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Jim and I have gone around and around about selling my 1989 325IX BMW... I am very attached to it, but fixing, upgrading, altering is expensive I am slowly warming up to reality, but still very upset about the subject. It is not that I don't agree with him in some sense of the word, it's just I can think of anything esle I would rather have. So I am asking for some input. Thank you ....Kristin

In case anybody doesn't know, the 325ix is an '89 model with all wheel drive (hence the "x" after the "i"). It's not so much the upgrading/altering that is expensive, it's the fixing. Well, only the fixing of anything related to the front half of the car. The rear half is all standard e30 325 stuff but the entire front of the car is specific to that model and the parts are becoming very expensive as they are fairly rare.

The biggest issue is the center transfer case which has a habit of stripping the input splines every 40k miles or so it seems. The car has been through a couple of them already and the current one is partially stripped. The front driveshaft was lengthened to reach the non-stripped remaining splines but who knows how long that will last. Unfortunately, you can fix the piece containing the splines so you wind up having to get a new (remanufactured) one. At nearly $3000 a pop, it isn't cheap.

So she needs a car that is stylish, inexpensive, reliable, and, uh, stylish.

Jim

You know you want a certain silver 2003 WRX. (Always for sale!)

Seriously, the 325ix is a great car but the awd-only parts are just painfully expensive. I had considered buying one before I got the Subaru but the potential maintenance cost was way too high. They also have a reputation (worse than Subaru) for chewing up transmissions.

If you are stuck on AWD I'd recommend an Impreza RS or used WRX. They really are getting surprisingly affordable.

If you are open to RWD why not look at a newer 3-series? For the sales value of a clean E30 325ix you should be able to cover 2/3 or more of an E36 325is or 1/2 of an E36 M3. Both are comfortable, practical, fast, and surprisingly affordable to maintain.

--Kevin H.

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2003 WRX (again!)

Hmm, I think Kristin is getting a G35 Coupe


Scott

What he said except you should be able to pay for all of an early E36. They are out there for under $5k. Fantastic daily driver or dual-purpose car.

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Mike Whitney
whit32@gmail.com, 919-454-5445
V10, V8, V8t, I6, I6, V6, F4t, I4, I4, I4, I4, I2, 1, 1

Sell it.

If parts are hard to get for it now, it will only get worse.

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In need of car.

Sell that beawtch!

Even though I have had some minor "issues" with both of mine lately, I highly recommend a 2000-2001 2.5RS. Stylish if you're into rally cars (with hood scoops & stuff), inexpensive, and despite all my complaints lately, I have never even been CLOSE to being stranded. Did I mention they're versatile?

But if you like the rwd E36 BMW, that would be a great choice, too - Tom Hoppe just got one in pretty decent shape for almost nothing.

So the question is, since you can't think of anything else you'd want, what do you like so much about the 325ix? That might help identify what you should get.

Jim WILL disagree with me on this one, But it realy takes the curves like it's on rails, it's stylish, has gotten me through 5 noreasterns up to Northern New Hampshire and back down South in very precarious weather, and it is a really fun car to drive in the dirt. Mind you I am not all that fond of rear wheel drive being from snow country. Honda's are relable but dull to me, only a few cars really excite me like the one I currently have. The audi TT with the dual sport system, is one but a bit out of my price league, a few of the acura sedan's but doesn't seem sporty enough, and the newest BMW isn't too bad, but the models between mine and the newest ones don't turn me on much. I an picky, what can I say...The car I have now I drewled over since I was 16, but couldn't get one until I was 25.

Sorry guys I can't spell to save my life, I will spell check next time, but your input is important to me.

I think the big question is how much do you want to spend? That makes for a better starting point.

As a former E30 owner, I can tell you they do corner well, but in stock trim, they don't handle nearly as well as some of the more modern machines. Your car in particular is quite a bit heavier than my E30 318is, due to the AWD tranny, and the extra weight probably hurt some of handling characteristics.

I would say that the thing to do is get out and drive some cars. Even in autocross trim, you can quickly tell if you'll enjoy a car or not. So, don't be bashful at the next autocross to ask people to take a fun run - AB

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'14 Toyota Sequoia Platinum 4WD
Super Westerfield Bros - '93 Integra - LeChump Du Jour
STX 93 - Scion FR-S

Well oddly enough I am very bashful when I have to ask for something. It's real easy to say “HI” to a stranger, or event to offer to lend a hand. Your Idea is a pretty good one.
Thank You

Kristin,

Sounds like you get attached to certain cars very much like my wife, Kelly, does. What counts to her is that SHE likes it. Here is what I have learned from her. If you are attached to a car for whatever reasons, don't "get rid of it" unless or until you find an acceptable (to you) replacement. IF it no longer meets your "daily use" needs due to either "function" or "lack of reliability" or "potential cost to repair" RETIRE it to limited use, if you have the space to park it, and get something else for the daily use stuff. Limited use retirement will keep the miles down and extend its "calendar" life. We still own a 1984 Nissan 200SX we bought when we got engaged, because Kelly refused to "upgrade" it to any number of cars over the years. She finally took over "my" 97 Mustang when I "upgraded" to a 2001 because the Nissan simply got too unreliable and didn't feel safe in freeway traffic. We still use it when a hatchback is needed or one of the newer cars is broken.

By the way, the rear wheel drive snow/ice driving issue can be dealt with by getting a good set of snow/ice tires on a separate set of wheels (works for Mustang GT's so it should for just about any other interesting rwd car except maybe a Vette).

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Dick Rasmussen

FS 50 2018 Mustang GT

I can't believe Dick didn't say it, so I must. Your choice is obvious, you need a Mustang.

Maybe, but not one of ours. They aren't for sale. Neither are the 1984 Nissan 200SX, the 1961 Sunbeam Alpine, the 1973 Lotus Europa, the 1985 Van Diemen FF, the 1988 Coachmen camper van, or the 1991 open trailer. Not all of the above vehicles actually are "driveable" but one or both of us are very attached to them. Good thing we have a large lot.

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Dick Rasmussen

FS 50 2018 Mustang GT

sell it and buy Japanese. I have found that as they get older the parts seem to be much cheaper.. Not counting my Nissan Hardbody- parts cost 70 and up..

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beware of EV powered Ford EXP's they are quiet and come for you when you least expect it... hide behind an aluminum light pole...... ya that will help