306... which one???

Reno

Reno

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Fellow Frogger
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Hi all,

I am writing on behalf of a friend whom had been looking at an E30 BMW, but i have swayed him to come french, and he likes the 306.

I no not alot about these and would love to know the breakdown of the models, gti, etc. and how much to pay for a model depending on the klm's?

Thanks guys. Is there any weak points on these cars that might be worht looking out for when buying?
 
I hope I don't get killed for saying this :p but the straight six engined BMW E30's are very good cars. For the same money as a decent early model 306, he could pick up a very nice condition late 80s 325i.

The 306 is very good, but if I had the choice between a scruffy 306 1.8L or a nice 325i I think I'd take the BMW.......

How much does he have to spend? The cheapest I've seen 306's for is $12k.

I suppose only thing to keep in mind is that servicing and parts for an old 6cyl BMW would be quite a bit more than a 306.
 
Yeah he was looking to spend 15-18. He was mainly looking at the 318i's and stuff though. nothing bigger then a 4cyl. So that's why i said if your getting a 4 have a look at these. and he likes them.

Anyone got anymore info???
 
Before I bought my Pug 505 I was looking at E30 318i's and the average condition ones were $4000-6000 and the good ones (above my price range!) were $7000-12000.

Was he looking at the soft tops? The 318i ones were about $14k-17k

If he can afford $18k he can get an E36 E18i or a very nice 306.

a automatic E36 318i is very slow and fairly boring. I think I'd get the 306 in that case.
Something like a 306 XSi (a 2L). I'm pretty sure a S16 or GTi-6 would cost quite a bit more?

<small>[ 17 June 2002, 08:19 PM: Message edited by: nJm ]</small>
 
ok cool! yeah he wants a manual too.

Is the XSi have power windows and all that gear. 2L would be great!
 
I may be in a position to add something to this. I have a 1995 S16, I also drove several 306 XT's before I bought the S16. My dad had a 1990 318is (E30) and now has a 1997 318is(E36).

The S16, for $5000-$6000 more than the XT is worth it in my opinion. I was after a hot car with some go. It is better equiped, quicker and handles better. When these were new they were over $38,500, thats 60% above the base 306 price of $23,995.

The 1990 318 was a really nice car for it's age. It felt more ridgid and refined than my S16 and if you can find one in good nick it would be a great buy. The 1997 318 is even more refined, and feels incredible on the road, however you wont get one for under $35000 in good condition, so forget this one.

The S16 is quicker and handles better than both however, but does not have the same feel on the road, it's more of a racer than a cruiser if thats any way to put it. The engine is quite highly strung and the suspension rougher, though mine is lowered so thats not being fair on the S16.

Now, comparing the S16 to a GTI6 all depends on your pocket. The GTI6 is newer and better equiped but does cost more.

Take all for a drive and make the comparo. yourself.
 
The E36 ran from 1991-1998. There are a couple of early model E36 318i's for around $20k from dealers on Carsales.com.au so I'm sure they would be cheaper private.

It appears for $16-19k you can get everything from a 1995 Pug 306 XSi (2L 5door) to a 1999 306 Style (1.8 2door).

There is a GTi-6 in his price range, but it has 160,000kms. Sounds too good to be true really?

get him to drive some - a 318i will feel very different to a 306
 
Thanks for the help guys. much appreciated. but still if you have anyting else to add, dont hold back! i dig car knowledge :)
 
You should be able to get a good S16 in that price bracket... my GTi6 was $24K with 70K on the clock.

The BMW 318 will be gutless in comparison, but they are well built and more refined. As far as I'm aware, it won't be as involving a drive as the pug.

In that price range, you can also get a Porsche 928! :)

Yes, I've been considering my options recently... :)
 
ntrx:
The BMW 318 will be gutless in comparison,
Click to expand...
Both the E30 which had a 1.8l engine and the E36 which had a 1.9l engine had over 100kw. Their engines are very refined and torquey aswell. You may be thinking of the cooking 318i engine which is only an 8v 1.8l with about 70kw.
 
Hi Xsara i HAve a 1995 306 s16 that i want to sell only because i am heding overseas for a indifnite time if your friend is intrested you can contact me via email imraan6@hotmail.com
 
Phasis:
ntrx:
The BMW 318 will be gutless in comparison,
Click to expand...
Both the E30 which had a 1.8l engine and the E36 which had a 1.9l engine had over 100kw. Their engines are very refined and torquey aswell. You may be thinking of the cooking 318i engine which is only an 8v 1.8l with about 70kw.
Click to expand...
The E36 318i had an 85kw and 168nm 1.8L engine. This engine hauling around a 1275kg sedan would mean the performance would be pretty poor, but it would still have the wonderful suspension setup that make the 3 series a drivers car :)

Phasis, you must be thinking of the latest 318i which has a 16v engine, variable valve timing and a 2L capacity with 106kw.
 
The 1989-1991 E30 BMW 318is engine (M42) was a 1796cc engine with 136hp and 172nm, the E36 1996-1998 had an 1895cc (M44) 16valve engine with 140hp and 180nm.

The E36's were a heavier car and hence did not accelerate as well, but still were brisk.
 
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