Porsche951

I've had my S2000 for over 6 years now and since my beater died 2 years ago it's been my daily driver. I've put 92k miles on my Honda but I either have to say goodbye to it in the next couple of years OR get something else to drive in shit weather. Yes my S2000 is equipped with Blizzak snow tires but that's not the point. I need to escape the clostrophobic feeling I sometimes get with my S2000. It's been hands down the BEST car I have ever owned but occasionally I need a change of pace. I'm looking at a 1994 BMW 318is coupe 5 speed with 94k miles in absolutely mint condition asking price is $4,950. I know these cars are only 138 hp but I'm looking for a decent, fun, cheap alternative to driving my S2000 7 days a week. If I don't get a second car soon I'll wind up selling the "S" and getting an all season compromise vehicle such as a new Audi 3.2 TT within the next year or so. Any opinions on the BMW would be appreciated. I live in New England and yes, obviously the BMW would have to also be equipped with snows. I'm more concerned with is the 4 cylinder Beemer a reliable vehicle or should I look elsewhere.

triman54

The answer to your question is that it depends.

Porsche951

Thanks, that's very helpful.

Incubus

For what it's worth, I drove a 1988 BMW 325 for a year...this was in 1999, so we're looking at similar ages. The car was spectacular, and it gave me no trouble at all. I paid $3500 and sold it for $2500 a year and two weeks later. It was still in good shape, but I got a new car.

I think BMWs are very well built cars.

rai

I owned a Z3 with that engine. I know it's very weak and underpowered but like you said not important. But don't look to outdrag anything and I mean anything at a stoplight a new Sienna will beat that car.

I know what you mean about wanting a more roomie car. I am thinking a last gen Si (I like the looks) I wonder how close they'd be for price. I don't typically buy used cars so it's hard for me to say about the price or what to expect for maintance. The Si would cost more but IDK how much more and you'd be looking at a 6-year newer car.

rai

KBB lists that car at low-mid $4s you are looking at near $5K (but IDK how KBB works in the real world but probably you could offer less than what they are asking justifiably).

KBB lists an 04 Si ~$10K so that's a fair bit more either way, but 10 years newer.

Porsche951

NADA shows between $4100 and $6300 but I realize it's a buyers market so I'd probably offer $4k. But you'd have to see this car to believe it. Spotless interior, leather looks new, paint is perfect. Looks like a well maintained 3 years old 30k car not a 14 year old car. Almost feel bad lowballing them.

GT_2003

you wouldn't be low-balling anyone. It will need all the maintenance any 10-y.o. car needs. And it's a BMW, so that maintenance can potentially be slightly more costly than four-banger models from other brands. Just pay the man, drive the car, and R&R as required.

I'd pick a 318 over a FWD economy car any day - it would be a no-brainer. I sure as hell wouldn't be buying a Civic instead.

CalBear

Aside from the obvious 1) get its full service records (walk away if there's none) and 2) get a BMW mechanic to check it out, the e36 models aren't as reliable as the e30 models (1991 and earlier) and the fit and finish are not quite up to par. However, it's still a very fun car to drive. Just realize that it's a car that's about to hit 100,000 miles and no matter how well it's been maintained, there will be parts that will start to break on you if you don't do preventive maintenance. I'd budget about $200/month in repairs and maintenance minimum if you don't wrench yourself. Good luck.

Jacques79

I'm sure you can find an old 325Is for barely more money and be much happier with a smooth inline 6.