Where can I find a nice E30 BMW?

[deathpunk dan]

My 95 325is dd just hit 190k this morning. It is the most reliable car I have ever owned and quite DIY friendly.

A good friend of mine has a 91 318is, the rare E30 with the M42 dohc 4 in it. That's a great car and becoming much more desirable as more people discover the virtues it offers vs the m20 powered 6 cyl cars. (timing chain, modern M50 style oil filter, hydraulic lifters, light weight, hi revving four with good fuel economy, generally being the closest thing to a modern 2002tii they offered etc).

Don't be afraid of a good E36 325. Just make sure you set aside some cash and time to do the shocks, rear shock mounts, all bushings, tie rods, and control arms. Makes a massive difference with even the most well-cared-for examples.

[turbo6bar]

No on the BMW CCA.

I missed out on a local 91 318is in immaculate condition, full records, for $2500. I am a fool for not snapping it up immediately.

[wludavid]

Let me know if you can access this link:

http://www.bmwcca.org/classifieds/7399

[turbo6bar]

Access denied.

"The content you were trying to access is restricted."

I did browse the classifieds through another link. The page said ads were 15+ days old, and new ads were only for club members. There were few E30s and early E36s there.

[KCPSG]

you must live in even a smaller town than Lafayette Louisiana...because BMW's are a dime a dozen here...I bought a real clean 1 owner 98' 328 for less than 10K early last year.
here is one close by http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?rdpage=thumb&car_id=218967803&dealer_id=59725805&car_year=1999&model=&num_records=&make2=&start_year=1981&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&search_type=both&distance=50&make=BMW&color=&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=70506&advanced=&end_year=1999&doors=&transmission=&max_price=&cardist=13

Just keep looking and expand you search area....I'm sure you will find what you want closer to home than you think.

[CurtEgerer]

My M3 is sorta, kinda for sale. The 'problem' is it is an original paint car in near perfect condition. I'm scared to drive the damn thing. So it just sits in my garage.

It's really a completely different animal from the 911. It needs to be pushed hard before it comes alive. My 911 is fun at all speeds. The M3 is like driving a Honda Accord at normal speeds - boring. But once you start pushing hard, the car changes completely and just comes alive. I've never had it on the track but it's got to be one awesome track car. So well balanced - it's hard to get a corner wrong! The engine loves to be rev'ed hard, just like the 911. I've got a chip and a few other things done so it's quite quick.

[jim72911t]

Curt,
Do yourself a favor and take that beauty to the track! I know it's a very nice example, but you've got to try it at least once. I've tracked my plain jane '89 325is a few times and it is an absolute blast. I've also ridden in quite a few E30 M3's (from stock to full race) around the track and have been amazed at what they can do.

(maybe you could sell yours for $20K, buy a $10k track rat M3, and have money left for entry fees and Porsche parts! )

Jim

[Panzer909]

I've had a '91 E30 iX for the last three years and use it as my "winter rat" here up north. The thing is a tank! As opposed to a P-car, the maintenance is extremely straightforward and easy to get to. Cost is about the same, believe it or not. They do have some dumb suspension parts that are prone to wear out almost overnight - such as rear shock mounts and circular rear trailing arm bushings, but these are easily replaceable. But then again, I live in Pittsburgh where the streets are notoriously crappy and so are the winters.

As stated before, its getting harder & harder to find a clean E30 these days. Here's a pic of mine last summer after a full Griots Garage treatment:

[turbo6bar]

Well, I did get a BMW, but it isn't an E30. I checked out 2 machines. The first was a 91 318is with M50 engine from a 95 325. It was lowered with Eibach springs. Wow. I was really impressed. The later model engine was really strong. Handling was great, but not harsh. However, I passed on this car, because it was tired cosmetically and needed a lot of work to take it to the next level (immaculate driver).

The next candidate was a 96 M3. It still had good performance, but I could tell the weight was there. It doesn't give the raw feeling of the 911, but it's a better match for me right now. I daily drive a big Dodge diesel truck and wanted a more refined ride for weekends and evenings. After negotiations, the seller and I agreed on $11k.

I really wanted to buy a 964 C2, but I couldn't overlook the bang for the buck of the M3 at half the price. Right now, I have no regrets. The SC is for sale.

[gprsh924]

That looks awesome...I love M3's

[epbrown]

You should keep the SC now - they make a handsome couple.