Thinking about a BMW 318is

[mistermiata]

Hey Guys,

I found a local, cheap, high mileage BMW 318is I'm thinking about purchasing as a fun beater. I can get it for $2500 with 4 studded snows:

http://burlington.craigslist.org/cto/5135560454.html

I know a few of you guys have BMW's. I would be new to the marque, and want to educate myself about the car. I'm wondering if there is an internet forum out there that is considered the 500eboard of BMW's?

Thanks!

Andy

 

[gerryvz]

I love those lil' E30s! That's a late one, too, so it will have a lot of the bugs worked out.

The best BMW forum I'm aware of is the Bimmerforums.com but since I'm not an owner of a BMW, I'm certainly not an expert.

Glen can most definitely clue you in on that.

As a side note, the M5board.com was in large part the nomenclatural inspiration for 500Eboard.com

 

[Glen]

Andy,
The E30 318iS is a fun little car. Light and nimble but a bit underpowered, especially compared to an E500. TBH, I haven't spent much time on any BMW forums other than M5board so I won't be too helpful with that. Bimmerforums is probably a good place to start though.

 

[Stevester 500E]

My only input to this thread can be summed up in one letter and two numbers:
C36

 

[600Eric]

 

[mistermiata]

Thanks guys! I drove it, definitely underpowered, probably slower than my Miata, but SMOOTH and revvy powerplant, still felt tight even with 195k miles. Would be a winter beater to use when along with the Land Rover when I want something fun to drive.

Should be pretty decent in the snow with the studded snow tires (and some weight in the trunk). I may pass on it if it doesnt have a limited slip, as the road up to my house is pretty steep, and I dont know if it will make it up in the snow with just the open diff.

 

[Glen]

From a post on Bimmerforums:
Just crawl under the back[FONT=inherit !important][FONT=inherit !important][/FONT][/FONT] of the car and look at the passenger side of the diff cover, you will see a little tag. Scrape of all the road grime if you see a S before 4.10 it has a lsd.

 

[gsxr]

For a winter beater and a steep driveway, get something with LSD and/or traction control. A 1994-95 E320/E420 with ASR would be ideal, even better if it has heated seats. ASR/ESP works wonders on snow and ice. Have you considered a W210 4Matic, btw?

 

[mistermiata]

Dave....I thought about an MB, but this BMW is local (like 10min away), choices are limited here in Vermont, most everything is rusted, and most importantly, I'm limited to ~ $3k

Any MB's worth buying in the $3k range that would be fun winter beaters?

 

[ccrelan]

Andy- I have a very VT candidate for you. I am more down in the NYC area though. $2000

http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?7219884-1998-Saab-9000-CSE-NYC-area-2500

 

[gsxr]

Dave....I thought about an MB, but this BMW is local (like 10min away), choices are limited here in Vermont, most everything is rusted, and most importantly, I'm limited to ~ $3k. Any MB's worth buying in the $3k range that would be fun winter beaters?

You should be able to find an MB in that price range with ASR/ESP, but it will probably have rust and fit the definition of "beater". Which is ok if it's good mechanically. The whole idea is to avoid taking your nice car out on salty roads, right?

However, if you want something local, that could be tough. Pretty likely you'd have to travel a bit, or have one shipped in, which puts a dent in the $3k budget.

 

[mistermiata]

You should be able to find an MB in that price range with ASR/ESP, but it will probably have rust and fit the definition of "beater". Which is ok if it's good mechanically. The whole idea is to avoid taking your nice car out on salty roads, right?

However, if you want something local, that could be tough. Pretty likely you'd have to travel a bit, or have one shipped in, which puts a dent in the $3k budget.

Well the BMW fits the winter beater definition. Paint is shot, driver seat is pretty bad, has some superficial rust-BUT, crucially (I've always wanted to throw that word in....the Brits use it all the time) its a five speed, fun to drive, and mechanically sound. Don't think the MB beaters will be manual tranny AND fun to drive. Grist for the mill though. If the BMW doesnt have the limited slip, I'm gonna pass on it, and the search starts again. But thats half the fun anyway....

 

[mistermiata]

Andy- I have a very VT candidate for you. I am more down in the NYC area though. $2000

http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?7219884-1998-Saab-9000-CSE-NYC-area-2500

Funny you bring Saab into the mix! I started out looking at Saabs (pre-GM 900's), found a couple of candidates (very popular in VT), but they seemed pretty crude, and FWD really turns me off. I've had an Alfa 164S, so I am familiar with the Saab 9000.....

 

[Stevester 500E]

1995 C36....

For a winter beater and a steep driveway, get something with LSD and/or traction control. A 1994-95 E320/E420 with ASR would be ideal, even better if it has heated seats. ASR/ESP works wonders on snow and ice. Have you considered a W210 4Matic, btw?

