Reasons not to buy a 320is...

[bss325i]

Would that be E24?

I thought they were 285 (?) boxes?

Oops! Type eror, yes E24. I'm pretty sure they are 265's, maybe different ratios but i stand to be corrected.

[maxfield]

If I'm honest, I haven't got a clue either, I thought they would be stronger boxes due to being more torque putting through them.

[maxfield]

I stand corrected:

http://www.bmwmregistry.com/model_faq.php?id=6

I must of been thinking of the S38/M88 box.

[texas2201]

dont think so - certainly dont remember talking suspension at Croft

[maxfield]

Can't recall talking to you?

But I did speak to Kevin, he said he liked the idea of KW Varient 3 though...

[ShepsEvo3]

But I did speak to Kevin, he said he liked the idea of KW Varient 3 though...

Is that Cecotto Kevin? I thought he was getting Gaz? suspension for his car. He has a very rare ACS suspension kit fitted right now which is bloody awesome

[maxfield]

I don't think so...

He does have a Macau Cecotto though.

[texas2201]

Yes Paul Kevin has the ACS suspension but I believe he is going for the Gaz - I will be catching up with him in the near future I will ask him what he decided to do he was looking at a number of options

Maxfield I dont think I spoke to you at croft you and your dad were in a different group so we keep missing each other - I was the one voted No 2 driver on the day by the marshalls

Martin

[ShepsEvo3]

I was the one voted No 2 driver on the day by the marshalls

Was that for most number of spins?

[maxfield]

AFAIK there was only 3 offs, my Dad was one of them.

[tim_s]

i think if you have to ask, it's prob not the car for you. think it'd be a bit of a labour of love. drive it and see what you think. I personally much prefer S14s over m20s, but its a personal preference thing. Must also admit I've only ever been in an m3, never a 320is.

[texas2201]

Paul I ask you do you think I would spin? I spun at Steilstreker this year when I got 1st instead of third and I spun the Lotus at Abbeville in the wet a few times but not at Croft - a few years ago by going too fast into a corner I did take to the grass but kept it together and got back on the black stuff for the next corner all about finding the limits of your ability

Martin

[ShepsEvo3]

Hey Martin, was only having a larf! lol, getting 1st instead of 3rd is no joke though. I did a similar thing in a Vauxhall lotus single seater years ago at Becketts Slverstone on the short circuit, did alot of damage to that one!

[ShepsEvo3]

But for that money I would still buy that mint 320is over a ropey M3.

[Ric_Vezza]

I remember the one that was for sale on the zone
http://www.e30zone.net/modules.php?name ... ight=320is
Lovely looking car and georgeous leather

I am the new owner of that one.
I can say that the 320is is remarkable E30, although this model can be used everyday, if your looking for a smooth, get in and go car then a 325i is the one to go for.
The thing with the 320is is that you have to change your driving style, the lack of low end torque mean that you'll find yourself opening it up all the time. Dont get me wrong, S14's are strong, rev happy units but i sometimes feel that i dont want to use it to just, for lack of a better phrase, nip down the road. Now for me this is not really an issue as i have use of my company van but this must be taken into account when looking to buy.
There is no doubt, given the chance, i would have an M3 but as previously mentioned, price is a key factor. imo unless you are really lucky you can expect to pay in excess of 10k for an M3 worth investing in.
This is where the the arguement strengthens for the 320is. 7k will get you an unmolested, low mileage example. The car in standard form is truely a great car, but it is also an excellent base for creating a road racer.
The allure of the 'real deal' over the 320is is great but dont let your heart rule your head and settle for a not so great M3. There would be no contest for a true enthusiast, but these people are willing to pay for a good M3. If your looking at both then there is a strong chance a 320is is what your looking for.

I wont deny that despite my love for my 320is I still catch myself thinking a sport may have been a better choice. This is probably a case of the grass being greener on the other side but it doesn't take long to realise that with the 320is you have a far rarer, more exclusive E30 than most that wont lose money.
All that said, as an owner of one of these highly debated cars, the 320is is a truely magnificent car. Dont take non owner/driver's views to seriously as the proof is definatly in the pudding when it comes to this car!

[texas2201]

Hi Paul

I know - so as I - very dry sense of humour - I think this incident is what damaged the valves - but it is running really sweet now so cannot wait to get it back on a track

Martin