Thoughts on a 91' 318i - United Bimmer Community

**tsweers89** · 11-30-2007, 02:23 PM

So ive been in the market for a e30. This will be my first e30. I came across a 91' 318i. I am not looking for something fast or anything jst something to drive around until i have enough money for a m3. I havent actually looked at it but heres the description i have gotten so far:

Black leather, power windows, power locks, moonroof, new clutch, new hoses, power mirrors, new brake pads/rotors, new fan, 139000 on odometer but replace the engine at 130000, new battery w/extra one that is also new, new stock exhaust, new factory bmw floor mats, new emblems, new alternater

His price is $2k.

Any thoughts or comment would be appreciated.

I dont know how to post pics but if someone could host them for me i could send them to you via e-mail.

**dev6315** · 11-30-2007, 03:43 PM

Sounds like a nice car. Make sure to look under the car for any signs of rust of bubbling in the paint. For some reason the sunroof panel is a hot spot for rust. Check under the car for any leaks, I am going through getting a new steering rack on mine, its not fun or cheap. Oil pans leak also, these arent things to stop you from buying, just to look out for, they can get pricey. Also!!!!!! if the owner doesnt know the last time the timing belt was replaced, replace it! do the belt and water pump at the same time. If all the gauges work and electrical items are sound, the car sounds like a great find.
A 318i can be a fast car, esp with the 5spd. You dont want a perfect car either, you need something to keep you busy. Keep us posted with what you decide, I would DEF. go for it!

**iamcreepingdeath** · 11-30-2007, 03:47 PM

I am looking for an E30 myself. I currently have an E36 (the green one listed below) but i am giving it to my wife after i ditch her old Audi, and i wanted to get a cheaper (but still sweet) BMW, and i really like tle looks of the E30. Would anyone recommend a 318 or a 325? and how fast is the E30 325i compared to the E36 325i?

thanks guys!

witeshark · 11-30-2007, 04:06 PM

The E30 325i had tested in some car mags to make 0-60 in about 7.4 seconds with a 5 speed.

**iamcreepingdeath** · 11-30-2007, 04:49 PM

I just looked on exoticcarsite.com, and it says the quarter mile/0-60 times for the '89 E30 325i is 7.5/15.5, and the '95 E36 325i is 7.7/16.0. So it seems the E30 is actually faster than the E36. What is the gross curb weight of the E30 325? it must be quite a bit lighter than the E36 325, since the E30 only has 168 hp, and the E36 has 190.

thanks again!

witeshark · 11-30-2007, 05:46 PM

1989 ~ 1990 E30 325i weighs about 2810 lbs.

**iamcreepingdeath** · 11-30-2007, 07:29 PM

WOW! i just looked at the spec sheet inside the door of my car, and my car weighs over 4000 pounds! no wonder the E30's are a little faster with less horsepower. what kind of gas milegae does the E30 325 get?

nick_318is · 11-30-2007, 07:46 PM

The 318 your looking at sounds like a pretty good deal, if you have pictures it might help out for finding flaws. I like to drive my 318 very very much its a very fun car and the e30 is a great platform. Now if I could get a sub 6 second 0-60 time from my 4 banger, HOLY SHIT, i dont think i would ever drive another car.

witeshark · 11-30-2007, 09:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iamcreepingdeath

WOW! i just looked at the spec sheet inside the door of my car, and my car weighs over 4000 pounds! no wonder the E30's are a little faster with less horsepower. what kind of gas milegae does the E30 325 get?

The E30 325i gets about 18~19 city and 24~26 highway.

nick_318is · 12-01-2007, 12:25 PM

The e30 318 (1990-91), I average 25mpg and thats driving like a maniac most of the time. If i drove like a normal person I could get 30-35mpg.

**Exilion** · 12-01-2007, 02:20 PM

^^ +1. I usually get around 25-26 but that's almost all in town. Now when I inherited the car it was like 20 mpg max but I did all the filters, plugs, and valve adjustment and it bumped up to about 25-26. I'd imagine with more work it would be even higher. Just gotta save up for that turbo charger. Maybe I'll do something fancy and hook up one small and one large turbo like that 5 series diesel. Who knows 4 years from now they might sell kits like that

**tsweers89** · 12-03-2007, 08:49 AM

iF someone couls host the pictures i could e-mail them to you. It be very appreciated

**iamcreepingdeath** · 12-03-2007, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by witeshark

The E30 325i gets about 18~19 city and 24~26 highway.

That seems really low.... my E36 325 gets around 19-21 in the city and 28-30 on the highway. Why does the E30 get so much worse gas mileage?

**iamcreepingdeath** · 12-03-2007, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Exilion

^^ +1. I usually get around 25-26 but that's almost all in town. Now when I inherited the car it was like 20 mpg max but I did all the filters, plugs, and valve adjustment and it bumped up to about 25-26. I'd imagine with more work it would be even higher. Just gotta save up for that turbo charger. Maybe I'll do something fancy and hook up one small and one large turbo like that 5 series diesel. Who knows 4 years from now they might sell kits like that

your car is exactly the kind i am looking for: a late E30 325 two door 5-speed. About how much would you say i should spend to get one in decent condition?

**denyo77** · 12-03-2007, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tsweers89

iF someone couls host the pictures i could e-mail them to you. It be very appreciated

I could
tokyotrash@gmx.de

nick_318is · 12-04-2007, 08:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iamcreepingdeath

your car is exactly the kind i am looking for: a late E30 325 two door 5-speed. About how much would you say i should spend to get one in decent condition?

I think you can find a decent car for $2500 I have seen people get even better deals then that with some looking for cars that are in pretty good shape. A Really good example is probably worth $5000+

**steelblue** · 12-18-2007, 02:23 AM

hey guys I'm new to this board and just so happened I'm also looking for an e30 318 convertible myself as a second go around town car and just wondering what things I should be looking out for any problems issues etc.

right now I drive an e46 2000 328i sedan, had it a year and truly love it!!!!!

**denyo77** · 12-18-2007, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steelblue

hey guys I'm new to this board and just so happened I'm also looking for an e30 318 convertible myself as a second go around town car and just wondering what things I should be looking out for any problems issues etc.

right now I drive an e46 2000 328i sedan, had it a year and truly love it!!!!!

http://www.unitedbimmer.com/forums/b...ible-sale.html
it's a 325i, but its cheap!

**steelblue** · 12-18-2007, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iamcreepingdeath

That seems really low.... my E36 325 gets around 19-21 in the city and 28-30 on the highway. Why does the E30 get so much worse gas mileage?

i have a 328i and get about the same mileage!!!! on the highway going 80-85 mph I can still get about 29-30