new to E21s

[Monitor]

Good afternoon Forum, my name is kevin creason and I am an Airman up in denver CO. I'm thinking about picking this particular E21 up as a replacement for my 944, for a couple different reasons.

http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/2794978659.html

First, I just had some terrible luck with the Porsche and its spitting coolant at me like a freakin camel. It may end up requiring gobs of time and effort, I'm not sure yet.

Second, I promised my wife that when we found out we were pregnant I would get something with a real back seat. That time has now come, so in 8 months ill have to have a back seat. I doubt an older vehicle like this is ideal for an infant BUT it wouldn't be riding with me all that much, and I only drive spirited when I'm alone. I would be getting honked at like a grandma when my son or daughter was in the car with me!

Thirdly, I don't think it would be conducive to put much more money into the porsche at this time. Id rather spend that on something with a back seat.

So, my wife will be getting here any day. I have a place and the tools to work on an engine if so desired, and this E21 I am considering is known to need engine work, as it "leaves a cloud of smoke behind it" with the current owner saying that he planned to pull the head when he got time.

My real qquestion is what can I expect in a e21? I don't mind investing in my transportation, I love tinkering more than most things. I'm curious if I should scour the scrapyards and find an i6 to swap in instead, or what kind of costs I'm looking at to get a rebuild kit for the top half of the engine.

Any thoughts and comments are welcome! I've been looking over various sites and diy articles and all and I like what I see, and the vast majority is within my depth of knowledge.

[Jeroen]

Hi Kevin,

First of all: welcome here!

Whatever E21 you find on your path, either a US 320i or a greymarket 323i, these cars usually are pretty reliable en easy to maintain indeed. And I guess parts prices will only be a fraction of those for the 944. And blowing smoke will indeed most likely be solved by a cilinder head overhaul.

Of course, with a kid on his or her way, a four door E30 might be the more sensible and better equipped option, but lacks the back to basics spirit and classic looks of the E21 so I'd say test drive an E21 first and see how you like it. Enough upgrade parts available to make her a little bit better on the handling side as well.

Other things to look for... better check out our Buyers Guide first and then see if you have some specific questions left. You can find it here: http://www.bmwe21.net/forum/viewforum.php?f=38

For now, enjoy your stay here and we're glad to help you out making a choice and if it's going to be an E21, we'll help you keeping the car rolling as well!

[cobbler2u]

Hi welcome and good luck with the purchase of the e21

[e21-Mark]

Welcome & keep us posted.

[TopCat]

welcome!

I once was an FAC - sure those A10 pilots were a handful! No plans to follow standard NATO x degree angle of attack!!!

Same with our Jaguars- different causes!

what are you in?

And back to cars - have fun................