Older e30/36 reliability

[m73m95]

So, I need a second car to offset the reliability of my Porsche 944 I currently DD (Which has actually been unbelievably reliable) :D

I'd like to get a late 80's - mid-90's e30/36. Wagon if I can find it.

Are they reliable enough to not have to worry about having 2 broken down German cars in my driveway? Any common issues I need to look at having been serviced, or service myself (Timing belts, water pumps, etc)?

Thanks!

[Todd Black 88]

E30/e36 wagons were never officially imported, so if you find one you will pay $$

[Fleksta]

If you want an older wagon, check out an e34 touring.

[z31maniac]

THey are plenty reliable if you will actually do a bit of preventative maintenance.

[Wschnitz]

+1 on E34 touring. Easier to find, cheaper, bigger.

[slammin.e28]

Only problem with the e34 wagon if is you're a die hard Hofmeister guy.

[m73m95]

E30/e36 wagons were never officially imported, so if you find one you will pay $$

Really? I thought I had found a few, but maybe they were newer than e36?

THey are plenty reliable if you will actually do a bit of preventative maintenance.

I'm fine with normal maintenance. What I'm trying to stay away from is the *ahem* German random failures. The 80's Porsche's have issues that can be frustrating at inopportune times. I don't know much about BMW's...so I'm asking you if they have the same problems?

My 944 has been crazy reliable. I've put nearly 100,000 miles on it in 4 years. Driven through every state west of the Divide, and its never once left me walking. However, its something I always think about. I feel like I'm on borrowed time. I want another car for "just in case".

[blefevre]

A 944 is one of the most unreliable cheap German cars you can buy.

An E30 and E36 are reliable in the way that they won't leave you stranded. However, you will have to slowly replace all of the fun rubber parts.

[redsubdivisions]

E30. Google "top 10 cars that refuse to die". It's on the list. When I purchased my E30, I didn't realize how well this car has been to me. over 200k strong and she has never let me down. I plan on doing a roadtrip in the next few years from Florida to California. Yes, it's ballsy but members on here have done it (and some multiple times!).

[redsubdivisions]

A 944 is one of the most unreliable cheap German cars you can buy.

An E30 and E36 are reliable in the way that they won't leave you stranded. However, you will have to slowly replace all of the fun rubber parts.

Very true on both parts.

I have a customer that has a nice clean 944, but he is always replacing shit in it. Not to mention when someone brings one to our dealership, the techs are basically playing rock paper scissors to see who has to deal with it. lol

[gp.plus]

Only problem with the e34 wagon if is you're a die hard Hofmeister guy.

I never noticed that, or lack thereof I should say.

[VANOS714]

a 944 is one of the most unreliable cheap german cars you can buy.

An e30 and e36 are reliable in the way that they won't leave you stranded. However, you will have to slowly replace all of the fun rubber parts.

:d

[slammin.e28]

I never noticed that, or lack thereof I should say.

Z3 coupes lack it too. ;)

[evandael]

my opinions on the matter:

want a comfy DD with a/c? go e36 328is
want a reliable, efficient DD? go e30 325e
want a wagon? go e34 525it

like any car, preventative maintenance is a must, be you know that. these cars are easy and cheap to work on (especially if you don't get the itch to modify.. lol).

e36's are far superior highway cruising cars, quieter, safer, better a/c, more efficient. but they have all manner of interior trim issues, weak rear subframe mounts, VANOS/waterpump issues on the M5x motors, and frankly some look great but many look frumpy. spending more money upfront for a good example is a must with e36's. read all you need here

e30's are more raw, louder, less efficient, but a lot simpler and some have a fair amount of technology and driver comforts packed into them for the era (cruise control, on board computers, power sunroof and windows). 2.7eta motors are stout and return great mileage at the expense of balls-out power (really only attainable with an engine build, turbo, or swap.. or all three!). the driving feel is unmatched. the best option, IMO, is a 1988 325 sedan with the 2.7 'super eta' motor, but all e30's are easy to wrench on and affordable and look great too with the right touches. plus you have us! (dawhhhh)

i don't know shit about e34's, save that they're like a bigger, comfier e30.

[m73m95]

A 944 is one of the most unreliable cheap German cars you can buy.

An E30 and E36 are reliable in the way that they won't leave you stranded. However, you will have to slowly replace all of the fun rubber parts.

Very true on both parts.

I have a customer that has a nice clean 944, but he is always replacing shit in it. Not to mention when someone brings one to our dealership, the techs are basically playing rock paper scissors to see who has to deal with it. lol

See my above post. My 944 has been an excellent car.... Though, one that hasn't been looked after is a complete nightmare.

I changed mine to run on e85. I get 20mpg on fuel that costs $3.30/gal. Its never had a major issue since I've owned it. Though, I do have to maintain it.

my opinions on the matter:

want a comfy DD with a/c? go e36 328is
want a reliable, efficient DD? go e30 325e
want a wagon? go e34 525it

like any car, preventative maintenance is a must, be you know that. these cars are easy and cheap to work on (especially if you don't get the itch to modify.. lol).

e36's are far superior highway cruising cars, quieter, safer, better a/c, more efficient. but they have all manner of interior trim issues, weak rear subframe mounts, VANOS/waterpump issues on the M5x motors, and frankly some look great but many look frumpy. spending more money upfront for a good example is a must with e36's. read all you need here

e30's are more raw, louder, less efficient, but a lot simpler and some have a fair amount of technology and driver comforts packed into them for the era (cruise control, on board computers, power sunroof and windows). 2.7eta motors are stout and return great mileage at the expense of balls-out power (really only attainable with an engine build, turbo, or swap.. or all three!). the driving feel is unmatched. the best option, IMO, is a 1988 325 sedan with the 2.7 'super eta' motor, but all e30's are easy to wrench on and affordable and look great too with the right touches. plus you have us! (dawhhhh)

i don't know shit about e34's, save that they're like a bigger, comfier e30.

Awesome, just what I was looking for.

Thanks!