Considering pickup up an e30 as an autocross / track rat for this summer

[repenttokyo]

It seems like a low-buck way to have fun, but I wanted to make sure that it really was - is there anything potentially expensive that can go wrong with these cars?

I'm looking at a 91 318 vert and an 88 325is coupe.

[winfred]

nothing really horrible lurking in the average e30 waiting to pounce on your wallet, that said the m42 in the 318 can be a grenade due to the timing chain components failing, it is easy to keep up with the rubber band on the 325 but if a tensioner fails on the m42 it crashes just as hard, you just can't cheaply service the rails on the m42

[Ross]

The 325is hands down. More willing engine and stiffer chassis.