Planning a bit ahead of time, but it'll give me plenty of time to think about it. This'll probably be for around this time next year, or maybe even one after.

I love my E60, but I have a bit of an itch for something more sporty/"fun". I'm leaning towards three options... each vastly different.

• BMW E30 (3-series, convertible, 1984 - 1992 )
• BMW E84 (Z4 convertible, 2002-2008)
• Porsche Boxster (Whatever years happens to fall into my price range)

Going the E30 route would be more of a project car option. I've fallen in love with that old BMW style.. it just seems to have so much more class while still looking slightly aggressive. Hard to come by that nowadays. I'm more than prepared to have to sink close to what I'd buy it for (if not more) in upgrades and repairs. I've heard the M20 engine can be a bitch at times. However, there is a -huge- community behind E30's with people on forums that know virtually anything about the inner workings. I don't think access to repair information would be an issue.


The E84 (Z4) would obviously be a much newer car than an E30. It would make for a very nice cruiser car. They seem to be easy to come by, and with low miles. (probably since most have been used as weekend/summer cars)

And as for the Boxster.. something about those keeps catching my eyes, but I can't quite put a finger on it. I've never been in one, so I can't say much. This one would require a lot more research.




I'm curious to hear people's thoughts

Anyone here taken in an E30 as a project? Own(ed) a Z4 and/or Boxster?

 

What price range are you considering? You've got quite a spread between the cost of an early 3 to a newer Z4 / Boxter. Have you given any thought to something like a 135? They are a lot of fun to drive while still being "practical" as a 2dr or convertible.

 

What about a z3m? I was looking at one recently, seems like it would be a fun car. I'm looking for a 2nd car as well.