Need some help!Noob here

[ShawnS]

Hey guys, My name is Shawn and I think Im becoming a BMW-aholic.

Thanks to a good friend of mine, who is a car dealer,he has been letting me take some of the BMW's on the lot for the night and the occasional weekend. Now I have the BMW fever and the only cure for this aint no cow bell.

In the fall Im looking to get into a E-30. Late 80's early 90's. Body style on them is so sick.
My questionn is what is the difference between the 325i and the 318i?
My plan is to eventually mod it, exterior/interior and with the possibility of a engine swap to a newer m3.
What are some of the pros and cons to each?

Any and all help is appreciated.

[c-bass]

Difference between 318 and 325 is the size of the engine.

The general opinion seems to be that the fun factor between the two is quite noticeable and driving the 318 you will be wanting more power soon.

I started my BMW habit with a '97 328i....but it's an auto

What can I say, it was priced right

[cormier]

325 is a bit more powerful, but really what you want is a clean body and all around good condition... Make motor your minimal deciding factor

There's a few awesome e30 examples for sale here, how much you looking to spend?

[ShawnS]

Thanks for clearing that up guys.
I have noticed alot more 325's then 318's and aftermarket parts for the body was a concern.
Im looking to spend a few grand, but am in no rush, unless a steal of a deal comes along. I would like to find one safety and cert. I would like to drive it for a bit before I tear it down and rebuild it.

[frankie591]

Get a clean car and as rust-free as you can afford. If it's a 318, then 24v swap! If it's a 325, 24v swap!

[MBrown]

if you're willing to go through the process of importing a car, definitely look into buying one in the States. There are MANY more available, generally in better condition because they see less winter, and are cheaper in most cases.

[Clarissa63]

I started my BMW habit with a '97 328i....but it's an auto

[ShawnS]

Originally Posted by frankie591

Get a clean car and as rust-free as you can afford. If it's a 318, then 24v swap! If it's a 325, 24v swap!

The hard part is finding one around here w/minimal rust.I have a buddy who is in the car industry and frequents the auctions so that is one avenue. Debating between a M50B25 or e36 swap.

Originally Posted by MBrown

if you're willing to go through the process of importing a car, definitely look into buying one in the States. There are MANY more available, generally in better condition because they see less winter, and are cheaper in most cases.

I am searching about this alot.. Going this route would save me alot of time and cash with a ride that has not been exposed to salt.Reading on the RIV web site. Just have to find us sites with bimmers for sale. Know of any?

Originally Posted by Clarissa63

I started my BMW habit with a '97 328i....but it's an auto

Thats a nice start but I dont think I could afford them. I like the projection head light conversion for them. Now thats gangstar.You going to keep it auto or swap?

[MBrown]

Originally Posted by ShawnS

I am searching about this alot.. Going this route would save me alot of time and cash with a ride that has not been exposed to salt.Reading on the RIV web site. Just have to find us sites with bimmers for sale. Know of any?

anthing older than 15 years by the build date of the car doesn't need to go through any of the RIV stuff.

check bimmerforums.com, there's usually quite a good selection there, it's where I found my car.