For those still running R-12 in automotive A/C systems, I've used R-290, camping stove propane, and it blends/cools just fine.
Even crunched the front of that car pretty good...no explosion, so.....
NP for this because it's an excellent starting point for a decently-powered car...and I don't like BMW's...except for the first gen M5 and M6. #1985bmw318ibaur
It is getting to the point that ANY e30 with a very nice interior, decent paint, and strong mechanicals is a $4k car, especially if the A/C and all the power functions work. this is even more so for a euro model.
If you are really turned off my the little M10 4 banger, S52 swaps (240hp+) are fairly easy. #1985bmw318ibaur
I'm pretty sure I can find a decent black 1984 'Screamin' Chicken' Trans-Am with T-Tops and 60-100 more horsepower, for the same price. Even the 403 Olds station wagon engine made 205.
Guys, this thing weighs a ton and a half, and has 101 horsepower. It could have a twenty-seven speed transmission, and a Honda Fit would run rings around it. Prius drivers will blow your doors off, at stoplights. The local bike courier will challenge you to a Top Gear race across town...and win...at 3:00 AM, when all you have to dodge are the street cleaning machines.
If you want this, be sure you have either a girlfriend who will put out for possession of a BMW...
ANY BMW...or a rich and elderly aunt who is considering changes in her will, and grew up in Germany.
Crack pipe, and so is your head cracked if you buy this misanthrope. #1985bmw318ibaur
I do like E30s. And nice ones tend to bring a healthy price. This looks to be in pretty nice shape, but what makes it rare doesn't really impress me. The top conversion is a curiosity, and not an asset.
I'd rather find an impeccable, low miles 325, and if fuel economy is a concern the 325e gets damn near 318 levels of mileage with more power and a wide powerband.
I gotta vote nice price, but it's not for me. The condition is enough to justify about $3k even if it's the 4-cylinder, and the Baur conversion should be desirable enough to someone to add that extra grand. #1985bmw318ibaur
Hey, what a surprise, a BMW that other BMW-o-philes hate. What's the chance of that?
BMW's are marvelous cars, it's the owners who gave it the "Ultimate Douche Machine" rep. There is an air of smugness emanating from an owner; Think Prius Smug, only opposite. "M" drivers are the worst.
So, what do I think of this particular machine? Beautiful body, finely crafted top mechanism that doesn't compromise rigidity for a retractable top, and a four cylinder motor that will get great fuel mileage. The Interior should last for decades (German Vinyls are very durable).
Badge snobs BMW Owners may be, but for anyone else who appreciates fine machinery, and doesn't have to get to get to their next destination in 10 seconds or less, there are far worse cars to spend $4,000 on. #1985bmw318ibaur
A friend of mine in Germany had a 318i, and he used to fly down the Autobahn at around 110 MPH in it. It's not Mercedes-Benz serene at that speed, but as I remember the experience, the car didn't complain about being made to go that fast, either. #1985bmw318ibaur
So it's a four-cylinder with a really, really big sunroof. The Baur conversion was fairly nice in its day, but the introduction of the e30 convertible rendered it superfluous. You could get a quite nice late '80s 325i ragtop for this price with better performance and full-sun experience. Crack pipe. #1985bmw318ibaur
CP. There's plenty of actual 318i convertibles out there forcheap money. These Baurs were cool for the 3 or 4 years in which droptops disappeared in the U.S. and that's it. The 1980 E21 was a much better interpretation: [www.fantasyjunction.com]
Too many ugly changes, not enough horsepower. If this one were a 325 with the stock wheels at the same price, that'd be nice. As it is, and think about this, it's outgunned by an '88 Cavalier Z24 droptop by 30 hp. Said Cavalier also doesn't leave window frames behind when the top is down. $4k would buy you several of them. In fact, $4k would buy you all manner of more powerful and/or newer American convertibles. Truthfully, 101hp isn't enough to make it matter that it's either RWD or a BMW.
Mary Phong, put down the .38 and pass me that crack pipe. #1985bmw318ibaur
@SagarikaLumos: Yeah, but the Cavalier handles as well as an elephant with its front legs tied together. And I would certainly pay this much for a first-gen VW GTI (about 100 hp) in excellent condition.
Still, I agree with your CP. It's an ugly piece of Bimmer. #1985bmw318ibaur
10/28/09
Nice price for a rare machine. Perfect for Eurosnobs who secretly pine for a Nash ragtop. #1985bmw318ibaur
10/28/09
10/28/09
Even crunched the front of that car pretty good...no explosion, so.....
NP for this because it's an excellent starting point for a decently-powered car...and I don't like BMW's...except for the first gen M5 and M6. #1985bmw318ibaur
10/28/09
10/28/09
If you are really turned off my the little M10 4 banger, S52 swaps (240hp+) are fairly easy. #1985bmw318ibaur
10/28/09
I'm pretty sure I can find a decent black 1984 'Screamin' Chicken' Trans-Am with T-Tops and 60-100 more horsepower, for the same price. Even the 403 Olds station wagon engine made 205.
Guys, this thing weighs a ton and a half, and has 101 horsepower. It could have a twenty-seven speed transmission, and a Honda Fit would run rings around it. Prius drivers will blow your doors off, at stoplights. The local bike courier will challenge you to a Top Gear race across town...and win...at 3:00 AM, when all you have to dodge are the street cleaning machines.
If you want this, be sure you have either a girlfriend who will put out for possession of a BMW...
ANY BMW...or a rich and elderly aunt who is considering changes in her will, and grew up in Germany.
Crack pipe, and so is your head cracked if you buy this misanthrope. #1985bmw318ibaur
10/28/09
If it was a Baur 325 (even an e), I'd say nice price. But I've driven an early 318i and it's more sour than Baur. Hand me the pipe. #1985bmw318ibaur
10/28/09
10/28/09
10/28/09
10/28/09
I'd rather find an impeccable, low miles 325, and if fuel economy is a concern the 325e gets damn near 318 levels of mileage with more power and a wide powerband.
I gotta vote nice price, but it's not for me. The condition is enough to justify about $3k even if it's the 4-cylinder, and the Baur conversion should be desirable enough to someone to add that extra grand. #1985bmw318ibaur
10/28/09
BMW's are marvelous cars, it's the owners who gave it the "Ultimate Douche Machine" rep. There is an air of smugness emanating from an owner; Think Prius Smug, only opposite. "M" drivers are the worst.
So, what do I think of this particular machine? Beautiful body, finely crafted top mechanism that doesn't compromise rigidity for a retractable top, and a four cylinder motor that will get great fuel mileage. The Interior should last for decades (German Vinyls are very durable).
Badge snobs BMW Owners may be, but for anyone else who appreciates fine machinery, and doesn't have to get to get to their next destination in 10 seconds or less, there are far worse cars to spend $4,000 on. #1985bmw318ibaur
10/28/09
10/28/09
10/28/09
And those rims. Blech. #1985bmw318ibaur
10/28/09
10/28/09
Mary Phong, put down the .38 and pass me that crack pipe. #1985bmw318ibaur
10/28/09
Still, I agree with your CP. It's an ugly piece of Bimmer. #1985bmw318ibaur