Discussion
Right, looking at getting one of these in the not so distant future, got a few questions
How reliable are they? ive been looking at ones with about 60k upwards, more likely around the 80k mark, does this mean it would be likely to blow up? or are they bulletproof with FSH?
Also does anybody insure one on a classic policy? just a thought, it may be cheaper than my current standard one with direct line
I want a car thats fun through the twistys, fairly quick in a straight line, but can cover long distances ok, am I on the right track?
Cheers boys
How reliable are they? ive been looking at ones with about 60k upwards, more likely around the 80k mark, does this mean it would be likely to blow up? or are they bulletproof with FSH?
Also does anybody insure one on a classic policy? just a thought, it may be cheaper than my current standard one with direct line
I want a car thats fun through the twistys, fairly quick in a straight line, but can cover long distances ok, am I on the right track?
Cheers boys
Pretty reliable, but bear in mind that any car of that age (and you'll be talk around 20 years old, give or take) will have issues. Check for suspension components having been replaced - shocks/dampers/bushes etc recently.
No reason to think it'll blow up, as long as it has been well cared for. Condition and history will play a bigger part over mileage in your search.
Also check extensively for rust.
In terms of insuring it as a classic, it depends on a few things like how old you are, where you'll keep it, if it is your only car, and how many miles you'll do per year. But it is possible to put one on a classic policy.
If the suspension is tired then it'll be a handful on the twisty stuff, so it's worth checking or refreshing as necessary, but yes, it'll be a good blend of comfort and performance. And RWD fun!
No reason to think it'll blow up, as long as it has been well cared for. Condition and history will play a bigger part over mileage in your search.
Also check extensively for rust.
In terms of insuring it as a classic, it depends on a few things like how old you are, where you'll keep it, if it is your only car, and how many miles you'll do per year. But it is possible to put one on a classic policy.
If the suspension is tired then it'll be a handful on the twisty stuff, so it's worth checking or refreshing as necessary, but yes, it'll be a good blend of comfort and performance. And RWD fun!
Mate had an E plate E30 325i years back, beautifully smooth engine, reasonable ride, felt like it was milled from a chunk of solid metal.
He did have a problem with the oil feeds to the top of the engine that blew it, but apart from that (showstopper!) it was bulletproof.
And at one point he put a copy of an M-Tec chip in there, said it gave it a LOT more go, but he didn't like the way the fuel gauge got buried in single figures all the time ....
He did have a problem with the oil feeds to the top of the engine that blew it, but apart from that (showstopper!) it was bulletproof.
And at one point he put a copy of an M-Tec chip in there, said it gave it a LOT more go, but he didn't like the way the fuel gauge got buried in single figures all the time ....
Like to overheat if cooling system is not in good nick, if it does/or has overheat minimum is head gasket, worse case is a cracked head.
EDIT:
A friend of mine has a Motorsport Converible 325i on a classic car policy with Classicline Insurance.
EDIT:
A friend of mine has a Motorsport Converible 325i on a classic car policy with Classicline Insurance.
Edited by E30M3SE on Thursday 1st May 11:54
great cars, I have had a few. General rule of thumb is as well as they are well looked after they a pretty bulletproof..of course things go wrong as with all old cars but i think they are pretty damn good. I won't start writing a novel, feel free to give me msg/email if you would like to chat about them. andy everetts guide to e30 restoration is decent book...from amazon its easy to get.
bit of background, I have had 4 black ones in a row..the last one i rebuilt most things on there, excepting the botttom end of the m20. good luck!
bit of background, I have had 4 black ones in a row..the last one i rebuilt most things on there, excepting the botttom end of the m20. good luck!
agent006 said:
sniff petrol said:
Could you fit the later 193bhp engine M50? if the original 170bhp M20? went wrong?
Pretty much any BMW engine will fit in pretty much any BMW. M50 is a popular swap.How does the real world performance compare between the M20 and M50? I know what the specs say; curious what it's like on the road. Potential application is a Z1. Have also thought about a 3.0 or 3.2 M3 engine. Not looking to make a dragster out of it; I just like torque! 
And I figure the marginal cost/complexity of the M3 engine vs the M50/M52 isn't that great? Sort of like "go big or go home"?
And I figure the marginal cost/complexity of the M3 engine vs the M50/M52 isn't that great? Sort of like "go big or go home"?I don't know whether I have 170 or 193 bhp, (mine is 1990?), but I do know it goes pretty well for a car of that era.
More of a cruiser than a performance car though - drove it today for the first time after three weeks in 123d and it felt SO smooth and comfy by comparison!
Go ahead and buy one, you won't be unhappy!
More of a cruiser than a performance car though - drove it today for the first time after three weeks in 123d and it felt SO smooth and comfy by comparison!
Go ahead and buy one, you won't be unhappy!
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