FSAEracer03

Wow, Joe, that is one nice E30!!

You guys are talking about slow E30s? I drive a 101hp (M10) 318i!! Even though it's slow as molasses, I love to drive it. It's extremely tossable, very nimble, and beats the crap out of my back being on bilsteins and Azenis, both at high pressure.

Power? I'm not looking for another speeding-ticket-procurer, but it will be seeing 10psi from a K03 in a couple months. People complain about turbo lag... I f***ing love it. What fun is it to kiss Jessica Simpson if she doesn't tease a little first?

Driving differences... the 944 is a totally different experience. The driving position is layed down, where the E30 is upright. Feet in front, compared to feet below. The wheel is nearly vertical in the '44 where the E30's reminds me of the italian sports cars... tilted half-way up. The driving charachteristics are far different too. With high spring rates, the E30s still seem like they want the wheel sawed to fling it around. The 944s with stiff setups are a accentuated version of their softer brethren... planted and stable. They reward more with smooth inputs to the wheel.

Either way, you really need to decide what you're looking for... speed/trouble, or usability while retaining some fun. One is a great German sports sedan; one is a great German sports car.

You decide... there's no wrong answer on this one.

UDPride

Maybe its just mine, but do all E30s sort of sound like small diesel engines? Has a truck-like idle to it.

KuHL 951

Remember, the E30 has no lifters. It's a 'direct cam-on-rocker-on-valve' design. This results in substantial valve train noise when not perfectly adjusted/gapped. I adjusted mine and the result was like day and night. Only took me about 1/2 hour the first time. Purrs like a Singer sewing machine now.

Legoland951

I have had 325s with sewing machine like engines. When running properly, its much smoother than a proper running 944 from the 2 extra cylinders. Piston slap or maladjusted rockers can cause excessive noise. The idle control is a common problem with these 325s causing irratic idle or engine stalling at idle speeds. Replacing the part is a simple 5 minute job unlike the 944 where you will have to remove the intake manifold to get to it. Another problem can be a broken intake hose from the bottom. Oil causes the rubber to crack underneath and is undetectable unless you spray carb cleaner while the car is running or removing it for visual inspection.

hoffman912

Kevin, are you speaking of E21 fun? my first bmw, a daily driver i had a few years ago was a e21 1981 320i. youre night, slower than ****. but very tossable. i beat the **** out of that car.. lol. i do have to admit, i like the e30 better though.

UDPride

Yeah the car sounds like a sewing machine. Just different I guess. Im just getting used to it.

Three things I DONT like on my E30:

The stereo volume **** is WAY too thin. You cant grab it and make adjustments to the volume without flicking it all over the place while driving. Its way too sensitive too. I wish it had those volume notches or a deeper ****.

Second, I wish I had sport seats. The regular seats are way flat. Not uncomfortable, but getting in the car is like nothing Ive ever felt. The seats are very low in relation to the floor of the car.

Third, the fuel tank aint that big (or the mileage sucks). I can only get about 245 miles on a tank and thats with the needle moving around quite a bit. The fuel needle fluctuates too much during driving (like two needle widths). So at about 240 miles I gotta refuel or take my chances.

I love the car on the highway though. 75mph and just a hair over 3000rpms. Stereo is very good too. A lot of driveline noise in the IX, but doesnt really bother me.

Like Harry I could never drive a 944 daily. A little too spartan and harsh. if BMW had an AWD E36 I would probably spend the money to get one but I dont recall them making one? E30 was cheap. And changing the timing belt/water pump cost me $400 which is better than $1300 on the 951. The BMW board said "these cars arent cheap to fix." Ha, depends what you compare em to.

Serge944

Clearly, sir, you have never driven a BMW.

KuHL 951

I think I'm more than qualified to make a comparison between an E30 and 944. Your wine analogy is good as to nuances...but as you go to open your good bottle (944) the cork breaks off and your friends all get drunk on the screw-top wine (BMW) as you you fuss with the cork...are they impressed and who had the most fun?
I don't think I need to make you laugh, your last sentence says more about you than we need to know...you are clueless !

MPD47

Here's a pic from this past spring:

hoffman912

wow, mike, im more interested to hear about whats in the middle!
(not to hi-jack anything).

KuHL 951

Mike,
Is that a 50-51 Pontiac? I would hate to hit that thing on a snowy road with a P-car...those things were built out of heavy metal. What are your plans for it?

TRWright

I am pretty sure he sold it on eBay.

KuHL 951

I bet it's a taxi in Havana by now.

MPD47

Ted is correct, it went to a couple in Texas who had one back when they were dating and wanted to restore it. I bought it 5 years ago and worked on it a bit, it was a fun learning experience but I never had the time to finish it, and it would've been to big of an investment. Besides I got hooked on german cars that can handle

Oh it was a '48 Dodge D24 Sedan (Custom) with Suicide doors and a 3.8L Flathead 6.

KuHL 951

Jeez I wasn't even close!