E30 325i convertible
Discussion
So I've owned this for seventeen years. It's a very well made thing. 1989 90k miles - manual of course.
I think it's a very good colour combo - all original paint, CirrusBlau Metallic, which looks silver-blue in the sun and silver-grey in the gloom, and indigo cloth interior, what some people call Uberkaro check. Blue interior apart from that, and a new quality dark-blue hood in 2012.
I'll get to the point eventually.
But time takes it's toll on us all, and because the top has been down, the OE cloth seats have all faded, the cloth is looking thin in a few places, and the driver's RHS bolsters have worn through. It is the Recaro sport interior, the front seats being probably the most comfortable seat ever, with the adjustable under-thigh thingy.
I'm almost certainly going to put it up for sale next spring.
1) would you replace the interior, bearing in mind that the OE cloth is NLA?
or would you sell it as-is, and then the next owner can retrim it exactly how they wish?
2) a more difficult question - what difference does a worn interior make to the value?
Replacing it, not with OE cloth, bothers me - I don't want to trash the originality, because it is totally original. Apart from the springs. And I have the originals in a box.
This thread is useless without photos. Thanks all you lovely people.
I think it's a very good colour combo - all original paint, CirrusBlau Metallic, which looks silver-blue in the sun and silver-grey in the gloom, and indigo cloth interior, what some people call Uberkaro check. Blue interior apart from that, and a new quality dark-blue hood in 2012.
I'll get to the point eventually.
But time takes it's toll on us all, and because the top has been down, the OE cloth seats have all faded, the cloth is looking thin in a few places, and the driver's RHS bolsters have worn through. It is the Recaro sport interior, the front seats being probably the most comfortable seat ever, with the adjustable under-thigh thingy.
I'm almost certainly going to put it up for sale next spring.
1) would you replace the interior, bearing in mind that the OE cloth is NLA?
or would you sell it as-is, and then the next owner can retrim it exactly how they wish?
2) a more difficult question - what difference does a worn interior make to the value?
Replacing it, not with OE cloth, bothers me - I don't want to trash the originality, because it is totally original. Apart from the springs. And I have the originals in a box.
This thread is useless without photos. Thanks all you lovely people.
That is a lovely thing. First of all, I wouldn’t sell it - but you don’t want to hear that. So, if needs must, I’d sell as is unless you can get a mint (or very good) original interior but then you’d need to weigh up the cost/time v return ratio. I think if the rest of the car is as it should be then it’s not worth the hassle and sell it as it is today.
Value one way or the other, I really can’t help I’m afraid.
Once again, a lovely car.
Value one way or the other, I really can’t help I’m afraid.
Once again, a lovely car.
MarkJS said:
That is a lovely thing. First of all, I wouldn’t sell it - but you don’t want to hear that.
I don't need to sell it, But we don't need four seats anymore, and a cavernous boot, and the hood being manual isn't easy for MrsOC to put down/up, so she doesn't as much as she could.It's all small beans, but she would probably use (something like) a MK1 Audi TT Roadster more often.
I've been lucky to have looked after the E30 for a while - it's time for someone else to enjoy it as much as we have.
Absolutely gorgeous car. After learning to drive in a W123 Mercedes 230E, we replaced it with an E30 318i I thoroughly loved driving for years until it unfortunately put a conrod through the crankcase at 120k miles. I eventually got an E36 320i of my own and then replaced that with E46 328Ci and finally a new 330Ci in 2001 which I still own. But none of them have a place in my heart quite like that E30. I'd love to own another to keep forever.
Yep, lovely car there OP.
These were a classy vehicle when new, especially in such a colour combo.
Having seen some results of inerior/seat repairs I would be cautious about a retrim. There are some first class trimmers out there of course (Southbound? used get amazing results for Porches).
When buying a car I think it is always better to see an honest example showing its millage and wearing it well.
You also have to remember that "patina" is very fashionable - it can only be original once
Anyway, enjoy the old school beemer while you still have it. You will definately miss it.....
These were a classy vehicle when new, especially in such a colour combo.
Having seen some results of inerior/seat repairs I would be cautious about a retrim. There are some first class trimmers out there of course (Southbound? used get amazing results for Porches).
When buying a car I think it is always better to see an honest example showing its millage and wearing it well.
You also have to remember that "patina" is very fashionable - it can only be original once
Anyway, enjoy the old school beemer while you still have it. You will definately miss it.....
Orangecurry said:
MarkJS said:
That is a lovely thing. First of all, I wouldn’t sell it - but you don’t want to hear that.
I don't need to sell it, But we don't need four seats anymore, and a cavernous boot, and the hood being manual isn't easy for MrsOC to put down/up, so she doesn't as much as she could.It's all small beans, but she would probably use (something like) a MK1 Audi TT Roadster more often.
I've been lucky to have looked after the E30 for a while - it's time for someone else to enjoy it as much as we have.
I know if I was them I'd be on here in 10 years saying something like "my dad had an E30, it was lovely, thought he would keep it and give it to me, but he sold it the a
hole" 
It's low enough for the front tyre to catch the arch and pull it out. Any kind of lowering/modz is the kiss of death for values. I'd get the original springs back in, do any paintwork needed, get the worn (but not faded) trim bits replaced and then sell it.
£8000-9000 is about right as a selling value once it's done but you can't really value a 31 year old BMW without seeing it. Cirrus blue has never been a sought after colour - it always devalued other BMW's such as the E34 etc back in the day. The later Glacier blue from 1990 was much brighter and the darker metallic blues such as Royal blue are very sought after. Leather trim is a value enhancer, a power hood is not as they're unreliable. Things like the original dealer fit radio (Blaupunkt normally) is good news.
£8000-9000 is about right as a selling value once it's done but you can't really value a 31 year old BMW without seeing it. Cirrus blue has never been a sought after colour - it always devalued other BMW's such as the E34 etc back in the day. The later Glacier blue from 1990 was much brighter and the darker metallic blues such as Royal blue are very sought after. Leather trim is a value enhancer, a power hood is not as they're unreliable. Things like the original dealer fit radio (Blaupunkt normally) is good news.
Touring442 said:
The Cambridge was the cheapest radio cassette but still a nice thing.
Yes. Anything more modern looked out of place imo though iirc there was a contemporary Becker that looked pretty good.Really enjoyed owing my Cabrio. Used as a daily in all weathers. Plenty of journeys up to Scotland (wife is Scottish) and a big road trip around Europe (write up here).
Touring442 said:
It's low enough for the front tyre to catch the arch and pull it out. Any kind of lowering/modz is the kiss of death for values. I'd get the original springs back in, do any paintwork needed, get the worn (but not faded) trim bits replaced and then sell it.
It has never caught the arches, and I have the original springs. But I agree with your sentiment.
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