530 / 535 sport versus E30 325i sport

[GraemeP]

Not a "which is faster" "which is better" topic, but wanted to know which you think is pound for pound better value for a second "cheap" fun car?

Forget about looks, but with a Ԛ£3k budget which would you say would give the best fun, value, and reliability?? I am talking manual, LSD, lovely sideways fun!!! Want it to look good, but does not have to be a show car as it will be driven hard! Need 4 seats and bootspace, but won't do many miles. Don't want to fork out for loads of welding, parts etc on each MOT, but don't mind the odd repair bill.

Is a 1992-4 5 series sport going to be as reliable as most BMWs? Insurance and fuel bills not too bothered about either (I am 30 so premium will be low).

If not I may lean towards a boring old E36 325/328 - comments greatfully appreciated!!!!!

G

[Karan]

e30 everytime.... and ive had a e34 m5....... e30 is just more fun as its smaller.... e34 is dynamically flawed out the box cos its sooo heavy.... nothing like getting back into a sorted e30 even after an m5

[A1BMW325iSport]

i have an e34 535i sport, its quick enough but not a match for the 325i because of its weight, handles fairly well and is so quiet and confortable
excellent for cruising round in, but crap fuel economy if you boot it

[GraemeP]

ok - thanks for the response - i did not think the kerb weight of a 5 series (not sure on model number, 1991 ish!) was not a lot more than an E36 3 series? I have had a couple of E36s and the 328 seemed quick enough, and handled ok for it's size (shnitzer springs on M3 dampers).

So, you think the E30 with the M50 325i lump might be a better option then??!!

[6potWil6pot]

AN E30 with an M50 lump (mine) flies, it doesnt seem like much on paper over an M20, but it is when u drive it An M52 would be even quicker tho and an ///M Engine would be a bit loopy

[bryang]

I disagree!

...and im unbiased(more into bikes than cars)

I had a 2 door E30 325SE and now have a manual e34 535 sport. so I cant make a direct e30 vs e34 sport comparison but my E34 holds the road so much better than the E30, handling and despite the extra weight , the brakes are much, much better.

The e34 is a nicer rider, has a bit more acceleration and approx an extra 10MPH top speed....and you have the chance of picking up a car with more gizmo's!

Fuel economy wise, I never noticed anything in it compared to my 325

I guess at this age which will be the better may well fall down to which car has been the better looked after.

id say if you find a nice one, dont overlook it

talking of which.........!


mines for sale!
http://www.e30zone.co.uk/modules.php?na ... pic&t=3834

[Simon13]

reliability? E34 defines this word!

I would budget for a bit of welding if u wanna sport!

E34's don't rust! a few early 88 cars but thats it really

[A1BMW325iSport]

on my 535i sport i have some rust coming through on bottom of drivers door, but thats it,
starts on the button, no knocks, rattles or sqeaks drives like a new car.