thinking of buying a 3-series

[tevid]

Hi,
I currently own a 1987 Saab 900 Turbo 16valve that puts out approximately 225bhp. Recently I have gotten alot of rides in the 3 series that this forum is for. I have been wondering about a few things. My father has told me that these cars do not have a revolution limiter and thus often have alot of engine trouble, is this true? Secondly can a car equal in power or close to that of my current car be had for under $5000? Third, I am a college student, how do the insurance rates look for these cars? All and any help will be appreciated as I am hoping to make a purchase within the next few months.

Thank you.

[MrM3]

welcome to bmw-forums tevid!

only the early european 2.3L 323i's werent rev limited. the 325i/is (87-91) is limited at 6500rpm but can be chipped to go 6800 safely, and the 325, 325e, and 325es are limited around 4500rpm. none of the 6cyls are top speed limited.

the 325i and 325is have extremely smooth 2.5L engines, but cannot be modded to 225hp. you could possibly get around 200 crank hp with a mild rebuilt stroker engine (more info at www.strictlyeta.net), but other than that its not worth it to waste your money on things like cold air intakes or performance exhaust systems. they can be regeared to improve acceleration with a 4.10:1 ratio over the stock 3.73:1, and can also be chipped for about a 3-4 peak hp gain and about 10hp max gain lower in the powerband.

[tevid]

so there really is no choice in my price range in BMW terms that would satisfy my wants?

i am used to a car that is known to have a horribly weak gearbox (i.e. the car is not dragable), but has a huge amount of acceleration from about 45mph up,

[jtorres]

Insurance rates....yeah, they'll kill ya. I've had two collisions, and no tickets. State Farm wouldn't sell me insurance. Farmers insurance wanted $4500 a year, Geiko roughly 3500, and finally i settled for the cheapest insurance in town, which is still at 2400. I live in CA, get good grades (3.0+gpa in college) and my car is a 1988 325: still getting rimmed. Must be cuz I'm 20 and my car is red. Oh, and on those rates, the deductables are all 500 (full coverage). So, insurance is gonna be expensive.

[1985bmw325e]

well, hp isn't everything if you didn't know that already. e30s are remarkable cars and very reliable and make really good track cars. Imho, they look a lot better than saab 900 turbo (maybe with a little bias behind my opinion ).

[toffa182]

what mods have been done to the saab?

[tevid]

here goes the list

Modded APC (turbo system)
Swedish DYnamics Oversize Blue Injectors
Aluminum Flywheel
Eriksson Gearbox Strengthened in 1st 2nd 3rd and 4th
Ported and polished Head
Uprated Forge Wastegate
Rising Rate Fuel Regulator
Fondmetal 16in 5800 series wheels with 205x50,16 SUmitomo Rubber (great tires for cheap, this company owns dunlop)
Oversize Mahle Pistons
Short Throw Shifter

Soon to be fitted
T16 Aero Side Skirts
Additional In car Boost gauges, Temperature Gauge, Fuel Pressure Gauge, Oil Pressure Gauge
Eibach Lowering Springs (rear springs are about dead)

['85 318i]

damn bro... does that saab get it or what? on the insurance thing, i am paying $1100 a year. I'm 19, red BMW 318i, with a bunch of tickets and a wreck (in my pickup) Geico... i guess i should be happy im not payin what, $2400? jeeze.

[savo]

hey guys,

im guessing that this is an american webby.. however here in Australia insuring a 318i is no more expensive than any other 1.8 ltr car, which i found surprising being an 18 year old student.