Considering an E30 - Any Advice?
 

The guy who bought my 996 (coworker) has two E30 318is, he's trying to sell me one and I am considering it. The cars are in Dallas, so I can't easily test drive them. I've never driven an E30, so I'm looking for feedback. 318is vs 325is vs 318i, etc. This would be a daily driver, and hopefully see some light autocross duty. My other favorite option in this price range is a nice NA 944, so comparisons to a 944 would be good as well.

Yes, this means I'm going to be selling my FJ80 (big shock huh). We picked up a Nissan Armada for my wife, I can't justify having two 8 passenger SUVs. Plus they barely fit in my garage together.

Matt, send me the link to the thread where you posted pics of the FJ80. I might be interested.

Just post the pics of the Fj80..... Dads been looking at them... Not sure if he is in the market after buying the M or not... But it wouldn't hurt...

Here ya' go: http://forums.pelicanparts.com/off-topic-discussions/519598-my-fj80-one-i-kept.html

The pictures are old, I've since tinted the windows. I plan to take some pictures this weekend, I'll let you know when I do.

Matt, I'd offer to let you drive my 944 for test purposes... but it is being taken out of commission Saturday for a few weeks...

I feel good about my 944 perspective, I'm assuming that an NA drives a lot like my 951 but with less power.;) But without driving an E30, I really can't compare them.

The NA is similar to the turbo for sure... But that lack of power makes it an interesting drive, esp at autocross. It makes you work harder for a fast time.

Thanks for the gut laugh this morning Matt - I nearly spilled my ice coffee :) Can't wait to see the latest temporary replacement!

Personally, I wouldn't buy anything less than a 325is (w/LSD). Even they are a little slow.
That said, if you have a well sorted example the handling is phenomenal and it is a joy to drive.
I would love to have one with a bigger motor.... LS1 or even just an E36 M3 motor.

Also, I think parts for E30s are considerably cheaper than 944s.

I can only imagine your shock!

e30 318s are very slow unless you get the newer 90-91 models with the m42 engine.

Both of these are '91 318is models, which is the best of the 318. LSD, Recaro seats, sport suspension, same bodywork as the 325is. I've talked to several people that claim to prefer the 318 over the 325 due to its lighter motor and better balance.

Yeah, but that baby 6 in the 325 is one of BMW's better efforts...

JR

I bought a 91 318i for my kids because I wanted 4 doors, redid the suspension to a little stiffer than "318is" and wow what a fun car.

Slow? Yes but only in a straight line and the rev loving M42 is a blast to drive. This is an incredibly well balanced car and as a result very toss-able.

Great gas mileage is possible if you want it. If the timing chain is fixed they are very tough engines.

In my mind it was a perfect car for my kids to learn on. Not very powerful, ABS only - no other aids, great driver feedback, cheap, and easy to fix and learn how to DIY. The only drawback is the ancient safety level

We have an 04 MCS and an E46 325it, and the little bimmer is what I pick when I'm not driving the 911. I have offered the MINI to my kids and they both prefer the 318.

The E30 325 is almost 50% more power but heavier and not as well balanced. If you like light well handling cars a 91 318is is a fun choice.

Matt you need to come drive my moms M3 before you make this decision...

get the 6 cylinder its like driving a Messerschmitt,
Nothing will beat the song the 6 325IS makes, cept a Merlin

While I don't doubt the 4 bangers can be somewhat fun cars, I can't see "picking" one of them over a six cylinder if the low initial purchase price is the same. My "daily driver" 6 cylinder E36 with 309,000 miles still gets high 20's gas mileage and still is fun on the curves or the occasional "sprint" to 120 or so. I can't imagine a stock 318 taking a stock 325 in any sort of autocross type event.

All that said, I am sure if Matt is considering this, he is getting a smoking deal on a VERY clean car and he will tire of it and re-sell it in under 6 months anyhow. ;):D

For the guys that were interested, here's the ad I put on the local BMW club page: Wichita BMW Club › Wichita BMW Forums › Classifieds › For Sale › 1991 Land Cruiser - Excellent Condition

A few teasers:
http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z...r/IMG_2344.jpg
http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z...r/IMG_2346.jpg
http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z...r/IMG_2354.jpg
http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z...r/IMG_2369.jpg
http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z...r/IMG_2373.jpg

Nice Land Cruiser! Strange to see a modern steering wheel not covered with buttons.

Did I miss the driver's log on the 996, what did you think of it?