Looking to buy E30 318

[vwzach]

Are there any comon problems that I should look out for?

Are there any model years that are better than others?

Does anyone in the Seattle area have a 2 door 318 they are looking to unload?

[2whitebimmers]

The best advice I can give you is "dont". Unless its an "is" from 90 or 89 model years, dont bother- spend the extra thousand on a bigger motor and better car. I have an '84 318i and its unbelievably slow, is plagued with electrical problems and wont run half the time. The "is" modle is a good car and not nearly as slow as the old model and also looks better with the late style plastic bumpers. Thats about the best advice you'll get- if you do go for a 318 though, I'd be glad to help with any problems you have (I know the car like the back of my hand).
Good luck with your search,
-Graham

[Wayne 962]

Hmm, I might have to disagree. The early 318s seem to run and run and run forever, without some of the problems associated with the six cylinder cars. The 4-cylinder motors are extremely reliable, and can usually last 250,000 miles or more.

Granted, the sixes are only slightly more, but in the long run, I think that they require a bit more maintenance...

-Wayne

[ursus]

Before buying my wife her 318i I asked several BMW mechanics which model to buy, they unanimously agreed that the 318is are more reliable requiring less maintenance. The head gaskets go at about 150000km. I would also suggest you try to get a car with all the maintenance records.

[Wayne 962]

Yes, the standard rules of buying a new car apply. Some of these cars are originally owned, and have good records, and excellent history...

-Wayne

[Jeff at WallWerks]

hi there:

One other car that might really be a good alternative to a 318 is the 325e. I live in phoenix and they are selling for about 500 dollars more than a 318. As the owner of two e30's with 6cyl
engines and an older 320i (with the 318 motor) I havent noticed
any more grief with the 6. Most people I have talked to say the six needs a valve job around 150k, but the bottom ends are good for 350.

The one area where the e30 6 is less reliable is the timing belt, which has to be replaced religiously at 50k intervals. the 4cyl has a chain, but the chain and tensioner should really be done about every 125k, so its a toss up there.

The 4 cyl has more primitive injection, and is much more pokey.

The 325e is a good compromise. Lots of torque and if you stumble on a 325es, it even has the cool sport seats, spoilers
and better suspension. Check it out.

I do agree with Graham, the 318 is is a very cool car. It has the sport interior, upgraded suspension and current motronic injection, so you can add a chip, exhaust, etc later for even more performance (if that is important to you)

good luck

jeff