New to E30's Destructo from Detroit

[Destructo]

Greetings!

So I wanted to give a light introduction to my idea and thoughts about nabbing an E30.

I'm considering picking up and E30 318i or 318is for a fun street project car and have some questions.

I would like something that is fun, relatively cheap to work on and enjoy and modify, the initial price for one of these little boxes on rails seems fair, which entices me.

My questions lie in the are of modifications. Your thoughts and feedback would be greatly appreciate to help steer me in the right direction.

I would like a drivable car that i don't have to strip down to the frame one the first day.  

I know there is the difference between the 318i and 318is, i believe the 318is has a better motor? (M42B18 with 16V DOHC) Is this the main and only difference? I know the 318i has a M42, but is it not DOHC?

If I went with either of these cars, i would love to start with a few bolt-ons and lower it, find some nice wheels and tires and just have a fun peppy car for the street and commuting on nice days. I would consider going forced-induction if it's not too unreasonable in price and conversion, or a S14 transplant. Since the M42B18 is a high volume production motor, are parts for it cheaper than most? or does it still hold the BMW shine on the price tags?

This is my current train of thought. For those of you who share my desires and have acted on them I would be curious to hear about your experiences, victories, challenges and other fun BMW stories.


Bullet Point Questions:
1. M42B18 16v DOHC is in the 318is, is the 318i SOHC? What's the difference?
2.To enjoy for a while and potentially go with force-induction or an S14 swap, which would be a better starting point? 318i or 318is?
3. What is a "rough" estimate on a F.I. project (under 300whp)

Thanks everyone!

[jscribble]

Both use the same drivetrain, 91 318i is a four door, 'is has 2 main entry points.

If you come across one, test drive it. It'll tell you everything you need to know

If you want an s14, buy an m3. Or a 2002.

<300whp is where most of the FI projects stay. If you need more, plan on spending. Keep in mind that these cars are extremely light and nimble. Mustang drivers and their ilk may laugh when you tell them you're putting 225 to the ground, but they'll whimper when you stomp on their equine pride with a comparatively puny 1.8 (or 2.1, use the all powerful forum search for more on this).

Hope that helps, and try looking to the south if you are interested in building a motor. Finding a clean body that needs some mechanical help may put you behind the wheel for considerably less outlay.

[Destructo]

Both use the same drivetrain, 91 318i is a four door, 'is has 2 main entry points.

If you come across one, test drive it. It'll tell you everything you need to know

If you want an s14, buy an m3. Or a 2002.

<300whp is where most of the FI projects stay. If you need more, plan on spending. Keep in mind that these cars are extremely light and nimble. Mustang drivers and their ilk may laugh when you tell them you're putting 225 to the ground, but they'll whimper when you stomp on their equine pride with a comparatively puny 1.8 (or 2.1, use the all powerful forum search for more on this).

Hope that helps, and try looking to the south if you are interested in building a motor. Finding a clean body that needs some mechanical help may put you behind the wheel for considerably less outlay.

Thanks for the quick response and clarification! Good to know most stick below the 300rwhp number. I'm not interested in a "how big my dick is via horsepower numbers battle" I just want to enjoy it. I don't want the fastest car in the world. Just fast enough for me

As far as basic upkeep and routine maintenance and working on the cars go, is everything fairly accessible? I do the majority of my basic maintenance on my Mini Cooper, by no means a professional, but i can do a lot with proper guidance. I'd like to have something that lets me learn and grow with that car too. These seem like they are good for that, am i correct?

[Nick_318is]

The 318is is a great car, even with a nearly stock m42 I find mine a blast to drive, they are especially nimble and I constantly find a smile on my face when I'm driving mine.  I can't wait for it to warm up and get mine out of the garage.

I'm also near Detroit, good luck with finding one.

[jscribble]

I've found that they are rather easy to work on, especially when compared to newer vehicles.

Oil filter has a remote canister (open element filter) and I usually change mine halfway through the oil's life. 4 wheel disc brakes, easier than rear drums (and better). All the important bits in the engine bay are easily accessed. It's pretty simple, mechanically. Just very well engineered. Longevity seems to be the name of the game, with several on this forum living happily past 300k miles. My own is at 265k and the engine happily provides "spirited" acceleration on a daily basis, while providing close to 30mpg. Many parts, especially body, interchange on the e30 (88-91 have the "updated" bumper you see on all the e30's around here.)

You'll find a lot of guidance for most upgrades/maintenance around here, and a solid idea of how to approach most FI solutions.

[jscribble]

If you want an s14, buy an m3. Or a 2002.

No one wanted to tackle the s14 powered 2002 bait?

Someone must have some pics.

Edit: Video

Completely unrelated, but we're trying to hook a Mini driver here.

[Destructo]

The 318is is a great car, even with a nearly stock m42 I find mine a blast to drive, they are especially nimble and I constantly find a smile on my face when I'm driving mine.  I can't wait for it to warm up and get mine out of the garage.

I'm also near Detroit, good luck with finding one.

Thanks Nick. Maybe this spring we could meet up. I'd love to look over your car if you wouldn't object. I haven't had a chance to see one in detail from an enthusiasts owner yet.

I've found that they are rather easy to work on, especially when compared to newer vehicles.

Oil filter has a remote canister (open element filter) and I usually change mine halfway through the oil's life. 4 wheel disc brakes, easier than rear drums (and better). All the important bits in the engine bay are easily accessed. It's pretty simple, mechanically. Just very well engineered. Longevity seems to be the name of the game, with several on this forum living happily past 300k miles. My own is at 265k and the engine happily provides "spirited" acceleration on a daily basis, while providing close to 30mpg. Many parts, especially body, interchange on the e30 (88-91 have the "updated" bumper you see on all the e30's around here.)

You'll find a lot of guidance for most upgrades/maintenance around here, and a solid idea of how to approach most FI solutions.

The oil filter element sounds just like my Cooper S. Working on my car is a bit more complex as it is all very compact hard to access. I wouldn't be looking at these BMW's if it weren't for my Cooper S. I love the car, the balance is the biggest issue with me. I love the overall feel of a well balanced car. I think this could be a good route for me to enjoy a car, do what I want and no go completely broke doing it.

Thanks for the input everyone I really appreciate it. Keep them coming if you can think of something to say!

[Nick_318is]

Thanks Nick. Maybe this spring we could meet up. I'd love to look over your car if you wouldn't object. I haven't had a chance to see one in detail from an enthusiasts owner yet.

Shoot me a pm when it gets a little warmer, I'd be happy to let you take a look at the car.