I'm new here

[unfortunatepenguin]

Well not really new I've been lurking around reading all the posts for about a month. Anyway looks like a good place with a lot of general BMW knowledge.

I've got a problem and was wondering if you guys could help me out I'm currently driving my little sisters Volvo, she comes back from Purdue on June 3rd and I need a car by then, I'd really like to get a bimmer, either a E30 or E36, and so far I've really only been looking at 325i's and is's.

Currently though there are none of these in my area (South Bend, IN) but there is a good looking E30 325e I haven't gone to check it out yet but it has about 180,000 on the odometer, now it seems these last forever so I'm not really worried about it. But I do want some more power and I believe it is also an auto. I remember reading somewhere you can change the head and pistons to the 'is' model how expensive (doing it myself) would this be and where would I locate the parts (horrible junkyards around here) I'm also interested in doing a manual swap, so if you have done it give me your feedback.

Anyway thanks in advance for any help, and sorry for my poor grammar and spelling.

[nick_318is]

^for a car that old you might be better off just going out and finding a car that is a little farther away rather then spending the extra money for a manual trans and changing the head.

If you do go that route i'm not sure where you can get the parts but i know they are out there.

Welcome

[celsdogg]

here is a howto from bmwe30.net, good E30 articles there:

http://www.bmwe30.net/cgi-bin/datacg...00001&Section=

honestly, i would tell you to wait. it a manual 325i is what you want i would keep looking for one.

180,000 miles isnt a lot on a E30 (i have seen some in upwards of 300k), but it also depends a lot on the type of care it got.

its not an end all, be all, be check for service records. they will give you a good idea of how the owner took care of it.

a couple of things to check for:
oil leak from the oil pan
last timing belt change
exhaust system
rust on body, particularly around rear license plate lights, trunk, battery compartment,
drivers side lock cylinder


bmwe30.net and other members will have more info on what to look for.

Good luck on your search and welcome to ub.c!

[witeshark]

Tons of luck on your search. I'm in the middle of restoring my E30 now Welcome to UB.C

[BMWLotAttendant]

Go for the e36.

e30s are just going to cause you more problems and money.

Just my thoughts.

Welcome.

[xsperf]

just a little heads up, if a car has that many miles on it, make sure the rubber components all around are ok... like tranny mounts, guibo, driveshaft center bearing, shock/strut mounts... etc etc, these will most likely fail b4 the engine will

[EuroStyle]

Welcome to UB.c This place is a party

Any way, I would say take your time, save your money, and wait until you find the car that you really love. You will know as soon as you see it, trust me.

Also, don't settle for an automatic. You will just end up spending more on a tranny swap later.

Best of luck with your search.

-Matt

[unfortunatepenguin]

Thanks for all the replies.

BMWLot Attendant, I love both E36's and E30's, they both have their charm, E30's are small, fun, old school looking beasts; while the E36 is only slightly larger, but with better power, and a slightly aggresive look. But from what I've seen so far a good condition E30 seems to be quite stout, while the E36 is known for some of it's poor engineering (ex: water pump, plastic radiator pieces, clutch fan, possible tranny problems, weak bushings, differential, weak tie rods, rear shock mount, etc. (I can keep going for a while though)) Anyways if this and other E30's fall through there is a 325is (E36) locally that is missing its door panels for some reason but its only 3,000.

xsperf, with any car I get wether it's a Ford Pinto or a precious BMW I'm planning on replacing as much of the rubber with polyurethane as possible, for a while I was driving an old toyota pickup that had basically no suspension and I live in Indiana (not the best roads) I don't mind a rough ride (via stiffer suspension, body, and bushings) just as long as it's gripping the road.

Lastly I have been rethinking my position and am currently looking for a 325is (E30) with a manual but so far nothing in my limited price range, and geographic range. Anyway thanks for all the help, ecouragement, advice, and welcoming. I think I like it here.

[celsdogg]

E36's are known to have some problems, but if taken care of they are still good bimmers themselves.

in terms of power the E36 325i has a bit more horsepower and torque, but keep in mind it also carries just a bit more weight. it still has a better power to weight ratio than the E30 (both stock), but the difference is small.

both great bimmers tho.

[unfortunatepenguin]

Originally Posted by celsdogg

E36's are known to have some problems, but if taken care of they are still good bimmers themselves.

in terms of power the E36 325i has a bit more horsepower and torque, but keep in mind it also carries just a bit more weight. it still has a better power to weight ratio than the E30 (both stock), but the difference is small.

both great bimmers tho.

Exactly celsdogg, they're both great cars, and both can be a bitch if they haven't been taken care of. As of now I just happen to believe the E30 is more suited to my style and hey when that trusty old engine and tranny are finally tired of that gruesome torture my right foot seems to exhibit I could possibly switch to M52 or S52 (mmmm light weight, incredible handling, and beautiful power (in sleeper form of course))

:Edit:

Hey Eurostyle, I missed your post while replying, my grandma lives in cincy and its not THAT bad of a drive from up here, do you happen to know of any good bimmers down there or any dealerships that have a good used stock, I've been meaning to go down to visit her and maybe I can kill two birds with one stone.

[celsdogg]

i was going to say tho, that the E36 does have a bit more of a sophisticated engine than the old M20 in the E30, but the M20 is still sweet its damn self

i dont know anything about engine swaps tho, but i have seen lots of M50/2 in E30's

[unfortunatepenguin]

Hmmm take a look guys, a compromise, good price (i think so), clean, white (best color IMO), decent miles, fairly close, good looking, etc. Tell me what you guys think (but buy and die) I'll have to look at my finances (rents going up and cost per credit hour going up but with my jobs I should be able to cover it.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...en&cardist=101

[celsdogg]

looks really good and clean. i would take a look at it if i were you

dont know if you knew about this, but check it out, it will help when looking at E36's:
http://www.unitedbimmer.com/kb-e36-c...faults-faq.php

[unfortunatepenguin]

I just printed that out about 30 minutes ago, it's a great article.

Yeah I'm going to see if I can secure a more road worthy car (volvo could use some rest time) AKA dad's A6 Twin Turbo (doubt it but hey it's a nice dream) or just rent a car, if possible and if it's still available I'll be down there early Monday morning to test drive her (kinda I'm horrible with a manual because of lack of experience) and check her out, and hopefully buy her too.

I've never bought a car before (most have been donated by customers or family) so any tips are more then welcome (so much more that I'm actually over here begging for you to help me but you can't see me) Anyways Thanks for everything so far and any further help is appreciated as well.

[celsdogg]

i just got used to driving my E30 and its a manual, my only advice is finesse the clutch

it may be a good idea to bring someone else with you so they can look at it too, best bet is someone who knows a bit about cars. hope you know someone like that