fuzza88 0 Report post Posted June 9, 2009 Hi guys, I have never owned a bmw before, but looking at purchasing my first e30 very soon. Just a few quick questions to ask the experts before i buy For price sake is buying an auto e30 and doing the manuel conversion worth the muckin about for the money saved? if any $$ saved at all? Which year e30 and model in your opinion is the one to buy for a first time bmw owner? things to look out for? I'm looking at using the car as a daily driver and the occasional track duties/gymkhanas etc etc. Any help on this subject would be greatly appreciated!!' Thanks! Happy motoring. Simon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tire 10 Report post Posted June 9, 2009 318i, 325i ad 318is are the ones to look at. Say you get the bits needed for a conversion for $600, then spend $300 on new bits like clutch, drifeshaft guibo and hangar bearing, oils, beers, f**k ups etc, so thats 900 and about 2 weekends for a first timer? You can decide based on that info. As far as fl vs pfl its mostly up to which you like the look of more. Only big difference is the fl 318s got a different engine (m40b18), which was more modern, powerful and economical but (arguably) less bulletproof than the m10b18 in the pfls Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BenEvans 0 Report post Posted June 9, 2009 hi mate, now im not the most experienced about e30's on bimmersport but i have owned 3 in the past few years and have dismantled a few. getting an auto and swapping it to manual is not going to be necessarily cheaper and would only be worth doing (IMO) if you find an auto with an immaculate body and/or engine thats worth getting and swapping the trans' dont just do it to save cash. as for the model to get, the best is obviously the 325i and as for the year, as far as i know, the newer the better. unless you want to get an older Pre-facelift with the chrome bumpers (personally i prefer the look of the plastic bumperd facelift model) . millage is not a huge deal as long as its been well maintained. things to look for would be the normal ware and tear on the interior, including the crack in the dash (common E30 problem) although this dosent affect the car, its just to me a sign that its been well looked after. moister in the boot has been a problem Ive had in all my e30s, with my most resent having a very wet passenger side floor. check all electrics and make sure it all works. also check for rust in the arches and along under the sills (only places Ive noticed it) well that's the extent of my knowledge that i can remember at the moment, hope others will add to this. cheers And Welcome to the E30 scene!! good luck. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fuzza88 0 Report post Posted June 9, 2009 Hey guys, Thanks for the hasty responses. Thats really interesting that you say that the 318i is the better one to get? over say a 320i wich i thought would of been a better engine maybe? more horsepower? what is the benefits for the 318 over the 320? what would you expect to pay for a good condition 318 or 325? sorry to be a noob your advice has helped me alot already! cheers Si Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tire 10 Report post Posted June 9, 2009 Hey guys, Thanks for the hasty responses. Thats really interesting that you say that the 318i is the better one to get? over say a 320i wich i thought would of been a better engine maybe? more horsepower? what is the benefits for the 318 over the 320? Si From all accounts the small amount of extra power that the 320i has is disproportionate to the increased fuel consumption. The m20b20 motor is also a fair bit heavier (disadvantage in corners). I've never owned a 320 but I've had two 318is and they have been pleasantly economical. So if you're gonna get a 6, make it a 2.5 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
greenday-rulz21 6 Report post Posted June 9, 2009 The argument between the 318 and 320 is that the 318 has a lighter engine and therefore less weight over the front wheels means better handling. The 320 is quite sluggish from experience, and of course as you should know is the smallest straight 6. Pre-Facelift 318 = 104bhp Facelift 318 = 113bhp 318iS = 134bhp Pre-Facelift 320 = 123bhp Facelift 320 = 127bhp 325 = 168bhp Auto anything apart from 325 would be quite sluggish. Manual free's the engines up soo much more. Best to go straight for a manual IMO. Not worth the hassle and time to convert it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
