Cheap Fun BMW - E30, E36, Compact or 1 Series ?

[V8RX7]

I'm looking for a daily driver that's also fun, cheaper the better but I could stretch to a 3.0 1 series if it's the best option.

I'm leaning towards an E36 328 ideally with M50 manifold etc but are any of the other options more fun ?

I think an E30 I'm chasing rust and paying more as it's now a classic.

IIRC the compact isn't actually that compact - is it better than an E36 Coupe as I'm not a huge fan of it's looks.

1 series - I have no experience of them, owners seem to think they're good.

E46 - I'm not a fan, I think they look better and the interior is much nicer but they feel too insulated from driving, the throttle response is awful and even after removing the CDV there was a massive delay in the clutch engaging on my 328 (the 330 was ok)

The final option is an E36 M3 / Evo - but I'd feel guilty subjecting one to winter use.

[V8RX7]

JakeT said:

Depends how cheap you want to go, but the E46 325ti (compact) is adored by many on the forums around these parts. 2.5 M54, 5 or 6 speed manual, shorter gearing, and some suspension tweaks as standard make them fun little things to drive. Don't rust like a standard E46, either.

For example...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

Budget is very flexible but as I cover few miles I find it hard to justify paying £6k for it to sit on the drive. (I have weekend toys and a van too)

Googling seems to suggest the E46 Compact lost the E30 rear suspension, does it suffer with the poor throttle response of the E46 too ?

I don't think I could cope with going down to the 318Ti level of power.

Edited by V8RX7 on Wednesday 27th July 20:53

[V8RX7]

Thanks.

I used to reset my 330 Sport every couple of weeks but I found it's general unsportyness frustrating so I sold it.

I think I'll have to go back to at least an E36 to avoid it.

[V8RX7]

Mr Tidy said:

But if you don't want the drive by wire accelerator IIRC the 328i E46 was the last of that breed - then again the 328Ci I test drove handled like a boat compared to my 325ti! I would happily live with a reset now and again for the sharper handling!

I also had a 123d SE "Dynamic" (so M-Sport suspension) and good as it was it just didn't feel as sharp handling-wise as the 325ti I have now, but a 130i would doubtless be a different experience even if only because of the engine (which is fantastic in my Z4C).

However the OP mentions an M3 - if that is in budget that has to be the way to go, but I doubt it would be cheap fun!

I'll have to try a 325Ti then, I really don't like the look of the 1 series hatch - the Coupe is much better but too expensive for my needs.

I recently saw an E36 M3 not get a bid at £5k which I thought was cheap - if you don't cover many miles and can fix things yourself then I'd expect it to be pretty cheap to run.

[V8RX7]

e21Mark said:

Someone here is selling a very tidy e36 Compact that is ripe for an m52/2.8 and LSD.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/282113455076?ssPageName=...

Less than a grand and no rust issues.

That's the kind of thing but I've too many projects, I'd rather pay £2k+ and find one already converted - most seem to have been then used for drifting

[V8RX7]

ftypical said:

How about an E46 330ci 5-speed with refreshed suspension, new clutch and no rust?

If there is no delay on the throttle I'd be interested - but reading up it seems this is a consequence of emissions and cannot be remapped out :

"E46 I suspect it may have a TORQUE based EMS system rather than a airflow based system. (infact I'm almost sure of this because I can't see how you would easily map a dual VANOS system properly with an old style airflow based system) BMW/Bosch pioneered the torque based EMS system. If it IS a torque based system there is almost no way that an aftermarket place such as AMD will be able to remap it properly. A Torque based engine management system works on TORQUE demand from the driver and then a delivered torque- by varying all sorts of things on the system- such as intake VCT, exhaust VCT, spark, EGR, fueling parameters. It will vary these things optmising for things such as emissions and fuel economy, but everything is in the memory in terms of look up tables. These look up tables have come from rigourous R and D work. Unlike some of the older systems a Torque based EMS system may delay transient throttle openings (fly by wire) in the interests of getting the emissions and fueling spot on"



In fact thinking about it a PO remapped my 330 using Superchips

[V8RX7]

RA500 said:

Ive got an E36 Compact with a fair few nice bits on it, poly bushed, 2.8 engine and box, genuine Z3M Back box, 3.23 LSD, 3.0 M3 sunfolower wheels etc

It's in Atlantis blue, its an individual, M sport, and is a Rositers Supplied car with all the bits on.

It needs a bit of tidying cosmetically but mechanically is all good.

Let me know if you are interested, I fancy an E34 535/540i Manual Touring as I've not really used the compact since getting the M3 a couple of years ago.

Yes sounds great - depending how much tidying and the price - feel free to email me pics / details

Thanks