bmw buying question

i'm looking around at early 90's bmw's, and i've decided i want to get either a 325is or a 318is. does anyone have any thoughts on either of these? i plan on getting a few mods, exhaust, header, cold air intake, etc. i want it to be pretty fast, but it doesn't need to be too fast, i don't plan on racing in the street scene, just friends and kids in my town and such. i'm aware the 318is has a 4 cylinder rather than 6 like the 325is, but am i able to make it somewhat fast with a few mods?

look at the 325i and put an lsd and sport suspension in. Then a chip, maybe exhaust. I've been told to avoid pre-95 models though.

i'm looking around at early 90's bmw's, and i've decided i want to get either a 325is or a 318is. does anyone have any thoughts on either of these? i plan on getting a few mods, exhaust, header, cold air intake, etc. i want it to be pretty fast, but it doesn't need to be too fast, i don't plan on racing in the street scene, just friends and kids in my town and such. i'm aware the 318is has a 4 cylinder rather than 6 like the 325is, but am i able to make it somewhat fast with a few mods?

I have an 87 325iC convertible with 160k. They are FUN cars. I was a little worried about cost of ownership, but its really not like everyone thinks. Parts are a little more to buy, but for the most part, the engine and tranny are bulletproof. You will have to replace little peripheral parts, but the metallurgy of the major parts is incredible.

Put it this way. I paid $6000 for a prime condition car with 140k miles. New paint, decent top, new interior, stock engine. I drove it cross-country twice and fully trusted it in the middle of the desert. The compression across all cylinders is within 4% and it shows no signs of letting up. Many times 200-300k is normal for these cars.

They are not designed as a muscle car. They are designed as a high-revving car that pushes the limits of comfort, handling, and performance. They succeed in all areas but excell in all areas in moderation. They rev easily and make decent HP. They respond well to exhaust and chips, but I think you'll find that their fun is their handling. So many times over at the BMW forums new owners instantly post, "I want more power," but if you just at what we regulars post, its about braking and handling.

I own four American classics, all of which are about power, not handling. My BMW has a totally stock engine making 170 hp. Since its in a 3000-lb car it seems more than adequate, and its a pocket rocket. Stepping up to the 90s cars adds a lot of weight and not much more power. Not that they were bad cars, but they need a tiny bit more help to go fast.

Cruise on over to http://www.bmwe30.net/cgi-bin/liteforum/technical.pl and http://bimmer.roadfly.org/bmw/forums/e30/ . These forums are mature folks who truly recognize the BMW's potential and they will give you the straight scoop on what works and what doesn't. They also don't have the, "I need sum dubz on my bim, yo" mentality that seems to happen on many of the BMW forums.

thanks

Are you looking at E30s or E36s? Either way, there great cars. Handling is awesome, great transmissions, good reliability. I'd have a hard time having much fun with the 318 because of the complete lack of power, but the 325is is simply an awesome car. By now there shouldnt be too much of a price difference between these two cars, so go for the 325i/is if at all possible.

e36

thanks

I've been looking for the same (E30 or E36). The only thing I've found that might be troublesome is the automatic transmission in the 95-96 year I think. Does anyone know anymore about this? Actually I'm really wanting a manual so for me it wouldn't matter but just curious. Thanks.