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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Dec 2003
    Posts
    597

    Default looking for a 3 series

    The mrs totalled her Volvo 850 and needs another car. She wants something small, I'm thinking a 3 series, something like an early 90s 318/325. A 318 would work since she'd be less likely to get a ticket. :P

    Any models to avoid? I want a 5 speed. I should drive over to Cary and steal Bill's.

    Bill, know of any for sale in town?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Dec 2003
    Location
    baton rouge, loserana
    Posts
    6,922

    Default

    look for lotsa timming chain noise on the m42s, most of the ones i am seeing lately have wornout rails and guides (and usually a **** pot of oil leaks) now that they are getting older id go for a 325 as the 318s are usually pretty whipped by now (don't give a **** non bmw drivers) unless you find a cream puff $$$ the m50s are holding up better, and 5 speeds are better then autos for both cars
    all america wants is cold beer warm cat and a place to take a poop with a door on it

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Dec 2003
    Location
    Canada, ON
    Posts
    732

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by winfred
    look for lotsa timming chain noise on the m42s, most of the ones i am seeing lately have wornout rails and guides (and usually a **** pot of oil leaks) now that they are getting older id go for a 325 as the 318s are usually pretty whipped by now (don't give a **** non bmw drivers) unless you find a cream puff $$$ the m50s are holding up better, and 5 speeds are better then autos for both cars
    I do agree with that, I have to work on freshing up an E30 '91 318i 5 speed, drove the car I was amazed with the power.
    The chain is making a lot of noise at 3000Rpm, so I will open her up and change all the gaskets there and all the guides and the tensioner.

    I need to fix the shifter that is hard to shift into reverse also.
    '85 Euro 635csi Race Turbo, megasquirt, Group A
    '92 525i Touring 5 speed, 3.46 diff, UUC 8.5lb flywheel, soon to be turbo.
    '02 Subaru WRX Wagon with STI springs, bigger sway bars

  4. #4

    Default 91 218i/4 in Seattle

    Hello Rick,
    I just found a decent 91 E30 318i basic, white, 193k, little noise (exhaust at low RPM), no leaks, and minor interior/electrical problems. If you are still looking, let me know. I don't think the timing chain problem is a big deal. I have looked into its replacement and I think it can be done in a couple hours fairly cheaply. I like the lightness of this car, and the 5 speed is really a kick.

    Chris

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    NC
    Posts
    755

    Default Hi Rick, just read this, sorry so late!

    Quote Originally Posted by rickm
    The mrs totalled her Volvo 850 and needs another car. She wants something small, I'm thinking a 3 series, something like an early 90s 318/325. A 318 would work since she'd be less likely to get a ticket. :P

    Any models to avoid? I want a 5 speed. I should drive over to Cary and steal Bill's.

    Bill, know of any for sale in town?
    As Winfred points out in his post, my timing chain was making some pretty significant noise. I'm currently out of commission, will be back up and running by the weekend. New chain, all new sprockets, rails, tensioners, etc., to the tune of around $300. I'd suggest looking for a 325is for her.

    And you can get a ticket just as easily in the 318is . It just takes a little longer to get to ticket-writing speed. I don't know of any for sale in the area at the moment. Maybe see if Bret (Rigmaster) has anything up his sleeve?

    By the way, I'm heading your way this weekend, but only for a very short visit. The next time I'm there for any longer period of time, we'll give you a ring.
    Bill B.
    95 525i


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