Thinking about an 1800... Advice?

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lodgeskins1

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I would love to get a two-seater, like the 3.0 CS, but I’ve got a kid on the way, so I’m considering an 1800 instead. I might check this one out soon:
http://www.nordstromselectauto.com/details.php?cid=1890
Any words of wisdom, whether they be discouraging or encouraging, would be greatly appreciated. I know very little about these, but I want something that will be safe, reliable, and I don’t really care for new cars.
Thanks for any advice!
 
8 grand for an 1800?

I'd rather spend MUCH less than half for a 2002 in good condition.

Old BMWs have a lot of parts commonality, so I guess you could get mechanical bits. But the last time I even saw an 1800 must be 20+ years ago. And it looked like sh*t then. Want to find body parts? I don't.

With a kid coming you want a 4-door... for that money you can get something much newer, faster, better engineered, safer, convenient, parts available....

Oldies like this are not for serious transportation. They are hobby cars, second (or third or fourth... ) cars that are neat to own, but only when one does not have to depend on them.

As a primary vehicle, this ain't it, neat though it may be.
 
Agree with Honolulu

Let me first say that we had two car seats in the back of a 2002 for a number of years (>20 years ago) so we are willing to sacrifice. I would however suggest an e28 5 series - granted, not easy to find with low miles but the engine is bulletproof. Or a 2 or four door e30. Either would be less than the 1800. And I still long to get another 2002.

By the way - do you know anything about this dealer - nice 1996 C4 and not too far from me.
 
Thank you both for the advice and words of caution. I don't know anything about the dealer; I just found them in my search for that car...
 
The 1800 is not very practical as a daily driver. It has almost none of the safety features taken for granted these days. Parts are very likely to be extremely difficult to impossible to find. BMW ceased to support these cars 20 years ago. New body and trim panels do not exist. If your 1800 gets hit, it will be extremely difficult to find the parts to repair it.

As others have suggested, try an E28 or E30. They are durable cars that are fairly reliable and fun to drive.
 
Thanks guys, I've made up my mind to keep my modern vehicle. Unfortunately, I'm coming to terms with it being time to get responsible...
 
Re: 8 grand for an 1800?

Honolulu said:
I'd rather spend MUCH less than half for a 2002 in good condition.
Click to expand...

+2. Way too much money on a very uninteresting car.
 
Hold your horses

I think you have asked the wrong crowed. I own a 2000 and have owned two more in the past. They are nice incredibly solid cars and can be tuned as a 2002 to make them quite fast indeed. They are raced often in Europe and are very stable at high speeds. We have a web page for the NK sedan with many fotos and a tech forum. Mechanically it is as easy to keep as any 2002 since engine is the same. It will not compare to any modern daily driver that is true, but then, neither will our loved CS coupes. You just can't beat the reliablity of a modern VW, Honda or Toyota Period! Here is the link for our web page ask them and you will get a different opinion. http://www.nkbmw.com/
 
The 1800 is actually a pretty interesting car with some racing history. The 1800ti-sa was a lightened, dual side draft Solex'ed factory track car produced in the mid-sixties, before the 2002 made BMW a known entity in the US. It had a fairly successful run and was driven by later E9 wheels Ickx, Hahne and Stuck. Ray Korman got his start with BMWs racing an 1800ti-sa in 1964.

[Broken External Image]:http://www.race-cars.com/carsales/bmw/1122839010/1122839010pa4.jpg

To call it "uninteresting" would be either narrow-minded or uninformed. It certainly never had the broad, smash hit, right-car-at-the-right-time appeal of the 2002, but it was a critical BMW step toward a practical and fun four door saloon.

That said, it would probably make a terrible daily driver if you need a reliable car for a family. We have a 1602 as a second car and it fits that role very well. It's a party to drive - not as much grunt as a 2002, but the 1.6L loves to swing to redline more quickly. With an under-square motor, the 1800 ought to be similar. Not so sure about that slushbox, though.

If you want a more reliable/daily version of the 1800/2000, look for a 1991 E30 318i. It's the same car as the one-year-only (1991) E30 318is, but with 4 doors. It has the DOHC 16v 4 cylinder M42 which is light weight and makes the car a blast to drive. It's no rocketship, but it's the last car that BMW built that feels like what the 1800/2002 cars started.

Then buy the 1800 :wink:
 
Bmw 1800

I have owned a 1969 2000, for the last twenty years, I'll admit I don't drive it lots of miles, but my kids always loved driving in the back. Not good as a daily driver, for the fear of parking it anywhere, as parts are near impossible to get. This car handles well, brakes perfectly, and looks awesome.
 
Classic family sedan--the Bavaria

I have a very nice 1973 Bavaria Sahara Beige/ Saddle interior that has 72,000 original miles, original paint, interior, no rust California car with upgrades--I have gone through it completely in all the mechanicals--brought to a very robust and reliable mechanical and show level of cosmetics--original paint, all trim and interior near flawless--shows very well--had it out for a 100+ plus mile outing today--tours happily @ 80MPH--there are few Bavarias in the condition of this beauty.

I was planning to keep long term but have another classic BMW in the wings I would like to bring into my garage but space is needed--so reluctantly offer the Bav.

I have thoroughly prepared this low mileage Bav to a very high state and would not personally hesitate undertaking a cross country trip in it.

Price would be similar to the 1800 but a lot more car for a family! Contact if serious interest--pictures are available.
BLUMAX aka Murray 949-642-2150
 
Re: Hold your horses

RIQUE said:
I think you have asked the wrong crowed. I own a 2000 and have owned two more in the past. They are nice incredibly solid cars and can be tuned as a 2002 to make them quite fast indeed. They are raced often in Europe and are very stable at high speeds. We have a web page for the NK sedan with many fotos and a tech forum. Mechanically it is as easy to keep as any 2002 since engine is the same. It will not compare to any modern daily driver that is true, but then, neither will our loved CS coupes. You just can't beat the reliablity of a modern VW, Honda or Toyota Period! Here is the link for our web page ask them and you will get a different opinion. http://www.nkbmw.com/
Click to expand...

How would you like to get T-Boned by a Suburban while driving one? Not a good car for a daily driver IMHO.
 
NK's and everyday driving

I drove a '67 2000 four door on an 80 mile Bay Area commute for four years. They're solid reliable cars. Easily as reliable as the 2002's. Which I've also owned. To get to a daily driver state, you should have new suspension, new brakes, and a driveline in good condition (engine tranny driveshaft rear end).

I classified this car as a cruiser, not as sporty as the lighter and more compact 2002, but it will engage when pushed through twisties. Massive trunk space as well.

In my opinion, parts were not a nightmare. Unless you get nightmares about not being able to source that chrome plastic piece on the interior door pull... The NK's share many mechanicals with the 2002. Carl Nelson is a good supplier for NK cars. When your not talking common parts, then its off to the folks in the NK community who have parts cars (for that chrome plastic piece on the door pull) Figure on this, the car you buy will be in essentially the same condition appearance wise forever unless you have time and money.

and then again there's the fear of getting T Boned by a Suburban which can happen to any old car owner. Be careful out there!
 
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