Which one?!

Post Fri Apr 25, 2014 9:30 pm

Right guys

I've had a few e30s over the years but now I'm mature (I think) I want to buy one with the intention of keeping forever. But I have a dilemma...

I have found two potential cars:

1. 1992 318i convertible auto in black, really clean and totally original. Cloth interior.

2. 1990 325i convertible auto in black with tech 1 kit with chrome inserts. recently resprayed. Aftermarket DTM wheels that I don't like and black leather interior.

Which one do you guys reckon would be the better buy? Same sort of price and I'm not too bothered about the performance. Will not drive it much but will just work on making it special to me and stare at it every now and then.

I like the whole stock look with smoked headlights etc. No outrageous mods just subtle improvements. I have a feeling the chrome will let me down after a while.

Please help!

Post Fri Apr 25, 2014 9:39 pm

whichever one has the least rust ,you need to view both cars .

Post Fri Apr 25, 2014 9:44 pm

magpie wrote:whichever one has the least rust ,you need to view both cars .

The Black and White one sayeth the truth. Rust is the car killer, everything else is bolts.

Post Fri Apr 25, 2014 9:49 pm

According to sellers, both are 'rust free'. If they are both rust free then which?

Post Fri Apr 25, 2014 9:55 pm

That's a big fat double roll-over sized IF.

Post Fri Apr 25, 2014 9:57 pm

Lol @morat ok let's try that again... so they are both rust buckets then which one?

Post Fri Apr 25, 2014 10:03 pm

Neither!

OK, seriously, my preference would be for the 325. The 6 pot is glorious even if it is a thirsty old bugger. The 318 isn't fast, it's OK as a manual - not sure as an auto. It gives a bit more range but likes to wear the cam. If you find it unwilling to rev to the top end then it's a full top end rebuild which will probably cost as much as the car if you do it properly.

Drive them both, you'll soon make your mind up.

Post Fri Apr 25, 2014 10:14 pm

Thanks morat that sounds like good advice. Like I said I'm not really bothered about performance. Just need it to be reliable and fairly economical. But the top end rebuild does sound scary.

Post Fri Apr 25, 2014 10:51 pm

Drive them both, you'll soon make your mind up and go with the 325i

Post Fri Apr 25, 2014 11:19 pm

Don't know why I'm finding it so hard, I've had 2 325i and 2 318i before!

Post Sat Apr 26, 2014 2:10 am

Cabbie's are a good bit heavier than saloons,so an auto 318i will need a calender to measure grunt away from the traffic lights.
But engine's are bolt in,so rust is the deciding factor in any purchase of E30.

Cabbie roof's are expensive to replace,so a good roof may be better than a decent engine...

Post Sat Apr 26, 2014 7:35 am

Ok... How about this? Which midweek of e30 should I go for? It doesn't even have to be a soft top.

Post Sat Apr 26, 2014 10:27 am

All comes down to personal choice and,perhaps,intended usage.

I run a lightly modified touring as my 'daily',with a cabbie for sunny days in the summer.
It's becoming harder to find even 'everyday' parts on motor factor's shelves these days,although everything that you need is available to order,so a bit of planning ahead is needed when servicing is due.

Touring is very practical,my does trips to the tip as well as carrying timber and tools to and from my boat project!
Cabbie is great fun when the sun shines and the hood is stowed,but the rear seat can really only be used for passengers at low speed with the hood down,and is a dark and gloomy cabin with the hood up.

I have not,yet,run a two door saloon,but a more door saloon these days is unusual and suprisingly practical if you need to carry more than two adults regularly.

As with all elderly cars,buy on condition of the shell,the oily bits can be repaired/upgraded with suprising ease on a DIY basis.