New Guy Looking For Advice

[Jpac75]

Hi,
I have been really enjoying reading builds and other posts on this forum for a while as a lurker but i have decided that I want to indulge into a project of my own. Here is where I need your help, I have been given a '91 BMW 325i for free from a family member. I want to know if you think it is better to build this car (It would need a auto to manual conversion done and it is leaking oil). I want to know if it is better to keep what I have or to look for another car. I'm 18 so i have a kinda tight budget. My other options I'm looking at are the Miata or a classic bug, or anything else if you have suggestions (under $7k).
Thanks any help

[drifte]

If you want a manual trans, and arent experienced I'd say sell it for a Miata. Miata is a solid starter car, tons of support and easy to work on. Just have to be prepared for the Miata jokes...

On that note...Id take the 325i myself.

[Jpac75]

If you want a manual trans, and arent experienced I'd say sell it for a Miata. Miata is a solid starter car, tons of support and easy to work on. Just have to be prepared for the Miata jokes...

On that note...Id take the 325i myself.

This makes sense. What do you think about del sol's vs the miata? There are a couple in my area that look like they would be good cars to slam.

[moist taco]

miata> just about any honda

[#R_]

miata> just about any honda

Quoted for truth.


AND you get a free hair dryer


But in all seriousness, doing an auto -> manual swap, is nearly better just to buy another car, a whole lot of time and messing around.

[Oh Damn, it's Sam]

miata> just about any honda

I like Del Sols just fine, but I'd pick rear drive any day. Then again, I'd pick an E30 over a Miata too.

If you're attached at all to the E30, keep it and swap it, otherwise I'd sell it and buy a manual E30.

[Jpac75]

So now the debate going on in my head is going Miata, Mini Cooper S or E30, possibly a 240sx. Maybe other rwd cars but I cant think of many that I can afford.
I kinda want something that isn't seen that often. Something more original. Is the E30 common?

[moist taco]

e30s are super common nowadays.

[gsulliv2]

So now the debate going on in my head is going Miata, Mini Cooper S or E30, possibly a 240sx. Maybe other rwd cars but I cant think of many that I can afford.
I kinda want something that isn't seen that often. Something more original. Is the E30 common?

Volvo 240/740/940 Rear drive, easy to work on, cheap to buy and maintain, and can look pretty cool. Although if given the choice between the above listed cars I'd still take the E30. They may be common but that is for good reason, they are awesome cars.

[R2dmax]

Volvo 240/740/940 Rear drive, easy to work on, cheap to buy and maintain, and can look pretty cool. Although if given the choice between the above listed cars I'd still take the E30. They may be common but that is for good reason, they are awesome cars.

TRUTH! and with most common cars there is good aftermarket support which can mean less expensive parts and more of them. I've had 3 or 4 e30s and loved and modded every one of them. Pretty easy to work on IMO and not hard or expensive to maintain. But go with your heart.

$7k can build an AWESOME e30!!!

[Expire]

TRUTH! and with most common cars there is good aftermarket support which can mean less expensive parts and more of them. I've had 3 or 4 e30s and loved and modded every one of them. Pretty easy to work on IMO and not hard or expensive to maintain. But go with your heart.

$7k can build an AWESOME e30!!!

7k can build an awesome anything, it all depends on your knowledge. If you can weld all you're own stuff, you can make a pretty beefy track car for under 5k, with a 240, e30, e28, miata, etc..

[Jpac75]

As of right now I'm thinking that I will sell the E30 and use that money and a little more to buy a miata. Then I will have a lot left for suspension and rims/tires. Then what is left over can go into power mods for the miata. Does this sound like an okay plan?

[philohlean]

I can't really speak to this with any personal experience, since I have never owned an e30 (currently own a volvo 240), but I know for a fact that if I had an e30 and gave it up for a miata I would certainly kick myself for it later.....

But hey that's just me! I know that were I in your shoes I'd probably go for what's easier (the miata).

[Expire]

As of right now I'm thinking that I will sell the E30 and use that money and a little more to buy a miata. Then I will have a lot left for suspension and rims/tires. Then what is left over can go into power mods for the miata. Does this sound like an okay plan?

Let's sit down and talk about this, do you really want to take the 'easy' way out?

Let;s face it, yeah miatas are cool and stuff, but so are e30s. Lots have been done to both cars and there is knowledge on both of them. Let's take practicality into account, 2 seater + trunk vs 4 + trunk. You will definitely have a lot more room in the e30. Now, whether you're into this or not.. I've never heard anyone exclaim "WOW look at that miata!" but I have heard that about old bmws. (To each their own on this one).

Since you're still a little younger in age, e30s and miatas are greater starter M/Ts, so don't worry about getting too much to handle with either one.

Since this should probably be mentioned, let's look at safety, miatas are small, you get hit, you're going to be splattered... My buddy had one and a truck ended up driving onto his hood. E30s, while small, have a little more to them to reinforce impact (if you're into that kind of thing).

As said before, you will probably kick yourself for not holding out and keeping the E30. Ultimately it's up to you, but it sounds like you're really gun-ho about getting started which can be good or bad. Good because you're motivated to work hard, bad because you may sell the E30, just so you can start working on a car.

TL: DR; Sit down, write some pros and cons out and decide truly if you want a miata or if you just wanna start building a car.

If the latter, keep the 30, wait a few months then start building. You'll be a lot more satisfied with it in the end.

**This whole thing is opinion based, so it's all up to you. But actually think before doing something. You don't wanna drop 5k into a miata just to regret selling the E30.

If I were you, i'd keep that e30, miatas come and go all the time. To have a really nice E30 is special.

[Jpac75]

Thanks for all the advice!

I've been looking into keeping the E30. I have found 3 coilovers that will give me the look that I want. Broadway Statics or the Ground Control Complete Coilover kit or BC coilovers. Im wondering what are the pros and cons of each. Also how difficult is the install? The end goal would be to come close to laying frame.