Author Topic: WTB: M42 powered 318i/s in SoCal (Read 4081 times)

ssilver88 · « **on:** March 19, 2012, 12:13:45 AM »

Whats up guys. Looking for a 89-91 318i/s that will be my first project car. It would be nice if it's running but i'd be willing to consider one that doesn't run. I don't care about the condition of the paint. I'd prefer cars near Ventura County but if they're farther thats fine. You can contact me by email, or text. I cant take calls because i'm busy at school so just text me if you prefer to talk that way. Thanks for your guys time.

Edit: Forgot to mention my price range. $0-800
I know it doesn't leave much out there but I don't have a lot of cash so I have to make do with what I got.

Email: ssilver88@gmail.com
Text: (805)501-4009

Sean

DesktopDave · « **Reply #1 on:** March 19, 2012, 06:50:07 AM »

Ouch. Not much in that price range.

I'll post anything I see...but might I suggest an older 325e 5-speed instead? Don't get me wrong...I love your idea...but you're likely to get a car with a dying motor and shot suspension. You'll end up spending far more money just to keep it on life support.

Don't let the M20 eta motor fool you...it's nearly as cheap to run, motor is far more durable (timing belt excluded), and you can swap an M42 when you're ready. The handling is 95% as good, even with the longer, heavier engine.

The 1988 "super" eta is the one to have, but the earlier ones are nearly as good. Make sure it's a 5-speed, should be good for 250K miles or so.

ssilver88 · « **Reply #2 on:** March 19, 2012, 09:25:12 AM »

Thanks

I have seen a few eta's around where I live for cheap but I'm looking for a 318i/s because this was going to be a race car once all the mechanicals were good. The power to weight ratio for the scca 318i/s vs 325e is a pretty big difference so I'm just not to sure it will be competitive. I would mostly be running against miatas in ITA.

Forgot to mention In first post, I have some stuff to trade if anybody's interested.
I have a Sector 9 longboard complete worth $150
Fender Squire electric guitar + amp and other stuff to go along $300
Epoxy surfboard 6'11" $400

I may also have other stuff. Contact me if interested

ssilver88 · « **Reply #3 on:** March 19, 2012, 12:22:08 PM »

@DesktopDave I was wondering if you would recommend getting an older 318i over a 325es? I have found a few around my house in my price range that are in ok condition. Any thoughts everybody?

DesktopDave · « **Reply #4 on:** March 19, 2012, 02:14:47 PM »

I'd definitely go for the 325 over the early 318i. Both motors are solid, but the M20B27 has substantially more torque going for it...that motor has more peak torque than any other e30, except possibly the M3. Unfortunately, the eta red-lines at ~5000rpm...

Gabs · « **Reply #5 on:** March 19, 2012, 02:45:13 PM »

+1 Don't buy an early 318i. Never much cared for the m10, I used to bug my friend, telling him it sounded like a suped up lawn mower. Though realistically it wasn't quite that bad.

I'm sure a M20B27 can be tuned into quite the racing engine, if that's what your going for. Look at the Alpina C2 2.7, quite respectable numbers. Though I haven't a shred of details on how much it would take to strip the "e" out of that engine.

DesktopDave · « **Reply #6 on:** March 19, 2012, 04:17:35 PM »

A nice M20B25 head/cam/computer/AFM really helps the old eta, I'm told...making a decent "327i." With the stock "e" parts, compression is low, but that makes it a great candidate for a turbo. Here's some fun info.

If I could get my BMW Master Tech buddy out of the newer cars & back to his e30 I'd have details...his rust bucket '88 super eta is just aching to donate parts...

ssilver88 · « **Reply #7 on:** March 19, 2012, 08:13:55 PM »

Thanks for the info guys