bit sportier suspension, front and rear spoiler, and on board computer. Anything else anyone?

[Jand3rson]

Anything model year 88 and up has plastic bumpers. You can swap those bumpers directly onto 87 cars.

Only a direct swap onto 88 cars. :D

[hamann318is]

Anything model year 88 and up has plastic bumpers. You can swap those bumpers directly onto 87 cars.

Only a direct swap onto 88 cars. :D

Oh duh, I was thinking of the 325is I'd like to own. ;)

[peteM3power]

Show those punk 325 kids who's boss, get yer self a 318is. ;)

Can't go wrong there! The 318iS are a blast to drive, they handle well, don't drink much fuel, have cool factory features like shadowline window trim and just all round a really fun car for the money!

Get one if you can! I highly reccomend it (even if I am a bit biased)!

Pete :D

[mjc85]

Yeh stuff those heavy slug 325i things :P go for a 318is. Much more fun and cheaper to run as well :)

325i's are good but i recommend driving both before making a choice

[James Crivellone]

First of all, welcome!

I'm sure I will get all of the ETA owners to yell at me and the 318's will, as well, but for the money, the 325i, 325is (or 325ix if you're brave) is the way to go for your money (unless of course you have the cash for the M3.

la la la la la la la la la

[tommyboy]

plastic bumps are on 89+, not 88+. Unless you're talking about manufacturing date, not model year.