Home » Hard-Knock Lives: 1991 BMW 318i Convertible vs 1988 Pontiac Fiero Formula

Hard-Knock Lives: 1991 BMW 318i Convertible vs 1988 Pontiac Fiero Formula

Sbsd 9 20

When you’re looking at inexpensive cars for sale, and you come across something that seems too cheap, you can guess before clicking on the ad that it either a) is a scam, or b) has been mightily abused. There is absolutely no point in us ever looking at the former, but the latter is right up our alley. Today’s cars definitely fit that description. Before we get to them, though, let’s look at the results of our grandpa sedans from yesterday:

Screen Shot 2022 09 19 At 4.08.23 Pm

Well, color me surprised! I fully expected the Northstar to scare more of you away. Apparently the only thing scarier than a Northstar is rust.

Vidframe Min Top
Vidframe Min Bottom

Some cars, when you see their listings, you just feel sorry for them. They’ve obviously led hard lives, full of abuse and indifference, and it’s one thing if the car in question is a Subaru Outback or something that no one really cares that much about. But if it’s an uncommon mid-engined sports car, or a highly-sought-after European compact, you want to reach out to them. You hear Sarah McLachlan singing quietly in the background, and your heartstrings get a good solid tug. Every day, good cars get abused by bad owners. Won’t you help them?

1991 BMW 318i convertible – $2,000

00d0d Cyqjenp0vcxz 0ci0t2 1200x900

ADVERTISEMENT
Ad Placeholder Wide Top Banner

Engine/drivetrain: 1.8 liter inline 4, 5 speed manual, RWD

Location: Gladstone, OR

Odometer reading: 145,000 miles

Runs/drives? Kinda-sorta starts sometimes, but that’s it

I don’t know if the chassis code “E30” is still spoken in hushed tones of reverence or not, but for a while, everybody wanted one of these. I imagine that’s why someone ias asking two grand for a beat-to-shit convertible that doesn’t run. Don’t get me wrong; they’re great cars to drive, but I can’t get past the fact that $2000 used to buy a decent two-door 325es that ran like a top.

ADVERTISEMENT
Ad Placeholder Wide Top Banner

00b0b 9v2ls3bmud4z 0ci0t2 1200x900

Speaking of tops, this car needs one. But from all appearances that’s the least of your worries here. The huge dent behind the door can probably be left alone, though it might prevent that quarter window from rolling down. And is that really packing tape holding the corner of the rear bumper together?

00o0o K5amzmxvpe6z 0t20ci 1200x900

But even a scruffy, unsightly E30 convertible could be fun to drive… if you could drive it. Unfortunately, the little M40 four-cylinder under the hood of this one does not run. It sounds like the seller bought it in a non-running state and tried unsuccessfully to revive it. It will start, sometimes, and sputter out some semblance of an idle once in a while, which is encouraging. Maybe someone with a bit more mechanical acumen would have more success.

00808 Gocd0rauzpz 0ci0t2 1200x900

ADVERTISEMENT
Ad Placeholder Wide Top Banner

If it were either banged-up or non-running, I could see it, but as it stands, I personally don’t see spending $2,000 on this car. But I’m not as BMW-crazy as some.

1988 Pontiac Fiero Formula – $1,200

00101 6jhyewbvjcgz 0ci0ll 1200x900

Engine/drivetrain: 2.8 liter V6, 5 speed manual, RWD

Location: Vancouver, WA

Odometer reading: 90,000 miles

ADVERTISEMENT
Ad Placeholder Wide Top Banner

Runs/drives? More or less, yeah

In this case, I feel sorry not only for the car, but for the seller. It sounds like they bought this car for someone to help them out, and that someone trashed it, got it impounded, and left it behind. The seller got it out of impound, but it’s still trashed, and half-disassembled. It does, however, run and drive, albeit without an exhaust.

00i0i Guazapwp5hiz 0ci0ll 1200x900

But if you’re after a Fiero, this is one of the ones you want. It’s a final-year Formula, with the V6, the good suspension, and a five-speed manual. It did not originally come with air conditioning, but the seller started to add it in, and got this far:

00x0x Lak08sar3dhz 0ci0ll 1200x900

ADVERTISEMENT
Ad Placeholder Wide Top Banner

Sort of a minimalist vibe in this one. The seller says they have all the pieces, but you’ll have to put everything back together, whether you finish the AC install or not. The car also has no exhaust from the catalytic converter back, and the 3rd gear synchro is on the way out. Apparently Junior was a bit aggressive with it.

