A 1K BMW for the track...which engine size?

[dave99]

Have up to 1K to spend on a track day car, buying it with a mate, looking at getting a BMW (bog standard) having a play and then mod it as we go along.

Has any one experience of the 3 series 1.8, 2.0, 2.3, 2.5 in relation to being used on a track?

Looking at mid to late 80’s models.

Cheers Dave

[Munter]

A short while ago My house mate at the time (Dakkon on here) and I decided to buy £1000 cars for having fun in. (My MR2 blew it's engine..another story). He got a H reg 325. Turned out to be a total rot box when it came for it's MOT. So take care. Try and get it on some ramps and have a look underneath.

However he does keep banging on about getting another as it a load of fun when he took it around rockingham. One thing to note is that the 325 Sport has an LSD. The standard 325 does not.

[anonymous-user]

for 1k the best thing to do is just find a rot free one, forget engine size. good luck and be prepared to walk away from lots

[P490KVP]

I have a 318 you can have for £300. Its totally standard in good condition - just needs 2 tyres. MOT'd end March with a genuine 70K miles. 1988 registered.

A 325 would be better for the track but finding one you'd want to drive for a grand will be tough.

[agent006]

318iS or 325 are the only ones really worth it for track use. Don't confuse teh 318iS wit hthe boggo 318, the iS has a 16v engine and the i has an 8v.

[bennyboysvuk]

Munter said:

One thing to note is that the 325 Sport has an LSD. The standard 325 does not.

My old 325 touring had a limited slip diff. Although I think BMW intended it to be of use when towing caravans out of wet fields rather than allow me to hold a perfect drift.

[agent006]

A standard 325 and an LSD from a scrappy can be had for half the price of a 325iS. Although the only times i've wanted an LSD is when pulling out of junctions in 1st. Never on the track have i needed one.

[anonymous-user]

kawasicki said:

easy! - get a 318is

have to agree. 2.5 6 pot feels so sluggish, at least you can rev the knackers off the 4 pot and its lighter. the sports also had close ratio gearbox. non lsd models are appaling. for 1k you will be lucky to get a rot free shell. personally i'd spend 750 on the car leaving some cash for tyres and front negative camber plates, unless you want to spend your life trail braking into corners... have fun