Discussion
This is just one of my whip-round posts concerning cars I'm considering buying in the summer. I made a shortlist of cars and I'm taking each suggestion round the marque-specific forums to see how viable they are. So far the list is:
Toyota MR2 MK1 - checks out OK
Fiat X1/9 - ditto
Ford Capri MKIII/Escort MKII - not sure
BMW E21 - That's where you guys come in.
I love the styling and I haven't heard any major problem areas besides rust, but how viable are they as realiable daily drivers?
Primarily in reference to the 316 E21s, what are they like in terms of running, insurance, parts etc for a 21 year old with 4 years driving experience but no NCB (never had own policy)?
They are well within my price bracket and there seem to be quite a few of the Bauer cabrios around that look tempting.
Can anyone fill me in?
Toyota MR2 MK1 - checks out OK
Fiat X1/9 - ditto
Ford Capri MKIII/Escort MKII - not sure
BMW E21 - That's where you guys come in.
I love the styling and I haven't heard any major problem areas besides rust, but how viable are they as realiable daily drivers?
Primarily in reference to the 316 E21s, what are they like in terms of running, insurance, parts etc for a 21 year old with 4 years driving experience but no NCB (never had own policy)?
They are well within my price bracket and there seem to be quite a few of the Bauer cabrios around that look tempting.
Can anyone fill me in?
I love E21's and had a 320 (6) for nearly 10 years. Like you I love the looks, classic lines that still look fresh today.
323i's are the best by far but almost impossible to find a good one. I'd have to say that 320 is the unsung hero. Great small six, fuel consumption pretty poor 20-25mph, carbs are very sensitive. Try and get one with power steering as parking will give you a gym workout. Performance is remarkably good for a 20 year old car, sound great too.
The only real problem is the rust, these were pre-galvanized cars and the rust really is bad. Boot and B pillars were a particular problem.
Go on, be different, a future classic in the making.
323i's are the best by far but almost impossible to find a good one. I'd have to say that 320 is the unsung hero. Great small six, fuel consumption pretty poor 20-25mph, carbs are very sensitive. Try and get one with power steering as parking will give you a gym workout. Performance is remarkably good for a 20 year old car, sound great too.
The only real problem is the rust, these were pre-galvanized cars and the rust really is bad. Boot and B pillars were a particular problem.
Go on, be different, a future classic in the making.
I'll put it on my list then.
I was looking at the 316 for insurance purposes. As for power steering - TBH I don't like it anyway. I seem to be the only person on the planet who does actually like hauling on unassisted steering - makes it feel more responsive if I need to do any oversteer correction.
I like the E21 because it's not a saloon - essentially a 5-series coupe, and looks a lot like the concurrent 6-series.
Right - it's on the list then!
I was looking at the 316 for insurance purposes. As for power steering - TBH I don't like it anyway. I seem to be the only person on the planet who does actually like hauling on unassisted steering - makes it feel more responsive if I need to do any oversteer correction.
I like the E21 because it's not a saloon - essentially a 5-series coupe, and looks a lot like the concurrent 6-series.
Right - it's on the list then!
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