Revheadnz 0 Report post Posted July 18, 2007 Hi guys I've got a few questions if you don't mind sparing some time. I'm tossing up a BMW as a next car, just for a change from the Nissan I've got at the moment. I'm looking at E30/E36s. Any preferences as to which are the better handling chassis? I'm no mechanic so I'm not going to be embarking on motor swaps but since I definately prefer a manual gearbox and since most BMWs are auto is swapping to manual a pain for someone who knows there stuff? Finding a manual would not only be very difficult there seems to be a massive price premium for one. Quite a bit more than buying a secondhand manual + clutch, flywheel and associated bits and the actual fitting costs it would seem. What are maintenence/parts costs like? And finally, I'd quite like a Touring as I reckon they look pretty cool and are definately something different but they seem rare. What are the chances of finding a nice condition wagon of a decent specification? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Muzzie 0 Report post Posted July 18, 2007 (edited) Hi guys I've got a few questions if you don't mind sparing some time. I'm tossing up a BMW as a next car, just for a change from the Nissan I've got at the moment. I'm looking at E30/E36s. Any preferences as to which are the better handling chassis? I'm no mechanic so I'm not going to be embarking on motor swaps but since I definately prefer a manual gearbox and since most BMWs are auto is swapping to manual a pain for someone who knows there stuff? Finding a manual would not only be very difficult there seems to be a massive price premium for one. Quite a bit more than buying a secondhand manual + clutch, flywheel and associated bits and the actual fitting costs it would seem. What are maintenence/parts costs like? And finally, I'd quite like a Touring as I reckon they look pretty cool and are definately something different but they seem rare. What are the chances of finding a nice condition wagon of a decent specification? Owned a lowered E30 and currently driving gfs untouched E36, I'd say the 36 handles better and feels nicer to drive overall. But I didnt exactly get intimate with the 30. Cant help ya with the transmission queries sorry. Edited July 18, 2007 by Muzzie Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bravo 35 Report post Posted July 19, 2007 e36 is better design (except for 318ti which shares much of e30 suspension), but I prefer to drive an e30 - more tactile. Also cheaper to do a manual swap. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
