E30 Zone

Hello,

I bet you get a few of these well just a quick intro really, new to the site and to BMW's.

In the market for an E30 although unsure what route to go down...either 318is or a 320i se. I've a budget of £2k and a rather mint golf although don't really wanna part x it.

What do you lot reckon, anything to watch out for when i have a look at a few.

Thanks

Steve

Welome to the zone,

have a look here, this is the bible for checks on buying a 318is

http://www.esatclear.ie/~bpurcell/318isdriving.html go to Advice and then Buyers Guide.

Often are thrashed so find one that has been looked after. £2k will get you a really nice one, try to find one with lots of kit (like leather interior etc)

Watch out for duds there are ones around, or falsely labled, the engine is different as are other parts.

Only slight pain is parts are little more specialised (can be harder to find than normal 318/325) and things like Haynes manuals dont cover it (can be done with a combo of books cause some are 325 parts and some share with E36 M44/M42 engine)

The iS is better balanced and lighter than the 320, but the 320 is 6 cyl and not 4 and also will be more to insure. Patient searching around the zone will get you some more info...

if your looking at 320i's you may as well consider 325i's too they're only one insurance group higher(i think) and most give better mpg too
or you could buy my 320i so i can get a 325i

hi and welcome to the zone, i agree with e30-320i, go for 325i, as 320i drinks fuel, but i love my 6 pot.. good luck with the car hunting.

welcome to the zone mate,as above really,2k will get you a good example of either car your after,youd probably pick one up much cheaper than that.