TCL your help is needed! *E30 Content!*

[Aonarch]

Not for $1200. I have one that is mint, rust free , and all original. I will never sell it, and if I did it would go for about $6,000.

[PsyberVW]

what bmw in this thread has an aluminum block?

Doh! You're right, it does have a large oil pan (aluminum). Some people are forever replacing them because they are exposed and relatively sensitive - skidplates or cast steel units are also used.

In my 325e the drain plug was stripped and the mechanic had told me it would be very expensive to replace the oil pan because it's not just a pan, it's nearly the bottom half of the engine. The PO had just glued it shut with silicone glue - I discovered this within a week or two of buying the car and was catching up on routine services. It was odd that this guy really did not want to replace the pan- he said it was like taking the bottomw half of the engine off and would be much more work than it was worth to fix...

I was going to fix it at another shop, but before I could get it done, I hit a bump in the road that actually sheared it off (similar to this car, pictured below).



At any rate, I've been terrified of the aluminum oil pan ever since

[mac dre]

i have to admit i like the more "european" look of the E30, the lines are timeless and classic BMW.

the E36 is like 1990's era electronic timebombs.

how does a 318is comare to the 325is?

Early E36's aren't in any way 'electrical timebombs'. There isn't much more tech in these compared to an E30. If you're wanting a BMW for the drive, then I agree with Vad, find an E36 318i/is. Try to find a car with no AC. It will be easy to talk the seller down to your $1200 range.

If you're wanting a BMW for the classic look, then you'll be waiting a long time for the right E30. Check E28's too, a 528e has just as much swagger as an e30 and aren't crazily overvalued.

[PsyberVW]

Don't know if it still holds true today, but my friends used to look for the OBD1 (Pre-1995?) E36 M3s -- being OBD I made them more desirable (I assume for tuning?)

I think that it really depends on what you consider fun. I mean the E36 is a great car, but I'd want mine with 6 cylinders. With the E30, I could see the 4 cylinder being more fun.

Do you guys really think the E36 318 is as satisfying? (Honest question, not a flame.) I guess it just seemed the E36 feels like a much larger car to me...

Not sure what prices on E36 M3s are like right now, but if you're lucky and find one that isn't rat-rod/beat to hell, I think it would be a "keeper".

[MikeSAABt]

3)You are not going to a get a solid, safe, clean etc... vehicle for ~1,000!(there is the rare exception).

pffft. change that 'vehicle' to 'e30' or prepare to be drowned in rock solid daily drivable cars for under a grand!

I got my TWO volvo wagons for a grand combined. Both solid rust free cars, one's even got a big turbo, injectors, bilsteins blah blah.

[mac dre]

I think that it really depends on what you consider fun. I mean the E36 is a great car, but I'd want mine with 6 cylinders. With the E30, I could see the 4 cylinder being more fun.

Do you guys really think the E36 318 is as satisfying? (Honest question, not a flame.) I guess it just seemed the E36 feels like a much larger car to me...

If you're the type of person who can't be entertained with a stock Miata, then no probably not. A 318i with good tires and suspension will be just as fun as the 6cyl models in the curves, its a little lighter on its feet as well.