Need some input..thinking of buying project E30

[03 Dinan 3]

hey guys,
I've been doing quite a bit of research and I'm looking into buying an E30 as a project and maybe eventual track car.
I've decided that I want to get a 325is or 318is.

From what I know, the 89+ has a LSD I think..

So my 2 choices right now are:

1. 1988 325is with 223,100 kms
2. 1991 318is with 256,000 kms
both are under $3000, both are manual and both appear to be in good shape. The 318 looks like it's in a little better shape exterior-wise

Any suggestions would be helpful.

Ideally I wanted to find one for super cheap, but I want one that is driveable from the get-go.

this checklist is awesome and very detailed too! I'll be sure to apply it when the time comes to look at them.

[Blackout]

i cant really compare taking both on the track but ive taken my 318 on the track and all it has is a chip and it was extremly nimble and quick it kept up with quite a few cars in the corners granted it does lack power for the straight. something you should look into is the DASC that they are making for it http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/ima...ne06_318is.pdf i dont know if its 100% finalized yet but read that article.

[03 Dinan 3]

thanks for the reponse man..
Yea I heard the MarkD chip is a very popular mod.

Is it true that the 4 door is more rigid and stiff than the 2 door?

thanks for the article as well..I'm going to read that

[InfiniteDice]

For 1.5k you could get a decent pre 87 'e' car, manual 2 door or 4 door; which is faster than a 318is.

With the remaining 1.5K you could trick the suspension out for excellent handling.

or

With the remaining 1.5k you could grab a new motor and make it really move. This might run you 2k+.

The 'e' cars are undervalues right now, and it's the same car. The engine isn't all that bad, the long straights it will eventually lose out.

Peace!

Mike

[dgmorr]

Or you could buy my car

[hadesm5]

Originally Posted by 03 Dinan 3

hey guys,
From what I know, the 89+ has a LSD I think..

325is yes, but 318is not necessarily

[03 Dinan 3]

Originally Posted by InfiniteDice

For 1.5k you could get a decent pre 87 'e' car, manual 2 door or 4 door; which is faster than a 318is.

With the remaining 1.5K you could trick the suspension out for excellent handling.

or

With the remaining 1.5k you could grab a new motor and make it really move. This might run you 2k+.

The 'e' cars are undervalues right now, and it's the same car. The engine isn't all that bad, the long straights it will eventually lose out.

Peace!

Mike

it very well could be a possibility, but I've heard performance is night and day between the "e" and the "is" since it was the economy version

[Gleb]

It doesn't matter what you buy, 318, 325, i, e... whatever.
If it's going to be a dedicated track car, sooner or later you will change/upgrade suspension, diff, transmission, engine anyway.
So get the one that has the least amount of rust and is structurally sound.
Don't worry about power, if you are new to the track. Learning to drive a slow car fast will greatly benefit you in the future, when you move up to faster things.

[windsor318is]

do not, i repeat do not get a 318. especially with those kilometers. trust me i no.

[03 Dinan 3]

Originally Posted by Gleb

It doesn't matter what you buy, 318, 325, i, e... whatever.
If it's going to be a dedicated track car, sooner or later you will change/upgrade suspension, diff, transmission, engine anyway.
So get the one that has the least amount of rust and is structurally sound.
Don't worry about power, if you are new to the track. Learning to drive a slow car fast will greatly benefit you in the future, when you move up to faster things.

good point..E60 M5 engine swap

windsor: what problems would I get with the 318is vs the 325is?

here's the car in question:

Exterior looks good and so does the interior minus the seats.

[tominizer]

I know where there's an E30 3XX rolling shell that has no motor........ with some work, it could be a decent car. It's not rust free BTW. Likely could score it for $300 CAN. I pulled the motor out over the weekend (bought the motor only from the guy). Located in Concord (Keele south of Rutherford).

[03 Dinan 3]

I may have found my car!

86 325e for less than $2300 with 190,000 kms, 5 speed, fresh paint job, lots of new/replaced parts (well taken care of)

I'm going to call the guy today