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BMW E30

  • 04-01-2010 9:24pm
    #1
    nightster1
    Registered Users Posts: 543 ✭✭✭


    Hi, I'm thinking about buying a BMW for the first time, i'm told that the E30 model is a great car, i'm looking at a 318is, anyone know of downsides to this model. Are they reliable? are parts readily available?


Comments

  • #2
    Anan1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 22,815 ✭✭✭✭Anan1


    I like them, but they are an old (classic) car - i'd drive a good one first to see if it's what you really want.


  • #3
    rebel.ranter
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,570 ✭✭✭rebel.ranter


    318iS are known for blowing head gaskets. I'd imagine any that have survived this long will have had theirs replaced, they could be due their second change by now though. Otherwise a great car for the time. I had two e30s & enjoyed them. They were easy to work on as well & plenty of specialist forums for them.
    There should be a few other threads here on boards too, just do a search of the Motors forum, also have a look in the Classic Cars forum too.

    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/search.php?searchid=9871215


  • #4
    jozi
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,391 ✭✭✭jozi


    While I don't have a 318iS I do have the engine from one in my E30 Touring:
    DSCF6006-1.jpg
    And I love it, pulls pretty well right up to the redline, getting a chip for one helps, some say not much slower than a 325i sport... I'm not so sure...

    Good choice though as the 320i has less power (but 6pot noise) and the 325's are much higher on tax. 318 (m40 engine) isn't really worth is, same tax as a 318is but less power and the iS has the advantage up uprated components (rear discs, vented front discs, larger struts, nicer interiour etc) like the 325i sport has.

    Mines been pretty reliable but I've only done about 3-4k with it so far. Replaced a few parts already that had to be done, wheel bearing, new m3 eccentric control arm bushes (better handling), going to do the rear beam bushes over the next few months, some other little bits I've had to do.

    They are easy to work on, not much electronics, parts are readily available new and secondhand.

    You get tonnes of info and help here: www.e30owners.com (irish) www.e30zone.net (uk), both are very busy forums and this is also a very good site about the iS: www.esatclear.ie/~bpurcell/index.html

    Hope that answers some questions, anything else just ask

    EDIT: Are you sure about the headgasket going on the m42's? I know it happens with the m20 engines, 320i & 325.


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