Hi all,
I've recently become resolved to find a new play car (for around $5000 or $6000) and I've narrowed my search to an early 1990's 300CE, a Porsche 912 and the BMW 318ti. I'm leaning towards the 318ti and I wanted to know if anyone here has had any experiences with them. I want a manual shift car, I've always like hatchbacks, and I have been told that the 318 engines were spunky and durable, so the BMW sounds like a good choice. Any thoughts? Thanks!!

Alex

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1983 300D (parked for four years)
2012 VW Sportwagen TDI Manual
2001 Miata SE
1962 Chevrolet Corvair Rampside

Those engines are dogs, actually...

I have no experience with the 318ti, but a good friend of mine has a 1997 325i that has been nothing but trouble.... its just a high maintenance car, and fit and finish doesnt seem too impressive, esp. when compared to thhe C280 which runs in the same class. My dad drives a 1998 740il which is a nice car, but suffers from the same qualities. With that said, the 318ti IS a much less complex car than either of the afore mentioned models. Less electronics, less of everything. For a BMW they are as bone dry as you can get with an E36 chassis. But in my book thats a GOOD thing (being a big fan of Keep It Simple Stupid).

A neighbor has a 318ti and I have heard more positiive feedback in regards to that car than I have about any othher more complex Bimmer. If you find a nice example, one that has a history and shows its owners care in every way, you should be a happy camper. Just like Mercedes, theres nothing more expensive than a cheap BMW, except for a newer BMW or VW with an expired warranty

Seems the 318ti would be more practical than the Porsche, and perhaps more sporting than a 300CE in some areas. Its compact, yet roomy. Sporty, yet subtle, BMW without quite as much complexity. It doesnt have the power and grunt of a BMW 6 or 8 cylinder, but then again thats like comparing apples and orannges. Think of the 318ti as BMW's modern answer to the Citroen 2CV. LOL Its just a simple "fun" car.

Id jump for a well cared for silver 318ti manual with a rag-top sunroof. Then id throw some BBS RC wheels on her, and drive the hell out of it.

Do some research on the 318ti before you make a choice. But I definitely think its a worthy consideratiion.

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Nate

1995 E420
1992 BMW 525i
1984 300D Turbo sold
1993 Volvo 244 sold
1995 Volvo 944T R.I.P!


"The details are not details. They make the product."
-Charles Eames

www.cbs.nu

Porsche 914 baby!

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You don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows - Robert A. Zimmerman

In Europe it is widely regarded as a rather poor car (well, for a BMW), with the dodgy rear suspension of the E30 3-series:

"And whereas the old 3-Series Compact was a bit of a bodge-up, using the back axle and rear suspension of the 1983-model 3-Series, the new car is mechanically identical, model for model, to the current saloon, estate and coupe" (http://www.tiscali.co.uk/motoring/roadtests/roadtests/section2/55.html)

But if you want a basic no frills BMW, it's not bad (apart from it's a bit ugly ), but that doesn't make it any kind of match for a 300CE in feel-good factor..

The interior's a bit low rent (but then look at a basic W202 C180) but nicer than just any old hatchback.

There's always a full size E36 3-series coupe or saloon - might make a nice change from a Mercedes, the 318is (coupe only) has the same 140bhp engine as the 318ti compact.

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190E's:
2.5-16v 1990 90,000m Astral Silver
2.0E 8v 1986 107,000m Black 2nd owner
http://www.maylane.demon.co.uk/190esmall.jpghttp://www.maylane.demon.co.uk/190esmall2.jpg

Thanks for the input. The more I research it (which I have been doing non-stop since friday), the more I lean towards the BMW, just because of cost of maintenance; I'm also a fan of keeping it simple.. I'd really love to have the Porsche (maybe even a 914) but I'm concerned that parts might be expensive and hard to find, and that labor would cost more (I know of a Porsche mechanic I trust though). I've also looked into the 318is and those actually go for the same price, so it would come down to which one I could find a better example of.

I've also expanded my list to include the 300ZX, 190E (especially a 16V, which I would pay more for), 1994-1995 C280, and Miata. What do you think of those? I can find a late model 190E for my money in pretty good condition. Early C-Class cars are more expensive, but if they are anything like the C43 we purchased for my sister, it's definitely worth a look. The 300ZX I just thought of last night. I remember one of my friend's father had one and it was a blast to drive and had a look that I thought would age well. It's also a Nissan, so I figure that they're pretty durable, given good maintenance.

So much to think about.

EDIT: Did they ever make a manual transmission C-Class?

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1983 300D (parked for four years)
2012 VW Sportwagen TDI Manual
2001 Miata SE
1962 Chevrolet Corvair Rampside