BMW E30 - Which model and what to look out for?

[ManiacGT]

I'm considering a switch from new car ownership into what I consider an older/classic, the E30. Convertible preferably. Would you consider the e30 a suitable DD, which engine is the best mix of power/reliability/mpg (I quite like the look of the 325i) and is there anything to look out for on this model both in terms of features and faults? Cheers.

[Leins]

Rust for a starter!

I tried to use a 1990 318iS as a DD last year, but it didn't really suit me. Great for sunny mornings, not so great when the winter started coming in or when it was sitting in traffic, although that's probably just me being a bit of a wuss! They really need to be garaged at this stage though IMO, and preventative maintenance is the key for keeping all these going

What you save in depreciation on a regular Econobox you'll probably spend on maintenance - I've spent over €10k on my Alpina C2 (based on a 325i) since I bought it in early 2012. I'd have classed it as a decent car when I bought it, and it's not for daily driving purposes, but it still needed a full suspension refresh, new headlights, clutch, exhaust, cam-belt service, etc, etc. to bring it up to scratch, and I've still got more things I'd like to do. If you can find one that's had all that done to it recently then great, but I suspect you'll be lucky, as many people are still trying to get away with running these on the cheap I feel, then flog them when they get worried

A 318iS is a good compromise when looking at E30s - doesn't use as much fuel as the M20-engined 6-cyls (still uses a lot compared to modern cars though), nearly as quick as a 325i, handles extremely well - but the engine sounds very harsh in comparison. Depends where that factors into the equation, plus you can't get a convertible iS

In saying all that, get a good one, look after it and I suspect you'll love the car. Huge amount of character in these, and great fun to drive!

Edited by Leins on Wednesday 3rd September 11:06

[bigdom]

ManiacGT said:

which engine is the best mix of power/reliability/mpg

Any of the 6 cyl engines, are pretty much bullet proof, the cars are lighter so performance is reasonable (if they're not shagged), mpg....depends on what your aiming or expecting to achieve?

[Gruber]

Definitely the 325 engine in the drop-tops. It's not materially thirstier than the 320, but usefully quicker.

Reliability is fine provided (a) it has been well looked after and (b) you accept that an old car is always going to need a little more looking after than a new one.

Parts availability is excellent - whether direct from BMW or from ECP, breakers and specialists.

As has already been said, rust is the killer.

And beware of the tail-happy e30 tendencies.

[ManiacGT]

Thanks for the replies so far. Its simply a car I've often thought I could keep for a very long time, cherish and enjoy, as I'm an avid car enthusiast and pretty good DIY'r having built many of my own cars (kit cars) over the years. Keeping on top of it doesn't worry me, provided I know what I'm to expect/look for. I'm constantly tempted by the new car route (6 series cabs etc) but after being burned by depreciation on my current car, I'm looking back in time to something a bit easier on that front, that I can still invest in both financially and fun wise. I do less than 6K miles a year and I'm not sure if this would be suitable as a DD or Weekend car but I've always struggled with the sense of owning more than one car and the costs of it just sitting there unused etc. They seem fairly thin on the ground as a model, especially convertible, that's relatively unmolested, so I'll keep on looking until I see something just right. Any tips on where to look other than auto trader, ebay and carsandclassic would be appreciated too.

[Maracus]

My 1989 325i Touring had a rusty petrol filler neck. Only obvious once the tank was full of petrol!

[buggalugs]

I daily drove my old 320i - only let me down once when the fuel pump packed up. I would only entertain it if you're a DIY'er though, if you're the kind of person who just goes to garages does whatever they say it will get expensive fast.

[mark.c]

Any good E30 can handle the daily grind, the only issues I've had with doing exactly that is that I didn't really like doing it to the car....now that may sound a bit namby pamby and to a point It is but let me explain. These cars can rot for fun and after all the effort you put into finding a nice one plus all the subsequent work and expense of getting it right, the daily use idea becomes less attractive....a few years ago when you could buy a solid 325i for a couple of grand then I wouldn't (and didn't) think twice about using it for all things and had a great time doing so...nowadays that sort of car is difficult if not impossible to buy ( 2k will likely buy a snotter unless you're very lucky) . So very quickly having a good car can actually cost a huge chunk of money...which you will want to preserve, for this very reason I retired my M3 from daily duties and more recently my 320is.
I appreciate these are at the more expensive end of the E30 range but good 325i sports command strong money too, as do any good original cars.

If I could have found that solid 325i for a couple of grand I would be using one now, but I couldn't so bought a 325ti instead for daily thrashing ( a great car by the way ) a car that I don't worry about, gives decnt mpg, modern enough to not worry about every downpour that will leave a coveted E30 looking like a pile of autumn leaves.

Perhaps not the answer you wanted but just my experience in trying to do exactly what you want to.

[ManiacGT]

Its something like this then? Work already done, just a few bits to tidy up and keep on top of etc? I'd rather have the fabric interior over the leather too.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Bmw-325i-convertible-e30...

[Gruber]

ManiacGT said:

Its something like this then? Work already done, just a few bits to tidy up and keep on top of etc? I'd rather have the fabric interior over the leather too.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Bmw-325i-convertible-e30...

Crap photos, so hard to tell, but it looks nice. I really like it. Good colour.

The missing wheel centre(s?) can be bought new from BMW.

