Subject: newest is not necessarily the best Author: SnakeEyes325is : member since February, 2004 : 41 posts Posted on: 2004-08-29 23:00:34

though they are VERY safe. my brother rolled a 325e(4 rools, maybe a flip in there too), with 4 people in the car, only injury was a minor bruise/bump on ones head.


as for which one thats up to you, here are the plain basics:

the simpliest, cheapest would be a 1984 or 1985 318i, which you won't have to worry about her driven too crazily in, as they have around 100HP.

a (85-88)325e is very reliable, gets great mileage, and is also cheap and easy to maintain. they have great torque for city driving. Rating are around 125HP/175TQ, 2.7 liter engine

the 1987-1991 325i/iC/is are the performance oriented E30s'. they are high strung(6500 redline, compared to the 325e's 5---). their power band is much higher than the "e", and are rated around 164HP/168TQ

the 90-91 318i/is have the M42 engine, and is lightweight with 142HP, and a high strung "gotta rev it to go anywhere" powerband.

the Newest cars are not always as popular, though, as they got heavier each passing year with more electronics that don't really belong in a sports car. Airbag equipped cars are not very popular in the sport oriented E30 martket, because the wheels is bigger, and they have extra pounds due the SRS system, and it was still a primitive system, and addds extra maintain costs.

the maintaince costs are highest in the M42 equipped 318's, and the 325i's, although they are not super expensive if you do the work yourself.

This opinion exclude M models:
Finally, (absoluetly no offense intended, I'm usre other here can testify to this) many people with the "bigger" and "newer" bimmer don't realize anything about the purpose of the cars until they own one. even the 318i with 100HP and no luxury has its merits. The E30, IMHO outshines most all other BMW models made after it in terms of sheer fun and driving experience. I've drvien 535i's, 750's E36's. I've seen people sell their E46 because they wanted something sportier so they bought a E30 and modified it. They are fun cars. I know of one guy who has spent over $50,000 on his E30, the crown jewel of his family's automobile collection.

good luck, and have fun!!!!!

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1987 BMW 325is - 5-speed - Alpine White
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1987 BMW 325iC - Auto - (in the family, not mine)

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