00505 H89n4mlndvtz 0ci0ll 1200x900

The good news is that it has a healthy 2.8 liter V6 with only 90,000 miles on it, a new clutch, and comes with at least some of the parts to fix it up. And when you do get it all back together, you’ll have a fun Fiero in the right spec.

Obviously neither of these cars is ready for prime-time, but they both could be fun cars with some work. It’s up to you which one you want to rescue.

 

ADVERTISEMENT
Ad Placeholder Wide Top Banner

QuizMaker

Facebook
WhatsApp
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
50 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Nsane In The MembraNe
Nsane In The MembraNe
2 years ago

I agree with the Fiero majority here and the “LS swap all the things” take. Buy the Fiero, fix it up, drop a V8 in it, WIN! Plus if I’m doing a raggedy Bimmer I want a straight six. To me a BMW without a minimum of 6 cylinders is like buying a V6 Challenger. You’ve got the style but the soul ain’t there…and I’m a SOULLLLLL MAN!

Rigidjunkie
Rigidjunkie
2 years ago

Damit, why did I have to start with a shit 1st year car when this Fiero eventually would have been the perfect candidate. Either one of these (or both) would be great candidates for a K20/24 swap. All this said by a guy 2 years into a K20 swap into a ratty ass Fiero that I hope one day to have back on the road.

dug deep
dug deep
2 years ago

I’m starting to believe this daily feature is automaker propaganda to sell people on the idea of 7 year car loans.
At the very least, next time I get a call regarding an extended warranty, Imma pick up.

Brian_
Brian_
2 years ago

The BMW is bordering on being a parts car at this point. You’re buying an idea and a project more than you’re buying a car. I’d have to go with the Fiero for the cheaper parts and much better starting condition

ExAutoJourno
ExAutoJourno
2 years ago

Yup, gotta be the Fiero, even if I would definitely be all about the BMW if it was a little more new-ish.

I don’t mind cleaning things and bolting them back of as much as I do pounding out dents and paying someone else to do stuff I can’t do, like the top and what I’d guess is wrong with the engine (points, condensers and carbs I can do, electronics and engine computers not so much.

It has been a long, long time since I’ve revived a Beater. These two remind me of why I hope it’s gonna be a whole lot longer!

The Toecutter
The Toecutter
2 years ago

Fiero, I choose you!

Seriously, this thing needs a smallblock V8.

BuddyReppertonsSideburns
BuddyReppertonsSideburns
2 years ago

E30s are wonderful machines. I had a coupe that I loved and it was positively a tank. That being said, the things that are wrong with this one are just too expensive to fix (correctly). It’s just about hopeless. The Fiero is the clear choice. I used to own a twin that was (unfortunately) an automatic. I was thinking even if this one WAS an automatic, I’d choose it over the *ahem* irreparably damaged Bimmer. Being a manual makes the decision process instantaneous. Plus, your cup of nearly-free parts cars runneth over. And these things are a hoot to drive. And have their own burgeoning collectability.

parsko
parsko
2 years ago

DUDE!!! V6 Fiero 5spd!!!?? No questions asked. That 318 is NOT rare, this Fiero is VERY rare.

mber
mber
2 years ago

Gotta go with neither, they’re just too far gone.
Is Tracy picking the cars?

Nitehawk770
Nitehawk770
2 years ago

88 Fiero wins. BMW is good for parts, not much else.

I’d skip the AC install on the Fiero and just put it back together. Worth more that way.

Stephen Walter Gossin
2 years ago

The Fiero.

Installing AC seems to be a hugely ambitious undertaking (compressor, bracket, dryer, lines, evap, HVAC head unit, belts/pulleys, etc.) – I admire the gumption.

98Z28
98Z28
2 years ago

I just closed my eyes and clicked, neither one interests me. In the spirit of the poll, I made a random choice.

Boxing Pistons
Boxing Pistons
2 years ago

I am wondering how that interior looks so good on the BMW with the top in tatters. I was expecting a shitshow in there. I’m sure the carpet is moldy as hell, but those seats look really good! I hate to say “parts car”, but that may be its future….

Boxing Pistons
Boxing Pistons
2 years ago

Clearly abused or another guy’s project? Hmmmm. While I tend to stay far far away from half-completed projects, that BMW is just so damn sorry looking. The fact that it is largely held together by tape is a big turn-off, and I couldn’t just drive around with that huge dent so I am looking at some extensive body repair bills. Also – that price! Jeebus! I’ll roll the dice on the Fiero, going in understanding that I will likely need to spend some time/money on the interior as I am sure some old brittle plastic parts didn’t survive the carnage. Some tranny work will be in order as well, but at the end of the day, I will have a late year Fiero in the right spec that shines up pretty well.

