Hi! Newbie here looking for an E30

[RichieLee]

Hey guys.
Just here saying hi really. Just joined because I'm on the lookout for an E30. But being 20 and a student means I cant really afford an M3 or anything a bit too lairy.

My oldest brother used to have a gorgeous E30 black 320i but he gave it away. What a numpty! Then buying a Citroen Berlingo too which is basically a van. I remember washing and polishing that car with him and I loved every minute of it. Now I'm feeling the urge to sell my 03 plate ibiza to free up some cash and drive about in a cheapo E30. The only thing is which to go for?

316, 318 or 320?

I have no idea what the specs are for these cars so if any of you guys could help me out or at least point me in the right direction that would be great. What's the performance like? I'm not a fast driver and I never went through the boy racer phase so power doesn't bother me. So long as it's comfortable, reliable and has a little but of grunt for fun and overtaking I'm happy oh and of course it's gotta be an E30 because they ooze old skool coolness.

Plus where do I look for parts and online stores for E30 bmws? I cant seem to find any on google.

More of a dub boy myself I have to admit but the E30 seems to have a certain dose of class and hitman mafia style about it, plus the interiors a far nicer place to be!

Cheers,

Richie

[Alex]

out of 316i, 318i, 320i personally i would go for the 320i because its the fastest, sounds nice, and isn't prone to head gaskets and top end problems like the m40s unless you baught an m10 engined 316/318i which have the chrome bumpers.

parts wise bmw still have 99% parts for them and euro car parts do most stuff, nothing within reason is hard to get

if you can afford a 325i i would go for that, or a 318is

Oh And Welcome To The Zone

[Brianmoooore]

.personally i would go for the 320i

You got one to sell? I can think of no other reason for you to recommend it!
Either go for a touring, with their superior suspension and brakes, or the 318iS, if you want the saloon body style.

[RichieLee]

.personally i would go for the 320i

You got one to sell? I can think of no other reason for you to recommend it!
Either go for a touring, with their superior suspension and brakes, or the 318iS, if you want the saloon body style.

So are you saying that 320's aren't any good then? Or that they are rare?
I'd like to go for the saloon body style personally 3dr or 5dr isn't really a problem to be honest, 3dr would look better but 5dr is much more practical since I'll be carting stuff about every week.

I'd have to look at insurance first too. Getting into a 320i again would be great. I only do about 40miles per week anyway so petrol consumption shouldn't really be an issue.

Are there any threads on here that actually state the different specs of the different models or is that secret to those in the know?

Anyway cheers for the help so far guys.

[Alex]

.personally i would go for the 320i

You got one to sell? I can think of no other reason for you to recommend it!
Either go for a touring, with their superior suspension and brakes, or the 318iS, if you want the saloon body style.

out of the three he mentioned i would got for the 320i i know its far from the best

[Alex]

.personally i would go for the 320i

You got one to sell? I can think of no other reason for you to recommend it!
Either go for a touring, with their superior suspension and brakes, or the 318iS, if you want the saloon body style.

So are you saying that 320's aren't any good then? Or that they are rare?
I'd like to go for the saloon body style personally 3dr or 5dr isn't really a problem to be honest, 3dr would look better but 5dr is much more practical since I'll be carting stuff about every week.

I'd have to look at insurance first too. Getting into a 320i again would be great. I only do about 40miles per week anyway so petrol consumption shouldn't really be an issue.

Are there any threads on here that actually state the different specs of the different models or is that secret to those in the know?

Anyway cheers for the help so far guys.

if you can afford a 325i thats the one you want

[Loony]

Go for a 318 is.Cheaper on petrol and they have a good spec as standard.Also better performance than a 316 or 318.

[capri_rob]

I would take the 320i over a 318i any day - all down to personal preference of course - the age old argument is that a 320i isnt really any faster than a 318i and with heavier fuel consumption - however in my humble opinion the driving experience of the 6 pot car is totally different - the engine in the 6 pot motor is far smoother and sounds great in comparison to the 4 pot unit.

Go for a 320i - all the negative stuff you may read just makes them cheaper and they are great cars - far better to have a 320i in good condition than a worn out 318is for the same money.

[Scruffymurphy]

Go and have a look at a few, take them for a spin & then you'll know what engine you like best, try and get one with some history, especially if you go for an M40.

[darkchild]

A 320i is a lovely smooth old thing and IMO far superior to a 316i/318i. 320i's are unloved as they're stuck in no-man's land - 318i performance with 325i running costs. Their main problem is they lack low down torque. They were the biggest selling E30 though and, as they were originally purchased by a different type of owner to a 325i Sport, many have survived in decent nick. 0-60 is about 10 seconds.

As Brian states though, a 318is is probably your best bet. Quicker and more economical than a 320i and with superior suspension. A lot of insurance companies don't charge a premium over a standard 318i.

As for parts, nearly everything can still be provided by a main dealer at surprisingly decent prices. There's plenty of good specialists out there - just buy a copy of Total BMW or BMW Car magazine.

[n1tr0_9]

Id go for a 318is as a cheap daily driver, a 325 if you can afford the fuel, or a 318i touring if you need to Kart crap around. But go to a few meets and take a look at as many as you can before you make your choice. They all feel like very different cars.

[TRANSPORTER]

I,m with the 325i Touring bunch, ok yes Ive got one so might be biased towards them but they are sooo cool, and dare I say it practical (mmm I,ll be getting me pipe and slippers out soon) top suspension ace brakes and an engine that pulls like a locomotive. And welcome to the zone,
You will also find many parts for them on the zone aswell as ECP and GFS

[RichieLee]

Well I was initially tempted by a 4dr 316 local to myself which was going for £675 with 88,000 mile and full service history but to be honest I've always told myself to steer clear of the 316s as it'll be sluggish as hell.

Really I think it's between a 318is and a 320i then. I think I've a soft spot for the 320i myself although consumption is higher, when you're doing as few miles as I am in a week it shouldn't make that much of a difference. Plus you've got that straight six in it! I think the 320 will probably be the more refined cruiser.

I'd love a 325i but cant help but think it'll be silly money compared to a 320i? Or am I mistaken? Plus we're on a budget here guys, ideally something less than £1k so I can afford insurance etc.

btw how much is tax on these little beasties? I cant help but think it'll be more than the £110 per year I pay atm.

thanks

Rich

[darkchild]

btw how much is tax on these little beasties? I cant help but think it'll be more than the £110 per year I pay atm.

Tax is currently £185 but due to rise to £200 I believe.

[stevotheevo]

iv'e had a couple of 320's, they're a fine drive once you get the revs up, but found i was constantly flooring it, just to get anywhere.

the 325 however is a completely different beast, if a 6 pot is your weapon of choice, then a 2.5 should be the engine in it.

they are avialable on your budget.

good luck mate