Personally I'd choose an early chrome bumper car, with leather and an autobox - but those are all just personal preferences.

It's perhaps a tad leggy. If you were after one that would stand a good chance of appreciating, I'd look for a lower mileage example. But if you're buying it to use daily, that's much less of a concern.

Good to see the electric roof has had work - it's a bit of a troublesome system, especially at this age. It would also be good to check that the roof and rubber seals are still watertight to avoid leaks.

From a running costs perespective, bear in mind that you could probably insure one of these for less than £200 p.a. on a classic policy.

Gotta be worth a look!

[Leins]

mark.c said:

Any good E30 can handle the daily grind, the only issues I've had with doing exactly that is that I didn't really like doing it to the car

Exactly how I felt. And TBH even if it was a 4-door 316 I'd be the same

ManiacGT said:

Its something like this then? Work already done, just a few bits to tidy up and keep on top of etc? I'd rather have the fabric interior over the leather too.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Bmw-325i-convertible-e30...

That actually looks quite nice, great colour combo IMO too

Edited by Leins on Wednesday 3rd September 18:46

[farbbm]

As said before rust is the major issue, I spend half my time chasing it around my 325 Sport. Mechanicals can be sorted easy enough and their good for big milee, mine's currently got 193K on the clock. The E30Zone is a good source of infomation and does have cars for sale on it.

I'd post a picture but the upload function doesn't seem to be working.

[billywhizzzzzz]

I Love e30s and have had them for 20 years but there's no way I'd use mine as a daily driver - they're far too r=fragile now for our climate - the wet, cold and mud. Most are rusty now, even the good ones - and if you get a good one, or make a good one, you'll want to keep it that way and using every day will trash it. I've done a few hundred miles in mine this year, and spent about £15k over 10 years maintaining it and getting it to how I want it, and it's no way perfect.

Definitely go for a 325 - don't even consider the others. You may be lucky and get a good one but spare the poor thing the winter hardship and get an e46 or something for daily duties!

I have a z4 3.0 as a daily snotter and a defender, so my e30 only comes out on special occasions...

[E30M3SE]

Regularly see a 'more door' 323i in the mornings on my commute.

Do it, you'll be fine, get some winter tyres and a hard top for the winter months.

[tomic]

If you're going to use one as a daily driver, it'll need to be in this sort of condition

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/171442105342?ssPageName=...

But then it would be a shame to spoil it

[SteveCal]

As already suggested, take a look at e30zone.net where you'll find lots of info on what to look for (rust mainly) and a (subjective) view of the relative value of each model. What you will always seem to find is that there's no love for the 318i, especially automatics! Personally I think the M40 engine with a manual box suits the convertible well and is a sweet engine if you find a good one. They handle nicely as the engine weighs less. Being unpopular they are generally worth less, unless they are in good original condition (because by and large 318i models get bought cheap and get converted into 325i models!).

I would not use mine as a daily driver, but it's not a crazy idea if you are prepared for the effort needed to keep a 23+ year old car in working order.

Beware non-convertible models with sunroofs; be very sure that the roof is not rusting away from the inside as a cheap car will become scrap at that point. Again, this is all covered at length on e30zone.

Define plusses of ownership are the enthusiastic community of people out there who love E30s and ready supply of new and second hand parts and advice on how to fit them.

[ManiacGT]

Went to see this today, mechanically and body seems ok but leather interior needs work;

http://www.vip-carsales.co.uk/mobile/index.php?pag...

What's this about 1 of 25 tho?

[E30M3SE]

It's 1 of 25 Motorsport convertible in that , Calypso red, colour produced in 1991.

The production numbers break down thus,

40 in 1988 (Chrome)- Macau Blue

250 in 1989 Nogaro Silver & Macau Blue

250 in 1990 Sebring Grey & Macau Blue

50 in 1991 Calypso Red & Maruritus Blue

The Motorsport convertibles were standard 325i's with the addition of M tech suspension and optional LSD's, unique colour schemes and extended leather interiors, 'bubble' leather was fitted to 1990 Sebring and Macau coloured cars.


How much are they asking for that car, £15K?

Edited by E30M3SE on Sunday 7th September 17:24

[ManiacGT]

I really like it but it's way outside what I want to pay. I have another lead though, silver with blue roof/leather.. Way less money and a good tinkerer...

[Gruber]

E30M3SE said:

It's 1 of 25 Motorsport convertible in that , Calypso red, colour produced in 1991.

The production numbers break down thus,

40 in 1988 (Chrome)- Macau Blue

250 in 1989 Nogaro Silver & Macau Blue

250 in 1990 Sebring Grey & Macau Blue

50 in 1991 Calypso Red & Maruritus Blue

The Motorsport convertibles were standard 325i's with the addition of M tech suspension and optional LSD's, unique colour schemes and extended leather interiors, 'bubble' leather was fitted to 1990 Sebring and Macau coloured cars.


How much are they asking for that car, £15K?

Edited by E30M3SE on Sunday 7th September 17:24

IMHO, even with the relatively limited numbers and special edition spec, that example is not worth £17k.

At £10k less, I'd be looking at this tidy example at 4star. http://www.4startrade.com/BMW-325i-Convertible-For...

It looks really tidy, although I haven't seen it in the flesh. Give them a call and they'll give you a run down on it.