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May 4, 2011 2:44 a.m. redstack New Reader

So OK, the E30 325is is supposed to be the hot ticket for a handy track toy, but it seems to me that since the advent of specE30 they just aren't that common. And they are getting pricey as well. I mean $5K for an old car is a lot to me.

So what are the newer versions that are equal as fun track/ autox toys? How about the E36 325is, 328is, or even 330i that seem to be out there for the same $5K?

Like this http://pensacola.craigslist.org/cto/2331703823.html

Heck there seem to be quite a few M3's for $7K which is a much better car right?

Any thoughts on newer track Bimmers?
May 4, 2011 8:11 a.m. nderwater Dork

I'm a big fan of the E36 M3. E36 threads come up all the time here, so here are a few from the past few weeks:

http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/grm/so-here-is-my-thoughts-miata-vs-e36/341...

http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/grm/pifalls-to-buyingowing-a-higher-mileage...

http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/grm/any-love-for-the-e36-318is/34055/page1/
May 4, 2011 11:38 a.m. Strike_Zero HalfDork

I tracked the AutoX my E36s for years after I sold my E30 and there hasn't any been shortage of fun.

$2K-8K seem be the be the range E36s come in these days with a ton of them in the come in < $2K (a number of us GRMers found GOOD E36s for $500-1K).

If you have the scratch, the M3 would be the way to go.
May 4, 2011 4:04 p.m. motomoron HalfDork

Just buy the M3 and be done...
May 4, 2011 4:16 p.m. oldtin Dork

Seen a bunch of 5k M3s - might need 2k to freshen up though.

I'm a bit intrigued on the 318 ti right now. Will probably buy one and check it out.
May 4, 2011 4:24 p.m. Joshua Reader

e36 M3's make fantastic track cars! There is a 318ti with a rollbar and Sparco seats right now on the Omaha SCCA site for $1500 if anybody is interested.
May 4, 2011 4:57 p.m. Uncoiled New Reader

Wow I wish that e36 was closer to me.
May 5, 2011 2:19 a.m. mr2peak Reader

redstack wrote: I mean $5K for an old car is a lot to me.

You can get a fully prepped E30 with a cage for 5K... Won't be a show car.

E36's are much safer cars. Heavier, but safer.
May 5, 2011 6:43 a.m. fastEddie SuperDork

I'm seeing a lot of high mileage, 120-200k, E36 M3's out there. Other than typical BMW cooling system stuff, is there anything else to look out for on these higher mileage examples? Oh this is for DD consideration as opposed to the OP's track rat bias.
May 5, 2011 6:58 a.m. Ian F SuperDork

We've had a number of E30 vs. E36 threads over the past few months...

Anyway, it seems a high mileage E36 (M or otherwise) tend to have interior issues unless the owner kept on top of them. Rear subframe mounts. Oil pump nut. Otherwise, it's basic used-car stuff to look for. I would expect a high mileage M3 to need a complete suspension refurbishing as well.

For a budget track car, the main thing that would push me towards an E30 vs. an E36 (and one of the reasons I bought mine) is the consumables will be cheaper and longer-lasting on the smaller and lighter car.
May 16, 2011 12:14 p.m. redstack New Reader

Did I ever tell you my saddest story? Well once upon a time, I saw a nice clean E36 M3 at a little car lot in town. It was pristine and while I walked over and looked at it several times, I never did talk to the guys who own the place. I figured that it would be beyond my budget. So one day I left the car info on a friends voicemail, because he had been planning to spend Multi 10's of thousands $ on some newer hot BMW. Long story still long, he goes by, looks and buys the darn thing for $7.5K and it's just so nice that when he goes by the dealers for something, service guys come out to check it out. He doesn't autox or track it, or take it out in the rain, this is Seattle so it spends a lot of time under cover. So there you have it, I could have made it work easily if I had only asked. So boys and girls, there is my sad tale.
May 16, 2011 12:28 p.m. jonny330 New Reader

I am doing the same thing as you, I have been trying to find an E30 for track duty and it looks like the spec E30 class has been buying them up and lifting prices. So now I am looking in the E36 range for a 325 or 328, still have't found anything but there is a lot out there.
May 16, 2011 7:57 p.m. mad_machine SuperDork

Joshua wrote:

e36 M3's make fantastic track cars! There is a 318ti with a rollbar and Sparco seats right now on the Omaha SCCA site for $1500 if anybody is interested.

Got a link? The body on my Ti is rotting away due to bad accident repair.
May 17, 2011 12:53 a.m. Joshua Reader

http://www.nrscca.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2388

Here's the link, if you end up buying it and you don't want the seats I would LOVE to take them off your hands! The guy didn't want to part them out.
May 17, 2011 2:35 a.m. dogbreath New Reader

I had a '94 325is with springs/shocks/bushings and some 245s and it was sublime.
May 17, 2011 5:37 a.m. ddavidv SuperDork

Want an E30? You can buy this one: Autocross/track ready 325is I know this car; it's nicely done. Unfortunately, I can't remember how much he wanted for it.
May 17, 2011 5:43 a.m. ccrelan Reader

I just listed my e30 for sale. It is a solid car.

http://newyork.craigslist.org/fct/cto/2382795919.html
May 17, 2011 7:17 a.m. mad_machine SuperDork

nice.. e30s are tempting (especially if I swap over the Ti's suspension to them for the better brakes and 5 lug hub/brakes/rims) but I like my hatchbacks.

I am not in a rush, I just know this is the last summer for my Ti. Once I get my 900 back on the road, I get the fun job of disassembly and finding another ti.

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