I Need an e30
 

ok, so I am going to college, and money is tight and I need to pay off my car loan so I am selling my 96 328is. I know, I know, I will miss it. But I must make this decision.

SO, I need help in picking out an e30, cause I will at least stick with BMW :) . I will have about 4k to play with, and I know an e30 doesnt cost that much. I want a 325, a 318 and 320 just wont do it power wise. However, my good e30 people, I dont know what kind of numbers it puts out, and what EXACTLY is teh difference between the 325is and the 325es?

Fill me in with everything, including things to look out for. Thanks.

The 325is and 325es share the same main difference as the 2 without the s pack. Anything e = 2.7 liter eta engine. It's not quick enough for you.

what exactly does eta mean? I think i read something about the "e" stood for economy class, meaning bigger engine because it got better gas mileage.

Do you have any horsepower numbers?

I found an article with too much info, but in there it said 121 HP. It's also a lower revving @ about 5000 max

^^^
ya, I just looked it up.

325e is about 121 hp
325i is about 171 hp.

I think I will take that 50 hp. thank you.

Find an 87 325is, diving board bumpers bring the value down, but it still has all the same goodies that the later plastic bumper 325is has, lsd, seats, engine, obc, etc, etc.

Try and get a mint one for around 3000, then spend the rest on whatever it needs.

I know you dont do your own work, so finding one that has has all the suspension parts replaced is key, because doing a complete bushing overhall is common practice on cars this old, and im sure you do not want to pay someone upwards of 1500 bucks in labor+parts.

I would say you want a 318is or a 325is, i am trying to drive this guys 325is that i just met to compare.

Also don't do DBoards I think they look pretty gross on these cars.

1989 325is if u can find one. that way u get the non sealed bulb headlights. They are ellipsoid and work much better then the dealed bulbs.

U'll definetly have to drop it though :)

little off topic...where did u decide to go to college?

I am moving to Coeur D'alene, ID, this summer, and then we could do a trade, and all give you some cash.....jk.

you dont want my diving boards, good luck on finding an E30 though

Where are you going to school?

sorry to hear you're selling the e36 :( how much for your rims/tires?

buy a 318iS model. it's the best handling and the most fun out of them bar the e30 m3.

I havent decided yet between Western Washington University or the University of Washington. I have been leaning a lot towards Western, but UW is the best public univ. in the state, so its hard to argue with the best education.

On my nephew's '91 325i, the oil pan gasket is shot, and it's a PITA to replace. Last I heard, he was gonna JB Weld it. It's apparently a common problem, so be sure to inspect that area ;)