another bimmer bites the dust...

[misfortune]

I've been reading this board for ages, since I bought my bimmer back in 01...Back when we were all on roadflea, then we moved to .info (ps bring the old layout back, I hate this board) and up until now. My bimmer has been there, thick and thin, hot and cold. Its very possible that I'm retiring it this week, and moving on to greener pastures. Its a beater of the truest nature, featuring unpainted panels, hanging torn up door panels, loose doorknobs and random dirt here and there. I love the car, despite its ugly looks, but I got hit the other day and the insurance car is offering me more than its worth so I'm probably taking the cash. The car runs beautifully, the AC works well, the engine/transmission run fine, its just the "minor" cosmetic things that need some work.

So herein lies the rub. Provided I take the money and run, (~$2k), I need another car asap. I really want something that gets more than 24mpg, as opposed to the 17 that my m20 gets now, so I'd love a 90-91 318i. What kind of mileage do the m20 325i's get? Anyone have a lead on something else?

I'd also consider an m50 5 series since they get excellent gas mileage as well, from what I've heard. Unfortunately, I doubt I'll be able to spend much more than 4 grand, so I'm a little worried, in fact, I might end up with a honduhh or a toyota, a step down. :( :( I'm keeping my eyes open, as it is no longer economical to keep my 5, but I love bimmers and I'd like another. Any suggestions? Should I try to squeeze the INS for more money?

[bimmerd00d]

Help a local dude out, i've helped him with his car many a times. Anyone who sees a good deal pass it on through this thread. E30, E34, E36, all good deals are welcomed. Keep him in the brand though!!!

[brodee]

Check the ads for down here in Houston too and if you find something I'll go take a look at it for you.

[Beez540]

where are you located? I've seen quite a few E34s for sale (a couple for some time now) around Southern Oregon.

[misfortune]

Check the ads for down here in Houston too and if you find something I'll go take a look at it for you.
Thanks man. I don't have much to spend and I appreciate the effort.

[bimmerd00d]

where are you located? I've seen quite a few E34s for sale (a couple for some time now) around Southern Oregon.

We are both up here in Dallas. I've got my eye open around here for some stuff. any help within about 200-300 miles would be great.

[Torque]

Wait ... your m20 e34 gets 17 mpg ? Mixed city/highway (about 50-50) I am currently getting 23.5. Highway only I've pulled as much as 26.

Maybe you just have a heavy foot ... trust me, I used to get 15 until I, through the process of elimination, with some help from a local police officer, realized I drive too hard to get real gas milage.

If you don't drive hard, just get your car tuned up/checked out ...

[misfortune]

Wait ... your m20 e34 gets 17 mpg ? Mixed city/highway (about 50-50) I am currently getting 23.5. Highway only I've pulled as much as 26.

Maybe you just have a heavy foot ... trust me, I used to get 15 until I, through the process of elimination, with some help from a local police officer, realized I drive too hard to get real gas milage.

If you don't drive hard, just get your car tuned up/checked out ...

It needs a tuneup, it needs new front struts, it needs a new rear bumper, it needs a repaint, it needs some cosmetic work, it needs so much stuff man. I can't deal with it anymore beyond just plug and go. I could take my time and do all that, but I'm considering getting rid of it. It doesn't pass inspection here (which is past due now), so it'll need some work on that as well. Its overwhelming and frankly, its time for the car to go.

I don't have a heavy foot, I've babied it and I get no more than 18mpg overall. I've tried a lot. I've been "that guy" who drives 60 and doesn't accelerate hard and its so boring. :)

[Torque]

I am now that guy too ... well I try. It's difficult, but that one ticket raped me not too long ago.

[winfred]

i beat the **** out of my 325 and get 23mpg in mixed driving, my 535 gets 17-18 with slightly nicer treatment

[632 Regal]

either way we would hate to lose you, I realize things have changed and dumping 10k overall in a paid for car is too much. Dont go away even if you buy a ricer...just dont brag about it but learn and post your bimmer knowledgs. We all know you will be back with the pack.

Good luck bro!!!

[romus]

Hey.

Can't tell you in mpg consumption, but 318i is the best to go for if you want to save on fuel cost. I still have the E30 and it does 10L/100km (i just calculated: it takes 2.64 US gallons on 62 mile city drive and 1.6 highway) where my 535i E34 does around 4 gallons for 62 mile city drive. 50% higher consumption but if youre used to E34, going into an E30 will take some gettin used to. They're rather poorly equipped, much less spacious and comfortable than the fives. The 325i E30 takes around 25% more than the 318 in city driving, but that's not my first hand experience, it's what i heard.

Btw, both my cars are manuals so the figures for automatics are a little higher.

Hope it helps.

[brodee]

My 325is with the m20 got 29mpg all the way back from California and averages 23-25 in mixed driving.

[SRR2]

A mid-90's E36 318i in reasonable condition can be had for under $6K these days. I used to work with a woman who had one of these and she reported consistent mileage in the high 20s. On trips her car was in the low 30s. If you're willing to accept a car that's in less than perfect condition it puts you in a much better position to drive a bargain -- so to speak. If I were you, I'd avoid anything with an M20 or M30 in it.

BTW, I din't understand the horrible mileage that some of you guys are reporting for your M30s, unless you're abusing the hell out of it. My long-term mixed-usage average mileage for my 535, including every drop of gas that went into it, was 24.21. It was driven somewhere between granny and maniac, always well-maintained, tire inflation checked at least once per month.

And at the risk of drifting offtopic, for those of us who live in cold areas, CHECK YOUR TIRE PRESSURE! It's amazing how lower ambient temperatures decrease inflation pressure. Changes from 80s to 20s can cost you 6-7 psi.

[peks]

Can't tell you in mpg consumption, but 318i is the best to go for if you want to save on fuel cost. I still have the E30 and it does 10L/100km (i just calculated: it takes 2.64 US gallons on 62 mile city drive and 1.6 highway) where my 535i E34 does around 4 gallons for 62 mile city drive.

so...
for the e30 318i:
23.5 mpg city, 38.8 highway

e34 535
15.5 mpg city

as for myself, 89 535, i get about 18-19 mixed driving, lot of hashing on it, 24-26 with cruise on, highwaydriving, like a grandma (very rare)

[misfortune]

so...
for the e30 318i:
23.5 mpg city, 38.8 highway

e34 535
15.5 mpg city

as for myself, 89 535, i get about 18-19 mixed driving, lot of hashing on it, 24-26 with cruise on, highwaydriving, like a grandma (very rare)
Thanks for the mpg info guys! Still looking

[ArtemLepilov]

Thanks for the mpg info guys! Still looking


Here are a few:
http://dallas.craigslist.org/car/102451467.html (says make offer... Im sure if u offer $2k cash they wouldnt be able to resist...)

http://dallas.craigslist.org/car/102555853.html (1990 325I, $2200 - thats close)

[e34it]

Yeah like regal said, dont go away just because u buy a ricer, i'm still here and i have 2 ricers now, and a french car, big change from an e34 M5

[callen]

I'm selling my 94 530i 5spd. It gets consisten 21-22 MPG in city (Houston). If you interested go to http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=190179312&dealer_id=56989117&car_year=1994&search_type=used&make=BMW&distance=10&model=&address=77429&certified=&advanced=&max_price=&bkms=1129656982935&min_price=&end_year=1994&start_year=1994&isp=y&lang=en&cardist=0