Looking for an E30!

[PerryHannaby]

I currently have two classic mini's, I absolutely love them but I fancy something bigger and faster, everybody say's I should get something modern, but everybody on this site knows modern is usually boring.

Basically, Im only 18 years old with 1 years no claims so insurance may end up being too expensive! So the first thing, is there anybody of a similar age/no claims to me that has insurance on one?

Secondly, I dont know a huge amount about BMW's(other than the fact I love all oldschool Beemers!), I heard and then reasearched that the 318is would be the most appropriate for me, much more reliable then the 318i and the 316i while being faster and possibly more economical. Any info on this would be great

Thanks a lot, Perry

[Barx325i]

i'd recommend the 318is & shop around for insurance, most only recognise it as a 318i

welcome by the way

[ryan0143]

i am 19, i have been a very naughty boy when i first passed and landed myself with 6 points and a ban. :O

i have 2 years no claims and my 318is is 1700 a year fully comp with all points etc declared.

Awsome cars, mind you mine is off the road at the moment i am rebuilding it with all new interior and exterior bits

[Felix79]

I think you will be in for a proper bum raping regardless mate. A zoner on here was paying out overa grand for a 316i carb. There are a few younger members with the 318is but I know they pay what I regard as crazy insurance money.

If an e30 is looked after they are all reliable mate , each have their own issues that can crop up but that is the same with any old car.

Just remember that these are tail happy cars at the best of times , leathal in the wet and with only a years driving experience you will need to show it some proper respect on the road. RWD and no TC makes for a very intresting time that is for sure!

Oh and welcome to the zone.

[snakebrain]

Look at Post Office third party insurance which lets you drive other cars like comprehensive policies (so long as the other car's insured by somebody).

[Morat]

Lethal in the wet is taking it a bit far - unless you've got shagged tyres and worn out suspension like 99% of.. ok fair point!

Welcome to the zone! You might be looking a long time for a good iS because they weren't the most common model but keep your eyes open and you should get one in the end. Check out previous "what to look for" threads. I'm sure you're already familiar with checking for rust.

[Barx325i]

Having said about the iS, a good 318i is still a decent compromise & not a million miles behind so depending on insurance the iS may be worth any additional premium. The list of goodies as standard, rear anti roll bar & discs, sport interior, mtec suspension, 16 valves etc.

difficult one really

[Morat]

Frankly, I'd rather have a good 318 than a shed of an iS.

[Felix79]

Frankly, I'd rather have a good 318 than a shed of an iS.

I'm with you on that. Also a M10 one is going to be pretty bullet proff.

[Barx325i]

I agree.. although the 318i doesn't take a huge encouragement to misbehave

[zaust]

I too have 2 mini's (real one's) and love em. As above check out insurance before you buy. 318is is a good base and alround package. But if insurance dictates a 316 then suck it for a while and used to it.

[polsta]

welcome, and agree with the above get insurance advice 1st- @19 to pay £1500-£3000 for an is , which is the range they sell for condition depending , then to pay £1000/1500 to insure it, would be daft, in which case a £600 316 or something and just drive it for a year without spending money on it, then selling and getting an is and insuring for 7/800 would be more sensibe, and also getting used to e30s and rwd

go on go compare,confused etc,and get some is quotes and post them up on the best, most classic policy companies insist on 2 years drioving at least, and own another car on the road, not sure if theyd insure 19 year old for a sporty is

nice cars the is, and with the fuel prices going up and up to oblivion- might become even more sought after in the comming years than hey already are

[Screacher]

.....go on go compare,confused etc,and get some is quotes and post them up on the best, most classic policy companies insist on 2 years drioving at least, and own another car on the road, not sure if theyd insure 19 year old for a sporty is.....

Fair comment, but how many miles will Perry drive? Is there an option on a "classic" policy with limited mileage? Easy for me to say - I've got 40+ times the driving experience he has and as an old fart, insurance isn't so steep.

Good luck Perry, and welcome to The Zone.

[Felix79]

Also most classic policys require the driver to be at least 21 , and some even go as high as 25.

[PerryHannaby]

Wow, wasn't expecting that amount of input! This seems to be the right forum to have signed up to! Yeah I think for now its going to be a bit to steep, maybe when I have 2 years NC I will be able to look into it, I am going for a job atm, if I got it there is a possibility of having two cars-Im thinking a 1.9tdi Golf for my run around and classic, limited miles insurance on an is, so I should be eligable if that was the case.

And yeah, I dont really have any RWD experience but I dont want to buy a 316 thats worse on fuel and slower and then not be able to sell it and what not.

Some really helpful stuff here, Ill deffinately check out the 'What to look for' sections to start getting used to the E30's.

Thanks a lot and keep posting if there's anything you may have forgot or any tips