Messages

1

M42 Buyer's Guide / Re: I want an 318is! But is this a bad idea?

« on: January 11, 2016, 07:10:18 PM »

Thank you for the replies, very encouraging!!!

I currently live in Pacific Grove, CA.  I would consider a slightly modded car, but don't have the time to maintain a race car:)

So the e36 M42 is pretty much a swap in replacement for the e30 m42?

Can the Oil pan be protected with a skid plate?  What needs to be replaced with the cooling system overhaul?  Water pump, hoses, radiator?

Thanks,

derek

2

M42 Buyer's Guide / I want an 318is! But is this a bad idea?

« on: January 08, 2016, 11:47:57 PM »

I used to have an e28 and I have always dreamed about getting another e28 and now more recently I dream about getting a e30:)  I didn't know much about the 1991 318is until I had a nice long chat with an e30 fan.  Now, I am very excited about this car and am pursing purchasing one but am worried about how realistic it is for me to own one of these cars.

I have found a couple on craigslist that are in pretty good shape with lots of maintenance/repair records, but higher mileage ~200k miles...  This worries me a little because the engine/transmission may soon need major work or replacement.  I would be fine investing some money into the car and replacing these parts when needed, but is it reasonable to think that I can pick up a replacement engine/transmission for this car?  It seams like these cars are not very numerous and I worry that as the parts become more scarce they will then be unreasonably expensive?

Any guidance would be appreciated!