Discussion
Just in case anyone is interested...here's a few pics of my BMW history after a boozy evening reflection and picture digging. Which does make me realise that it's partially sad I STILL like E30's. E30 M3 is on the menu, one day when I grow up. I'm from NZ, moved to the UK in around 07
1988 E30 325i Sedan (Diamondschwartz, Black leather, South Africa Model)
Check out the chrome wheels…hit a curb shortly after buying meaning a crash course in mechanicking was in order. Spent two weeks under the car learning a LOT. Managed to get her reasonably respectable by the time I sold her.
Oxblood 5 series - as a friend put it "hides the giving of birth"
Uni job was stripping cars - crashed 318iS (v rare in NZ, a real shame it was written off)
7 Series for Mum - ended up going on to 400,000km!
My mates first Henna 320i that helped get us both into E30's - nearly drowning in a flood!
The same friends '84 Henna 323i - First night he got it, I drove and it dropped a valve...leading to a long and extensive race car build (I'll find some pics but he runs a 3.0 M20 in the NZ BMW Race Series now, seriously quick car).
1987 E30 M325i (PreFacelift MTech1)
The NZ Sport – loved this baby. The nicest condition one I could find at the time – written off on 5/5/5 by a lady going through a stop sign. Very upsetting.
First engine swap - a younger Gus in his natural habitat
1988 E30 325i 4 Door (Diamondschwartz MTech2)
Decided to learn more. Bought the Tech1 wreck and transferred all the bits over to a 4 door mtech 2 shell that started out as an auto. Had a lot of fun on the track and driving this one – not super tidy as you can see. Then changed my mind and wanted 2 doors again, so took all the bits back out and replaced with the standard ones.
Useful on a track day with friends...and yes, I still love charcoal wheels...
Engaging in a little redneckery
1988 E30 M325i (Facelift MTech2)
Bought by my girlfriend at the time over auction while I was in an exam – rebuilt pretty much everything except the bottom end. Had planned to hold on to this for a while before I moved to the UK. LOVED this car – had a lumpy cam which made the idle sound bad-ass. Really wish I still had her!
Home made fibreglass bonnet - note giant skull and crossbones. We all have our moments...
AWESOME driving day on 90 mile beach - trying to get the video. A load of fun.
Bet not many E30's end up here:
Gus moves to the UK - keeping the Sport. After storage issues, a swap comes up - hence the reason I came into ownership of a 300hp 318iS turbo. Long story short, kept for a year, drove it in NZ, wasn't a fan so sold on. But very, very quick car.
After getting the E30 itch, buys a £500 318i touring from Wales. Tourings being rare in NZ and having dreams of Euro travelling glory.
Loaded up...with?
M42 and bits - neighbours LOVED me leaving the M40 in their car park. Liked the car. Wanted 6 cylinder noises...so...
Bought a £650 325i. Nothing special. Couldn't get over the extra noise in the touring from squeaky interiors.
Sells car. Needs cash. Moonlights in Vegas:
Car itch hits again. Buys E36 M3 Evo. Drives to Scotland.
Sells car due to insane insurance in UK. GAH! All quiet on the BMW front. Until....E30 itch hits again.
Sport bought:
Mind changed due to lack of space to work on car - which leads us to the most current version!
Bunch of work undertaken with mechanic - while he's busy I am jumping over fire:
Which leads me to the present day. Thanks for reading!
Cheers,
Gus
1988 E30 325i Sedan (Diamondschwartz, Black leather, South Africa Model)
Check out the chrome wheels…hit a curb shortly after buying meaning a crash course in mechanicking was in order. Spent two weeks under the car learning a LOT. Managed to get her reasonably respectable by the time I sold her.
Oxblood 5 series - as a friend put it "hides the giving of birth"
Uni job was stripping cars - crashed 318iS (v rare in NZ, a real shame it was written off)
7 Series for Mum - ended up going on to 400,000km!
My mates first Henna 320i that helped get us both into E30's - nearly drowning in a flood!
The same friends '84 Henna 323i - First night he got it, I drove and it dropped a valve...leading to a long and extensive race car build (I'll find some pics but he runs a 3.0 M20 in the NZ BMW Race Series now, seriously quick car).
1987 E30 M325i (PreFacelift MTech1)
The NZ Sport – loved this baby. The nicest condition one I could find at the time – written off on 5/5/5 by a lady going through a stop sign. Very upsetting.
First engine swap - a younger Gus in his natural habitat
1988 E30 325i 4 Door (Diamondschwartz MTech2)
Decided to learn more. Bought the Tech1 wreck and transferred all the bits over to a 4 door mtech 2 shell that started out as an auto. Had a lot of fun on the track and driving this one – not super tidy as you can see. Then changed my mind and wanted 2 doors again, so took all the bits back out and replaced with the standard ones.
Useful on a track day with friends...and yes, I still love charcoal wheels...
Engaging in a little redneckery
1988 E30 M325i (Facelift MTech2)
Bought by my girlfriend at the time over auction while I was in an exam – rebuilt pretty much everything except the bottom end. Had planned to hold on to this for a while before I moved to the UK. LOVED this car – had a lumpy cam which made the idle sound bad-ass. Really wish I still had her!
Home made fibreglass bonnet - note giant skull and crossbones. We all have our moments...
AWESOME driving day on 90 mile beach - trying to get the video. A load of fun.
Bet not many E30's end up here:
Gus moves to the UK - keeping the Sport. After storage issues, a swap comes up - hence the reason I came into ownership of a 300hp 318iS turbo. Long story short, kept for a year, drove it in NZ, wasn't a fan so sold on. But very, very quick car.
After getting the E30 itch, buys a £500 318i touring from Wales. Tourings being rare in NZ and having dreams of Euro travelling glory.
Loaded up...with?
M42 and bits - neighbours LOVED me leaving the M40 in their car park. Liked the car. Wanted 6 cylinder noises...so...
Bought a £650 325i. Nothing special. Couldn't get over the extra noise in the touring from squeaky interiors.
Sells car. Needs cash. Moonlights in Vegas:
Car itch hits again. Buys E36 M3 Evo. Drives to Scotland.
Sells car due to insane insurance in UK. GAH! All quiet on the BMW front. Until....E30 itch hits again.
Sport bought:
Mind changed due to lack of space to work on car - which leads us to the most current version!
Bunch of work undertaken with mechanic - while he's busy I am jumping over fire:
Which leads me to the present day. Thanks for reading!
Cheers,
Gus
A happy history. When I worked at a main dealer some if my colleagues had great E30s. One had a 320i with an Alpina exhaust, slow but sounded lovely.
Another had a 320i which I helped him make into a 327 with a 525e crank. Happy days.
The fastest E30 I drove was the Alpina M3 with a tuned 535i engine.
Another had a 320i which I helped him make into a 327 with a 525e crank. Happy days.
The fastest E30 I drove was the Alpina M3 with a tuned 535i engine.
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