BMW 325: e30 or e36?

[deevergote]

I'm looking into getting a 325. Not sure which generation I should go for though...

I want a classy, comfortable ride, which makes me lean a bit toward the e36... but I'd like something that handles well and is fun to drive, which points toward the e30.

Does anyone have any firsthand experience to share? Preferably with both models... Or even any detailed knowledge?

Ride comfort
Reliability
Repair expense (yeah, I know they aren't Hondas)
Aftermarket

[GHOST 2.2]

e36 ftw

[Makaveli2k]

I've been trolling bimmerinfo.com for like the past 1 and a half years now. If it where me I would choose the e36. from what I've been reading BMW's will cost you money but when it comes on level of difficulty to work on when it comes down to those two, I've been reading e30's are easier and less expensive.

[lokuputha]

One of my family friends races bmw's. For track, he loves the E30's, but he use to drive a E36 on the road. For your everyday driving needs the E36 can't be beat.

Ride comfort: E36
Reliability: E36 (mainly b/c its newer)
Repair expense: can't say, my guess E30 b/c its older and less complicated.
Aftermarket: E30, the E30 seemed to have had a much larger aftermarket following than the later more grand-tourer model, although u can still find parts for the E36.

but non of this really matters...b/c the E30 is just so cool!

[NAiL05]

E36. On the other hand if it was an E30 M3 I would say get it.

[deevergote]

Yeah, e30 m3s go for damn near as much as e36 m3s!

The style of the e36 definitely appeals to me more. I like the dolphin.

[m-tec93accord]

why not get an m3, still luxury like the 3series, but that straight 6 and that suspension....wooooooo

[93EXaesthetic]

e30 ftw....with e36/m3 motor swap

deever remember..the e30 has one more road races than anyother chassis evermade

[JDM_EJ]

I took my cousin's e30 to 105 on the freeway...that thing felt like it had glue on the tires or something...it felt like it was stuck to the road! and 105 only felt like 80 because it was so stable.

[93EXaesthetic]

I took my cousin's e30 to 105 on the freeway...that thing felt like it had glue on the tires or something...it felt like it was stuck to the road! and 105 only felt like 80 because it was so stable.

105 is slow... go 130 then tell me how it feels

deev..the e30 is slow unless you have the newer e36 m3 motor in it..or forced induction....

[JDM_EJ]

105 is slow... go 130 then tell me how it feels

deev..the e30 is slow unless you have the newer e36 m3 motor in it..or forced induction....

Eh...wasn't my car...and my cuz was already freakin' out...

[m-tec93accord]

woo 130 AND THEN IT BECOMES UNSTABLE.....


thats it my nxt old man car(when i become an old man) is an m3

[HondaB18]

I'm looking into getting a 325. Not sure which generation I should go for though...

I want a classy, comfortable ride, which makes me lean a bit toward the e36... but I'd like something that handles well and is fun to drive, which points toward the e30.

Does anyone have any firsthand experience to share? Preferably with both models... Or even any detailed knowledge?

Ride comfort
Reliability
Repair expense (yeah, I know they aren't Hondas)
Aftermarket

Sedan or coupe?

Both E30 and E36 handle fairly well. Stable at high speeds.

My friend drive his mom's 1993 325IS all the time. Haven't driven it but was a passenger for many trips. Could be smoother with the bumps though, but then that might sacrifice the handling.

E36 is more defined. Its more of a cruiser car while the E30 is more of a driver's car. You tend to be more in tuned with the road.

Repair cost are both expensive. Old parts are hard to track down and may cost more.

I think there are more aftermarket support engine wise for the E30 and more interior/exterior for the E36.

If you can, check out the maintenance cost and interval from a BMW dealership. The cost will vary from place to place. I think you will be surprised. Personally I would not buy a European car without a warranty, there are some things that can be easily fixed on a Honda that you can't on a BMW.

Will your budget allow a 323?

I hope my comments do not pursuade you otherwise.

[501accord]

e36's feel fake. its really controled by the computer.

also, if you live somewhere that has a snowy winter, get an ix

i just bought a new car, red 325ix e30. awd <3

[Laguna7]

used to have an E30 325is, The car seemed a bit too small for me....