E30 325i

[tollytuff]

thats a bummer about the auto gearbox, my current BMW is an auto and its very quick off the line, made at the same time as the E30s too.

i think the reason i was going to plumb for another BMw is because my 535 has been so damned reliable over the 5 years of ownership.. i guess the proof is in the pudding, so i'll have to test a few...

very much appreciate the advice given here though!

[cotty]

tollytuff said:

thats a bummer about the auto gearbox, my current BMW is an auto and its very quick off the line, made at the same time as the E30s too.

I am just about to fit a chip that will provide some much needed torque that should help. Not bad for £55

[tollytuff]

this is what i would like. without the scary intergalactic mileage...

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/bmw-325i-sport_

[cotty]

As long as its sound I wouldnt worry about the milage to much, I know E30's knocking up over 200,000 miles.

If you want a chance to look at a few E30's in one place (about 20) there is an E30 meet soon at Lakeside. I can give you delails if your interested

[tollytuff]

yeh, that would be cool. let me know when, and i'll try and get down there..... its only just across the river from me

cheers

[M3 Mitch]

Sorry to be slow getting back - I have never owned an autobox equipped BMW. However in the BMWCCA magazine "Roundel" I read in the tech tips column that generally they pack up at 80 to 120K miles. The issue is the longevity of the transmission, or the lack of it, and the cost of replacement, rather than performance. Although the autobox car is heavier, by a bit, slower, by a bit, and burns more fuel, by a bit. While the 5-speed is pretty much bulletproof, and to me more fun!

This seems to be the general opinion on "BIMMERFORUMS" as well.

To me the autobox largely kills the charachter of the car. If I wanted an auto for whatever reason I wouldn't get a BMW. Not sure what I would get, probably something Japanese. Or maybe a Merc.

Some people have had good luck with the BMW autoboxes, and generally they spend their time driving while those with trouble spend time posting about the problem...so it's not that scientific.

[cotty]

M3 Mitch said:

Sorry to be slow getting back - I have never owned an autobox equipped BMW. However in the BMWCCA magazine "Roundel" I read in the tech tips column that generally they pack up at 80 to 120K miles. The issue is the longevity of the transmission, or the lack of it, and the cost of replacement, rather than performance. Although the autobox car is heavier, by a bit, slower, by a bit, and burns more fuel, by a bit. While the 5-speed is pretty much bulletproof, and to me more fun! This seems to be the general opinion on "BIMMERFORUMS" as well. To me the autobox largely kills the charachter of the car. If I wanted an auto for whatever reason I wouldn't get a BMW. Not sure what I would get, probably something Japanese. Or maybe a Merc. Some people have had good luck with the BMW autoboxes, and generally they spend their time driving while those with trouble spend time posting about the problem...so it's not that scientific.

Perhaps im one of those people who have had good luck with an auto box. Its only got 66k on the clock so a while till it goes bang should it do so. Works for me just had it rolling roaded and it puting out 165hp so im happy.

Cost of replacing is all down to labour as there are so many being broken the parts are dirt cheap

[cotty]

tollytuff said:

yeh, that would be cool. let me know when, and i'll try and get down there..... its only just across the river from me cheers

Just across the river? where abouts, im Orpington just off J4 off the M25

The meet is at the drive through McDonalds at Lakeside 26th November there are 19 cars down to go as of today so should be a good turn out

[cotty]

Just re-reading this thread and spotted this

M3 Mitch said:

I have never owned an autobox equipped BMW.

Well once you do we would welcome your opinion.

Its like people who slag off TVR's saying they are unreliable and break down all the time. I ran my TVR as my only car for 3 years as did the doctor who owned it before me. The two problems I had in all that time were related to the engine which was a ford unit

[GTS Turbo]

cotty said:

As long as its sound I wouldnt worry about the milage to much, I know E30's knocking up over 200,000 miles. If you want a chance to look at a few E30's in one place (about 20) there is an E30 meet soon at Lakeside. I can give you delails if your interested

is it a reg meet and E30's only?

[cotty]

Its not regular as in once a month but there are a few a year.
Yep all E30's from saloons, tourings, M3's, convertables

The meets are arranged through this site www.e30zone.co.uk/ under the Events/Meets section

Someone just suggests a date and other people say whether they want to come. Bit like the way it works here

[tollytuff]

i might try and pop down for this ( in a 5 series!) im in chislehurst so were almost neighbours! what time do you all show up?

[cotty]

tollytuff said:

i might try and pop down for this ( in a 5 series!) im in chislehurst so were almost neighbours! what time do you all show up?

Usually about 6pm

Im Orpington

[cotty]

tollytuff said:

E30 325i. are they quick?

Just had mine on the rollers and was producing 121 at the wheels so that about 165hp, just off factory spec of 170hp but it probably loses a bit through the auto.

They are relativly light cars so very nippy, mine pulls 120mph easily with more to come (top should be 130mph)

The e30zone do their own chips for £55 which I have yet to fit. The guy that does them will be at Lakeside in his turbo'd 325i

[volvos70t5]

gmarks1 said:

Some of the 325iSE have most of the options mentioned - this is my car below: They are fun to drive, and relatively quick, although certainly not as refined as a modern car. I typically get around 25mpg. Generally very reliable and easy to maintain - parts are readily available, and there are lots of specialists around. I would agree with prices quoted - and would recommend the 325iSE - not as sought after, so better value than the 2 door sport, which are becming very sought after, and hence command a premium.

[Baron Bomburst of Vulgaria]
I vont it! I vont it! I vont it! I vont it!
[/Baron Bomburst of Vulgaria]

[Cotty]

Bumpedy bump bump

Any other E30 owners fancy coming along?

[borris-bear]

Used to have one. Loved thecar still miss it today had to sell it for moving out reasons!

Good fun carquite quick, very easy to get sideways and a well built car.

[Cotty]

borris-bear that looks a really nice example

[Fer]

Following on from my habit of waking the dead threads, has anyone any recommendations on an E30 325i Convertible? I have just looked at a 87 model, low mileage, but the cam belt has not been changed since 99, but the garage are "well, it is not due for another 10k".

Also the manual roof needs a new back window, are these a tough task, or expensive specialist job?

[Mustard]

Fer said:

Following on from my habit of waking the dead threads, has anyone any recommendations on an E30 325i Convertible? I have just looked at a 87 model, low mileage, but the cam belt has not been changed since 99, but the garage are "well, it is not due for another 10k".

Also the manual roof needs a new back window, are these a tough task, or expensive specialist job?

Cam belt at 7 years get it changed! Think the recomended figure is 4yrs 40k miles

Back windows? My specialist subject!

I put a new one in ours myself cost about £60 ..... but hours of blood sweat and tears

Get a specialist to do it..... cost about £300 BUT if the roof is getting old (but in Okish condition) my advise is shell out the £400-£500 and have a new rear screen AND Hood

This place is worth checking out... supposed to do a brand new hood for £250 and had recommedations on e30zone

J R Smith
Interior car specialists
rear of 158 st helens ave
swansea
01792 461022


If I had my time over again thats what I'd have done as the roof on hours will probably be replaced the end of this year