IRegertNothing, Esq.
IRegertNothing, Esq.
2 years ago

$2,000 for a convertible that has no rear window and doesn’t run is a joke. The Fiero wins this by default, though I do think it has great potential as a project.

Saddle Tramp
Saddle Tramp
2 years ago

I had to vote for the Fiero. It was in an abusive relationship and needs to see what a good relationship is.

ivan256
ivan256
2 years ago

While cheaper, the Fiero is the one that is more likely to ruin you financially.

Lokki
Lokki
2 years ago
Reply to  ivan256

While cheaper, the Fiero is the one that is more likely to ruin you financially.

Surely you jest.

Dave Horchak
Dave Horchak
2 years ago
Reply to  Lokki

Russian troll he is.

ToyotaTaxPayer
ToyotaTaxPayer
2 years ago

The fiero seems to have a better chance of becoming a functional car. Still think both should be 500$ or less. Almost if you remove it from my driveway, it’s yours price cars.

AngryBob_VA
AngryBob_VA
2 years ago

That’s not just any Fiero. It’s the Holy Grail Fiero.

Being an ’88 V6 5-speed, it has the redesigned suspension AND the Getrag 5-speed transaxle. It only came in this model, and it will take V8 power. LS swap all the things!!

NP. I want it!!

wotsac
wotsac
2 years ago

Not saying how I voted but… uh… anyone know how well that Fierro would accommodate a 6’6″ driver?

Shop-Teacher
Shop-Teacher
2 years ago

The Fiero! It’s the one where they sorted the suspension, and it has a manual. This will make an excellent rallycross beater.

I’m afraid that convertible is a parts car at this point.

Man With A Reliable Jeep
Man With A Reliable Jeep
2 years ago

I wanted to get the BavarianMoneyWaster but had to go Fiero. It’s a lot cheaper and it could be driveabile. I have no witty or insightful statements to make. These two are just sad, really.

“For only $20 a month, and a large tab at your local O’Reilly’s, you can help save this car and give it a better life.”

Dave Horchak
Dave Horchak
2 years ago

I actually saw a website the other day that does this. They find heaps and/or projects, buy and resell at a profit using that save this rare odd car harp strung.

For those who have a heart but don’t do the research. Donate to your local animal shelter. The Sara McLoughlin organization is a fund raising animal killing organization. Very little goes to saving animals.

10001010
10001010
2 years ago

There should be a craigslist just for potential Lemons race cars. These 2 could start it.

Jack Trade
Jack Trade
2 years ago

Tough call, but Fiero. It actually runs, if badly. Screw the A/C install at this point, just get her back in one piece.

And there’s just the siren song of bringing an oddball cool car back to life. Fixing up a BMW is like fixing up an old Porsche – cool, but expected and there are tons running around. But an infamous ’80s totally out-of-character GM product? The right kind of people will like you.

Boxing Pistons
Boxing Pistons
2 years ago
Reply to  Jack Trade

“The right kind of people will like you”? You mean us?

Jack Trade
Jack Trade
2 years ago
Reply to  Boxing Pistons

Or put another way, fan boy website denizens of the “I know a shop that can restore this for me, it will fit nicely in my collection” variety vs. “What’s the problem? I’ll just manually raise and lower that passenger headlight damnit!”

Boxing Pistons
Boxing Pistons
2 years ago
Reply to  Jack Trade

Or “f* it. Winking cars have character.” Haha.

parsko
parsko
2 years ago
Reply to  Jack Trade

No tough call at all!

Bomber
Bomber
2 years ago

I hate that I voted Fiero over BMW, but I voted with my teenage self who always wanted one. Sure it needs more work, but then I’d have a Fiero.

JDE
JDE
2 years ago
Reply to  Bomber

I am with you. I imagine if rebuilt and made into a decent thing the Beemer is worth more in the end, but man it needs a tone of work. The Fiero is also not a simple fix, but with the front drive LS v8 GM cars now hitting junkyards in quantity and that LS being nearly worthless, I would definitely consider swapping the V8 for a Imp SS front engine and trans out back and then really just drive it a bit ratty. Definitely would be more rat rod than the purposely patina’d slow rust rods I seem to see being called Rat Rods these days.

Bomber
Bomber
2 years ago
Reply to  JDE

Pretty much the same idea in longer term for sure.

50
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x