E30 vs E36 - BMW Forum

blwalt17 · 06-09-2008, 09:29 PM

what are the pros and cons of each? i'm trying to make up my mind between the two right now. i know that i definitely want a BMW but i cannot decide yet.

also, which are more costly to maintain? thanks.

denyo77 · 06-10-2008, 03:26 AM

pros of e30s:
lightweight
less electronics - less issues with them
cheap to buy
not the ugly dash of the e36
nice engines, although the e36 engine range is better
they're not as safe and don't have as many hp as the e36 models
easy to work on, pretty much all areas are easy to access, enough room in the engine bay

thats my 2 cents

blwalt17 · 06-10-2008, 12:23 PM

ok thank you.

now some of the pros and cons of the E36? thanks.

witeshark · 06-10-2008, 12:51 PM

They must have the plastic OEM impeller water pump replaced. By now, they all must have had that done.

iamcreepingdeath · 06-10-2008, 01:08 PM

E36:

pros:
good safety
The engine will last a long time if cared for
more horsepower than the E30
more wheel upgrade options (5 lug)

cons:
water pump impeller (can be replaced)
rear shock towers (can be reinforced cheaply)
heavier than E30 (worse gas mileage)
not quite as well-built (so i hear)

yammahamma · 06-10-2008, 01:36 PM

I thought most e36's got around 25 miles per gallon city?

and e30's get around 20? My e30 gets about 20 city, 25 highway...

iamcreepingdeath · 06-10-2008, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yammahamma

I thought most e36's got around 25 miles per gallon city?

and e30's get around 20? My e30 gets about 20 city, 25 highway...

really?? i have heard quite differently. I can tell you my '95 325 gets 23-24mpg average, 27 on the highway, and ppl i have talked to have said that the E30 325 gets 30-35 average. wierd.

blwalt17 · 06-10-2008, 03:17 PM

i've also heard that E30's get 30-35 mpg.

ok, i think i made up my mind, i think i'm going to go with the E30. but i'm thinking i'll end up modding it and swapping the engine. i can replace an M20 engine with an S14? or maybe an M50 or M52? thanks.

darkhorse737 · 06-10-2008, 03:52 PM

:d Welcome To The E30 Fan Club

witeshark · 06-10-2008, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blwalt17

i've also heard that E30's get 30-35 mpg.

That would be the 4 cylinder models.

denyo77 · 06-11-2008, 04:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blwalt17

i've also heard that E30's get 30-35 mpg.

ok, i think i made up my mind, i think i'm going to go with the E30. but i'm thinking i'll end up modding it and swapping the engine. i can replace an M20 engine with an S14? or maybe an M50 or M52? thanks.

you can out almost any engine into an e30, even a V12...
an S14 can be done, m50s aren't a big problem either, and even m52s can be put in although I don't really know about the Vanos

iamcreepingdeath · 06-11-2008, 08:15 AM

the M50 is a common swap, and what is more, i have an extra M50 engine, it has 240,000 miles on it though, but it ran great with no problems when i wrecked the car

Nick_318is · 06-11-2008, 04:32 PM

Good choice on the e30, they are built like tanks which is a good thing. I wouldn't swap to the s14, There is going to be a lot to pay for maintenance on that engine. I would suggest the m50/52 swap but you can turbo the m20 and get good results. I have a friend who just did his and I think he is putting down about 250hp at the wheels, and it moves pretty well (but there goes your gas mileage). I have the 318is and I get 25mpg average driving like a madman, if I chill out its pretty easy to get 30-35.

blwalt17 · 06-11-2008, 05:56 PM

yeah i've been looking at E30's for awhile now. my dad just said he'd loan me the money because i cannot afford gas anymore. what do you guys think of this one?

1987 BMW 325IS, 5 Speed, Original Docs, Black on Tan, Runs Awesome!!

witeshark · 06-11-2008, 06:05 PM

It looks like a very nice find. I would have a good look at it. Has the timing belt been changed (65,000 miles it should)?