I Finally Found the One...

[10/10ths]

I had an E36 318i with the same M42...heavier car but still fun to drive.

You could build a FAST autocross E30 318is, take advantage of the better balance and lighter weight, and power doesn't mean much anyway.

Or you could go Formula 1 on your M42 and do this

http://www.metricmechanic.com/images/2_2_Rally_E30.mov

[JamesE30]

Are slick top's really that rare?...

Not that I've ever really thought to look for them, but I've never noticed another before.

Well, Slick top's FTMFW!!!!11eleven




Really nice car mate, Load of potential.


*edit*

No sunroof E30's are very rare...in fact I think they only came here as 318iS cars, so they were only made for one model year.

EDIT: I could be mistaken though, I seem to recall the '84 318 may have had no sunroof as well...I'll let someone chime in.

Mine's an '85 323i. No sunroof.

[einstein57]

the e36 was an extremely low mileage car that i maintained, ex gf. the mileage details are from the gov epa site that reflects the 2008 adjustments for "real driving conditions." I used to average about 30 in my 85 eta and my dad averages about 27 in his chipped 88is and i get 22 city on my is. And how did the i's pick up an extra 100+ pounds over the eta? Again not knocking bugt there are just few people who can utilize what the 318is has to offer on the track. I get better lap times on a 600cc bike than a 750. 7 pound difference but i don't have to worry as much about wheel spin.

[M42Technik]

I speak only of American E30's. Most all had sunroofs to appease the yuppie fanbase of the 1980's.

[ninethree]

NICE car man!
looks immaculate,
how much did you get it for?
Nonsunroof models must be rare, is there a weight savings there?
Seems like THE best platform to start with imo.
and 318 motors can always be swapped out, so who cares.
Finding a rare model e30 that clean is what really counts.


on another note.
well, the fact is, you can use regular in 325's, and you have to use premium in 318's, from a cost standpoint, that overrides any mpg savings you might get.

I am almost afraid to admit what i bought the car at. Because some of you may think i overpaid. After reading these discussions on how a 325i, 325is vs nicer than a 318is makes me question if $2200 was too much. But never the less i do not regret purchasing this car. I spent too much time looking for an e30. i figured i rather just cut the time and just buy it. time is money right? i am happy with what i got yes non sunroof is rare :) dont quote me but i think the sunroof and that mechanism weighs, rails, and etc. about 20 - 40 lbs? I read it somewhere here on this forum.

318is = 2602 lbs
325i = 2811 lbs
325is = 2844 lbs

I don't weigh 200 lbs so i don't make up for the weight for a 325i or 325is.

[Tad]

i'll set your mind at ease right now.
you did NOT pay too much. Not even close man.

318's don't really go for much less than 325's anyways. Largely due to the debate going on in this very thread. Some people prefer one, some the other.

just from the pics ur car looks like it's worth around 3grand.

[LivingLegend06]

It's hard to tell what exactly you have but don't worry, you defiantly didn't overpay. I spent $3500 on mine after ~8 months of searching and I still feel I got a deal on mine.

Lets see some better pictures.

[Court M3]

nice welcome to R3v!

[Febi Guibo]

I have the same car, my previous rides included 6-cyl cars like an MB 280 sport, E46 330i, Vr6 GTi... my M42 is hands down the best handling car I've ever had no contest... it rewards driving skill like no other...

I averaged 34 mpg on a long highway trip (driving like a wuss w/the wife)...

welcome, enjoy!

[einstein57]

That was a steal. I was actually about to get a 91 318i for a dd so that i would not mod it till i was done with school and then do a swap but i came across my car for a grand. But you got a great find.

[ninethree]

I started doing little things for the car today, cleaned out the trunk and found some spare change under the rear seats about $1.00 worth. I need to respray these. I may need to buy a used center console in better shape because mine is torn, along with the busted ashtray. Has anyone wrapped the center console in suede before?


Here's a shot of the engine.

[CleanAzzE30z]

ninethree- I hope to see you someday soon at a meet!!! Theres one this Saturday. I love 318is's. Great buy!!


Mariano

[KBMW222]

ninethree ...your were right clean engine, so you ready to sell those weaves? hahah

[ninethree]

i'm keeping them as spares, i might end up getting some lighter wheels :)

[CAOSyAMOR]

The 4 banger handles much better. Front is lighter. Car is better balanced. I'd buy a 318is over a 325is anytime.

+1