 

[gsxr]

1995 C36....

Under $3k and available near Vermont...?

 

[ccrelan]

Funny you bring Saab into the mix! I started out looking at Saabs (pre-GM 900's), found a couple of candidates (very popular in VT), but they seemed pretty crude, and FWD really turns me off. I've had an Alfa 164S, so I am familiar with the Saab 9000.....

No worries. The Saab doesn't have the pretty intake runners, but is a great deal quicker than the 164. The car is about 260 hp with the stage 1 tune on it now. I may have a guy buying the car from Colorado of all places. It seems like only people from NH, VT, and CO like these 9000s.

 

[mistermiata]

No slippy diff on the 318is. Damn! Drove real nice otherwise. Maybe if the seller will drop another $300-400 off the price? Is that how much a used limited slip would cost to put in? I think it's a direct swap from some of the other Bimmers......

 

[mistermiata]

The E500 needs a brother.....this would haul the skis, kayaks would go on the roof.

https://burlington.craigslist.org/cto/5124199186.html

Do all 124 series Mercedes have ASR/ESP?

 

[Stevester 500E]

Where is Vermont?
Here is one in Long Island, $3500 though
http://longisland.craigslist.org/cto/5084930653.html

Under $3k and available near Vermont...?

 

[gsxr]

Where is Vermont?

Pretty close to Canada, eh.

 

[mistermiata]

East of Boise....Dave, do all 124 MB's have ASR/ESP? How about heated seats?

 

[ccrelan]

ASR is optional on later 93/94/95 w124s. The wagon in your listing is a 4 matic which have their own set of unique issues.

 

[gerryvz]

DO NOT buy an S124 or W124 with 4MATIC. Please, just do not.

Luckily it was only available until model year 1992 in the US, and the 1993 and facelift 124s so optioned used ASR, which is MUCH better.

 

[mistermiata]

Thanks for the advice guys.....don't know much about the pedestrian 124's, only 036!

 

[gsxr]

East of Boise....Dave, do all 124 MB's have ASR/ESP? How about heated seats?

ASR was optional on gas-powered 124's as of 1990, I believe (Klink can probably give more exact info).

Heated seats were optional on all years/models of 124.

ESP was never offered on the 124 chassis. ESP (Electronic Stability Program?) is like "ASR Plus" and it arrived as an option on the E-class with the W210 chassis. Both ASR and ESP were options on most W210's, but one or the other may have been standard on certain models.

Gerry is right, avoid the 124 with 4Matic. Besides being trouble-prone, they only came with the M103 engine. The later 4Matic cars (W210 chassis) were much improved. For a winter driver, I'd try to find a W210 with ASR/ESP or better yet, 4Matic. And heated seats, of course.

 

[DerFuror]

Get it.
Beat the sh*t out of it!
That's what it was built for.

 

[TerryA]

Where is Vermont?
Here is one in Long Island, $3500 though
http://longisland.craigslist.org/cto/5084930653.html

Sly,

That's a pretty nice beater for $3,500.00. If I wasn't 3,000 miles away I'd take a chance on that. I almost bought a C36. Actually I looked at probably 10 of them before settling on a 500E.

 

[mistermiata]

How would this perform as a winter beater (with 4 snow tires of course):

https://burlington.craigslist.org/cto/5151472683.html

Mercedes E300 100k miles - $2490 (South Burlington)

1993 Mercedes Benz E300 with just 111000 miles on it,runs and drives excellent,no dents or rust,very clean inside and outside.New battery ,New struts almost New tiers.Loaded,power seats,power windows,power mirrors and much more.​

 

[Klink]

How would this perform as a winter beater (with 4 snow tires of course):

https://burlington.craigslist.org/cto/5151472683.html

With ASR, kinda-sorta OK. Without it, most MBs without a swing axle (think 60's and back) are usually as abomonable as a snowman, especially by modern standards. Really thinking winter beater? Think AWD or FWD. How's your "Golf" game? 210 4matics are great, but watch out for rust!

 

[gsxr]

How would this perform as a winter beater (with 4 snow tires of course):

https://burlington.craigslist.org/cto/5151472683.html

It has ASR so it should do nicely, with four snow tires mounted. Add some weight in the trunk if needed. AWD would be ideal but that will likely push you out of the $3k budget.

 

[mistermiata]

Dave,

How can you tell it has ASR? I cant see the speedo well enough to see the warning triangle. Is ther another way to tell?

 

[gsxr]

How can you tell it has ASR? I cant see the speedo well enough to see the warning triangle. Is ther another way to tell?

I may have jumped to conclusions here, but from the small fuzzy photos it appears there is an ASR window in the speedo, and a snow-chain switch on the console. The VIN would confirm 100%, or a photo of the driver side of the engine compartment where you can see the ABS/ASR pump.

 

[ccrelan]

Cars with headlight wipers and heated seats usually have ASR.

