320i or 323i? Which one to go for?

Post Thu Nov 21, 2013 12:32 am

Hello guys.
I own an '87 316 (M40B16) and I haven't run it for a while since it has some damage to the front.
At some point I started thinking: should I spend some money to get the 316 on the road or get myself a decent 6cylinder and keep the 316 for spare parts?

Its easy to see where I'm going with this...

Searching for phase 1 E30's (phase 2 easily fall out of my budget) I'm "stuck" with two options and their respective plus points:

87' 320i 210.000km
84' 323i revised engine

What I want from the car is to be dependable for the weekend trip and fun, capable on those rainy nights.

Having said that, I need your insight, specially from a driver and owner point of view.

Having the 316 for parts, I believe the 320 optionis better suited once their closer in terms of suspension, brakes, diff...
But... The 323, even if it has a decadent paint condition, it seema it'll be the "better performance" choice. 325 parts are the ones to go for (lsd options make a strong case here!)

What are your thoughts?
Thanks!

Post Thu Nov 21, 2013 5:37 am

Not quite sure what you mean by "phase 1" and "2". If you're referring to before and after the 1987 facelift, then there shouldn't be any difference in price.

From a parts perspective, buying a 320i just so you can bolt 316i parts on in future is foolish. The crap brakes and weak suspension are not the things you want to save money on. That said, the 323i is such a rare beast with no compatible parts to really any other E30 that it will be very expensive to fix in the future.

It all really depends on what your budget is, just bear in mind that all E30s feel like a disappointment after you've driven a 325i.

Post Thu Nov 21, 2013 8:13 am

When I say phase 1 I'm reffering pre '87 E30's (Chromies).

Post Thu Nov 21, 2013 9:05 am

They are the same price, if not at a bit of a premium over facelift cars.

Post Thu Nov 21, 2013 9:24 am

Here in Portugal, a 325i is easily double the price of a 323i.

The two options I mentioned (320i and 323i) are close in price, and that's why I'm having some dificulty choosing.

Post Thu Nov 21, 2013 9:38 am

Then get the 323i. The 320i is just a cruiser, and really needs to be revved hard to get any performance - it only has the power output of a 318i.

I've no experience with the 323i, but it has to be an improvement over the two-litre.