To e30 or e36, that is the question

[Kouryou]

My venerable, dependable, and fun 325es is soon to be history and I am contemplating, considering, and canoodling the idea of getting a newer e36 instead of another e30.

My budget will allow me to purchase either a e30 318is or 325is, or an e36 318is or 325i (1992 - 1993 vintage) with the e30 318is taking up the lowest cost to me and the others relative to that.

I've gone out and driven an e36 and like the way they drive, handle, and accelerate but the e30 is familiar to me, I know how to get myself out of trouble if I am stuck alongside the road, and have grown used to their quirks and eccentricities (even if it is the eta version).

Is the e36 really that much of an advancement over the e30?

Any feedback, suggestions, or thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Once I get my new Munich machine I'll be joining up with DC BMWCCA and hoping to race all of you at AllSport Grand Prix.

Thanks in advance,

Keith

1985 325es

[rluckan]

Is the e36 really that much of an advancement over the e30?

Any feedback, suggestions, or thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
Keith

1985 325es

My first BMW was a 325es, Cinnabar/Lt grey, stick. I loved it! Had to sell it because of an international relocation. Can't speak to the E36. Current ride is a 2000 E46 (328Ci) I like it a lot, but can't say I LOVE it. It is more advanced than the 325es, but it is not a stick.

[Doby]

Parts are easier to get for the E36.

[Jed]

My first BMW was a 325es, Cinnabar/Lt grey, stick. I loved it! Had to sell it because of an international relocation. Can't speak to the E36. Current ride is a 2000 E46 (328Ci) I like it a lot, but can't say I LOVE it. It is more advanced than the 325es, but it is not a stick.

That's funny! My first BMW was also a 325es- Cinnabar red/Pearl interior. Gotta say when I traded it for the E36, it took awhile to fall in love with it like my E30.

[ChosenGSR]

With no intent to hijack this thread, but what are the different e30 models out there? I know absolutely nothing of them but might be considering one as a track car soon?

[1996 328ti]

318i
318is
325i
325is
325ix
325e

[AlfaEric]

With no intent to hijack this thread, but what are the different e30 models out there? I know absolutely nothing of them but might be considering one as a track car soon?
Here's a useful link:
http://www.strictlyeta.net/technical/specifications2.html

---Eric

[ChosenGSR]

Here's a useful link:
http://www.strictlyeta.net/technical/specifications2.html

---Eric
Thank you sir!

[AlfaEric]

Thank you sir!
No problem. Here is another good one. http://www.bmwe30.net/cgi-bin/datacgi/database.cgi?file=articles&report=articles&Section=07

---Eric

[M-technik-3]

What was the final decision? Just wondering as I own presently 4 E30's.

[JLee]

318i
318is
325i
325is
325ix
325e

Don't forget the M3.

I'm with John, I think parts, especially track parts are easier for the E36.

I would go with the E36

Jeff

[SharkD]

Even though they're somewhat older and it's slightly harder to find "performance" parts for them, a fair number of instructors seem to be of the opinion that an E30 (particularly the early 325iS') can outperform a "Prepared" E36 everywhere but the long straights.

And with 2.2 million E30's produced, most body and driveline parts are relatively easy and inexpensive to get your hands on, new or used. (And shops like Ireland Engineering, TurboChargingDynamics, Bimmerworld and TurnerMotorsport carry quite a range of E30 tuning parts.)

But then again, I'm a bit biased towards 1987 model year Bimmers, apparently. :icon_weir

[JLee]

but thats the thing, the E36 is a better "all around" track car...straights and turns...

I would agree that the E30 has better handling potential because in my E30 I clearly can catch up to P-Cars and E36 or E46 M3s but I just get blown away on the straights its not even funny

Jeff

[SharkD]

Ultimately, I believe the answer to straightaway power lies in dropping an M70 V12, or one of the new M5/M6 V10's into an E30 chassis. http://www.nccbmwcca.org/forum/images/smilies/icon_evil_laugh.gif

[M-technik-3]

My M50 car with just a chip and an Underdrive pulley is no slouch

[wolfgang20878]

All,
I'm in the same quandry...e30 318 or e36 318. Currently test-driving e36's in the DC area and like them a lot, they actually have more power than I would have thought. My requirements are somewhat different...I need a safe (i.e., Beltway-proof), 4-cyl commuter that can double as a road-trip machine, but have fun on weekends. My understanding is that the e36 is probably the better choice, though I haven't been able to drive any e30's. I am staying away from any e36 older than '97.

My question now is where to get one?...if anyone knows of a good example, please let me know!

- John

[NoSoup4U]

Can I ask why a 4 cylinder and not a 6 cylinder?

Why also a 1997+ E36?

I would go after a post-vanos E36 6 cylinder 325is or 328is. IT gets just as good gas mileage as the 4 cylinder and is quick.

a) is competitive in its autocross class;

b) can hang with E36 M3's with good drivers around a track;

c) is dead reliable except for normal E36 quirks which is rampant among all years, even post 97.

[adam]

keep in mind the E30 is several hundred pounds lighter than its E36 counterpart...

I've driven alfa eric's E30 318is as well as 318power's E36 318is. The biggest difference I noticed was how easily the E30 rotated. You can also feel the extra weight when compared to the E36. My personal preference would be for the E36, but that's just my opinion based on a combination of looks and just because it's newer and has more amenities that make it a comfortable daily driver. Not that the E30 wouldn't be, but BMW did replace those for a reason.

-- Adam

[BahnBaum]

Seems like it's a lot easier to find the right e36 than it is the right e30.

Alex

[wolfgang20878]

I'm assuming the 4-cyl engine would get better mileage just from displacement...agree it might not matter in actual driving. Also prefer cars built later in production run--fewer defects and better safety items.

"Post-VANOS" being the 1995 and later? How does one distinguish M50 vs M50TU vs. M52TU?

-John

[m thrizl]

i think the e30's are better engineered cars, and are more fun to drive. i think the build quality is also better. however IMO i do no like either without a 6 cylinder, exc for e30 m3. i had a 86 326es, great car, couldnt imagine owining one without a 6 cyl, but thats only because i prefer performance to economy. if i was purchasing a bmw and wanted to spend $2 to 4k my money would go towards a nice 325is vs a avg e36.