 

[Bob996]

My only input to this thread can be summed up in one letter and two numbers:
C36

. 95/96 is the way to go!

 

[mistermiata]

No ASR according to the seller......

 

[gsxr]

No ASR according to the seller......

The seller may not even know what ASR is. If the pictures are of the actual car for sale, I'm almost certain it has ASR. Get the VIN... that way we can pull an AutoCheck too.

If the seller won't provide the VIN, ask for a photo under the hood.

 

[alabbasi]

I drove an E30 318i with an m40 engine (single cam version with 115hp) through college back when I lived in London. Closest thing to a perfect car in my opinion. Mine was the no frills version with manual steering, windows and sunroof. Huge boot, useless back seats, but a perfect driving position and a lovely engaging car to drive. It was plenty quick for me back then but i'm not sure now.

I think that the 318is made about 136hp which was right in between a 318i and a 320i. The 325i's which a readily available in the US make 170hp which will make a very lively car.

Good luck!

 

[jeff0093]

One of my techs has a E-30 1991 318i with full suspension bilsteins, H&R springs, ST bars, stress bar and some other upgrades with winter BFG Ksi snows. I think he wants $1K for it located in CT. Let me know I can find out more details send me a PM

 

[mistermiata]

One of my techs has a E-30 1991 318i with full suspension bilsteins, H&R springs, ST bars, stress bar and some other upgrades with winter BFG Ksi snows. I think he wants $1K for it located in CT. Let me know I can find out more details send me a PM

PM sent Jeff.....thanks!

 

[mistermiata]

The seller may not even know what ASR is. If the pictures are of the actual car for sale, I'm almost certain it has ASR. Get the VIN... that way we can pull an AutoCheck too.

If the seller won't provide the VIN, ask for a photo under the hood.

Here's the VIN Dave:

 

[gsxr]

Yup, it has ASR. Datacard and AutoCheck attached. I'd go check it out... join the Malachite Club!!

 

[Klink]

Yup, it has ASR. Datacard and AutoCheck attached. I'd go check it out... join the Malachite Club!!

 

[Klink]

DO NOT buy an S124 or W124 with 4MATIC. Please, just do not.

"Over-engineered like no other car in the world"

 

[nocfn]

a great club no doubt

 

[mistermiata]

Cool, thanks for checking Dave! I will take a look at it. I guess all the stuff we talk about checking on a E500E applies to an E300? Like wiring harness, EZL, ETA, tranny issues, etc?

Does GVZ rule apply-maybe $2500-$5k instead of $5-$10k?

 

[nocfn]

If I might add a thought: Parts are not as "model specific" and there were many more made so the parts are cheaper. But, really the condition and care often depends on the wallet, and not always, but often, perhaps a lesser cost vehicle is an entry point new and there was little available to keep up after the entry into the marque. So many MX items suffer. From what I see, lots of BMW get bought off the lease but are sold again in 2-3 years as the required MX get to be more than the entry point consumer can bear. BUT if you need fender liners, rockers or some flared fenders, let me know!

 

[gsxr]

Cool, thanks for checking Dave! I will take a look at it. I guess all the stuff we talk about checking on a E500E applies to an E300? Like wiring harness, EZL, ETA, tranny issues, etc?

Does GVZ rule apply-maybe $2500-$5k instead of $5-$10k?

Most issues still apply, the ETA and upper harness are the primary items, but if left untouched / undisturbed they may still last quite a while... which buys you time to used, late-datecode replacements for cheap (assuming they haven't already been replaced). This car has HFM injection and does not use an EZL. Tranny should be ok at 100kmi other than maybe some leaks. For a beater, I wouldn't spend a dime that isn't needed to keep it running. If you want a well-maintained example you'll probably have to spend quite a bit more up front.

 

[gerryvz]

Does GVZ rule apply-maybe $2500-$5k instead of $5-$10k?

I would not be qualified to make this judgement, as I have zero experience with BMW automobiles. However, in a very general sense I would think the $5-10K rule would be true with most any young-timer auto, particularly a German-designed one.

Cheers,
Gerry

 

[8899]

This is exactly what you need for a winter beater:

http://bringatrailer.com/listing/1990-bmw-325ix-s54-swap-awd/

 

[alabbasi]

This is exactly what you need for a winter beater:

http://bringatrailer.com/listing/1990-bmw-325ix-s54-swap-awd/

Not sure about the winter part, I was able to get a 318i (8v model) to fling its arse out in the dry without too much effort. BMW's are nowhere near as well built as a Mercedes. Even the ones with the full leather treatment (dash, door skins etc) look flimsy by comparison. But they are fantastic cars to drive. My 6 series and my SEC look like they're set up almost exactly the same from underneath yet driving the 6 series is about 3 times the fun even though the SEC is likely to be faster.