I hate to do this.... but what car do I want?

[BLINGMW]

actually it fits a 2nd gen Prius, which, as it happens is within a half inch in length and width as a regular E36. Hmm! Learn something new every day. :thumbup:

Now the E300.... that's like a foot and a half longer. I'd have to reshuffle a bit in there!

[Steve85]

Your search is over.

318


Mileage, not bad


5spd


And for date night...



http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1985-BMW-...2a0f42342c

[BLINGMW]

heh I saw that one. Those tops are pretty crazy....

Currently the 2002 is the frontrunner despite complaints from Jess :thumbup:

[Maengelito]

you were never happy with the E36 318ti. I vote 2002 because they're so hot when they're done right. After that, I vote for a fleet of E30s because lets be honest... thats where your heart has always been.

[BLINGMW]

yeah it looks like I'm going 2002. Hopefully picking one up sunday. :mrgreen:

[ScottyB]

serious? because if so, that's awesome! those things have done nothing but become more cool over the years.

[Jake]

Cool! Those are neat cars, not sure how I'd feel about DDing one but if anyone can/will, you're at the top of the list

[BLINGMW]

well.... here's my thinking :dunno:

OBD2 stuff is pretty good. The electromechanical stuff is still fairly reliable in a 10-15 yr old car. But not terribly easy to work on. More convoluted cooling, wiring and emissions, but at least most things are computer controlled that should be. But the cars got really fat as I'm sure we've all noticed. Everything's power. Windows, mirrors, seats... it's heavy and when it does break it's a hassle.

OBD1 and back to the '80s is getting to be the worst IMHO. Especially pre-OBD1 in the wild west of fuel injection. E30s are fun and all, but idle air control valves and air flow meters with a little door and wiper track? That crap isn't working anymore. And it's too expensive to buy new. These cars are great if you're going to modify and megasquirt them, because that's more advanced AND simpler than what they had, but that's not really a realistic plan for me. And of course, the power windows, mirrors, it's all 15-25 years old and failing. And the AC is more expensive to fix unless it's been converted.

Mechanical fuel injection is even more crude. Don't need to go there.

So we get back to carbs! And manual windows, and seats, and mirrors, and no power steering, and no power door locks, and no AC, and if I'm only looking to spend a few thousand bucks, so that I have to choose between a car that's kept running by 20yr old proprietary electromechanical do-dads and tiny electric motors, or a good 'ol carb and cranks and gears with the simplicity of a motorcycle, I think I'd like to try the old school stuff. And no, 35yr old mechanical stuff doesn't last forever either, but for a few grand I get a car that has been completely rebuilt in its life. So it's got a rebuilt engine, fuel system, intake system, suspension, brakes, re-done interior, paint, everything. No $3000 E30 or E36 has had all that done.... so the older car..... is actually newer! AND easier to work on!

[Jeff]

So a car with no A/C in the hot summer and shitty carbs for the winter. I know how fun that is...I don't recommend it. Something to take to shows and stuff, sure. But not my daily car I need to take me places and what not every day. If you want a fun play car just say so, don't BS yourself that this is the practical decision. That would be a Civic or Camry.

That being said, I'm sure it will be cool and good luck.

[BLINGMW]

In this area, I *personally* don't need AC. I didn't have AC when I lived in ATL for 3 years, creeping through traffic every day. Honestly it wasn't that big of a deal. If I had a suit on, sure, but I don't have to dress up for work. And my kids can survive the 4 minute trip to daycare or to the grocery without it too.

And carbs in the winter? It wasn't a problem on my bike, don't know why it would be for a car. And my car sleeps in a garage.

No doubt, an $8000 TDI would be more "practical". But it's double the price and not nearly as much fun. :wink: And I haven't found a non-black-exterior 5spd anywhere on the east coast within my price range.

I could be wrong. I'll sell it. But I figure it's worth a shot. :dunno:

[Jeff]

I guess I sometimes forget everyone's not an A/C loving fatty like me. Carbs do suck in the winter. The garage will help I guess, but hard starting is way of life that most of us are not used to in this age of modern technology. Having a choke that works properly is the key...

[Evan]

IS300

I'd rather have another 318ti.

You are a strange man, Channing.

[WRXtranceformed]

I don't know how you could live in the south without air conditioning. I sweat like a fat kid down here!

[BLINGMW]

You are a strange man, Channing.

It's ok, I enjoy attempting to justify my actions to you guys. :thumbup:

[.RJ]

I'm surprised you picked a 35 (?) year old car when the first requirement on the list involved transporting your kids around.

[BLINGMW]

eh I doubt it's any less safe than an E30. Beats a motorcycle!

[Evan]

this is interesting
<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/doc/cto/2300173971.html">http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/doc/cto/2300173971.html</a><!-- m -->

seems a little expensive for the miles, but maybe there are better priced examples floating around

[Maengelito]

yay, black with the polished lip... just like the pope!

[BLINGMW]

]
(maybe more shots after a bath and when the sun is out)

[PDenbigh]

Nice!!