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wardpaa
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Thu Sep 16, 2010 10:26 pm

Hi, my 1st post on here and after advice about the 325 Motorsport models from you hardened E30 experts.
Noticed there are rather a lot for sale recently, yet supposed to be rare.
Obviously some could be fakes, so is there a list of VIN numbers available that lists the genuine ones ? Sounds a tall order but have known this on one of the Merc forums that helps identify model, colour, spec, options etc.
Does anyone know the quantity made for coupe, convertable, manual, auto and each colour ?
The ones I have seen seem to be around H and J reg, is this correct for a Motorsport ?
Lastly, sensible price for a genuine, standard example.
Lastly again, anyone know if there is an insurance premium over a standard 325i ?
spic
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Thu Sep 16, 2010 10:50 pm

[quote="wardpaa"]
Obviously some could be fakes, so is there a list of VIN numbers available that lists the genuine ones ?


Intresting ? If its a genuine sport it should say it on the log book .
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Thu Sep 16, 2010 10:56 pm

Motorsport special editions are all convertibles.

They come in three flavours really.

Early 88 models - 40 only - all in Macau Blue

'89 models - still pre facelift in Macau and Nogaro Silver. 250 each, I think.

These can all have the Tech one bodykit or they may not. They may have parts of it or just be bare. The bare ones are rare. They can also be shadowline or standard chrome. They have extended leather interiors and all the '88 ones I've seen have been basic spec whereas all the '89 ones are well specced with power roof, LSD, OBC, HWW etc. etc. Externally they are only easily distinguished by the Nogaro wheels on the '89 models.

Internally, the '88 ones have "M" pin badges on the seats, the '89s having leather flashes stitched into the seats. Also, interestingly - at least for a Saddo like me - the '88s don't have the Macau Paint Code - the paint code comes up as "Individual Paint" as opposed to Macau.

Then there are some later tacky, facelift ones with Tech two kits and bubble leather, and these are the ones mostly copied. Somebody who gives a monkeys about them will be along in a minute with some info.

The Motorsport is a dealer factory option , so the factory build sheet will show the correct option code for the appropriate Motorsport edition. I can't remember them off the top of my head.
Last edited by cecotto479 on Thu Sep 16, 2010 11:31 pm, edited 3 times in total.
1981 E23 735i
1989 E30 325i Motorsport Convertible
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cecotto479
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Thu Sep 16, 2010 11:00 pm

spic wrote:
wardpaa wrote: Obviously some could be fakes, so is there a list of VIN numbers available that lists the genuine ones ?


Intresting ? If its a genuine sport it should say it on the log book .
In my experience only fakes and Birmingham sports have the word "sport" or "Motorsport" in the log book.
1981 E23 735i
1989 E30 325i Motorsport Convertible
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shimsheemer
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Thu Sep 16, 2010 11:02 pm

Check the VIN number with BMW, logbook far from a guarantee...
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csl
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Thu Sep 16, 2010 11:04 pm

Hi, my 1st post on here and after advice about the 325 Motorsport models
325I Motorsports are cabriolets only.There were approx 590 made rangeing from F-J plates.
325I Sports are the 2 door tin tops.There were approx 4402 made rangeing from D-K plates.

I have the figures for manual and auto for the majority of them to,but im off to bed now! :D
Will dig them out if no-one else posts them up fella.
HTH.
bss325i
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Thu Sep 16, 2010 11:19 pm

cecotto479 wrote:Motorsport special editions are all convertibles.

They come in three flavours really.

Early 88 models - 40 only - all in Macau Blue

'89 models - still pre facelift in Macau and Nogaro Silver. 250 each, I think.

These can all have the Tech one bodykit or they may not. They may have parts of it or just be bare. The bare ones are rare. They can also be shadowline or standard chrome. They have extended leather interiors and all the '88 ones I've seen have been basic spec whereas all the '89 ones are well specced with power roof, LSD, OBC, HWW etc. etc. Externally they are only easily distinguished by the Nogaro wheels on the '89 models.

Internally, the '88 ones have "M" pin badges on the seats, the '89s having leather flashes stitched into the seats. Also, interestingly - at least for a Saddo like me - the '88s don't have the Macau Paint Code - the paint code comes up as "Individual Paint" as opposed to Macau.

Then there are some later facelift ones with Tech two kits and bubble leather, and these are the ones mostly copied. Somebody who gives a monkeys about them will be along in a minute with with some info.

The Motorsport is a dealer factory option , so the factory build sheet will show the correct option code for the appropriate Motorsport edition. I can't remember them off the top of my head.
You missed out the final batch of Maritious blue or calypso red with lotus white leather full facelift motorsport cabrios with the tech 2 kit.
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cecotto479
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Thu Sep 16, 2010 11:33 pm

cecotto479 wrote:
..............
Then there are some later tacky, facelift ones with Tech two kits and bubble leather, and these are the ones mostly copied. Somebody who gives a monkeys about them will be along in a minute with some info.
...........
1981 E23 735i
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bss325i
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Thu Sep 16, 2010 11:39 pm

cecotto479 wrote:
cecotto479 wrote:
..............
Then there are some later tacky, facelift ones with Tech two kits and bubble leather, and these are the ones mostly copied. Somebody who gives a monkeys about them will be along in a minute with some info.
...........
No bubble leather on the final batch.

The sebring and macau tech 2 kitted cars had black and grey bubble leather respectively and were pre facelift cabrios with a pre facelift front valance.

Thats two variants with tech 2 kits.

Both much more different than the first two variants that you came up with ie the metal bumper macau ones which are generally regarded as the same thing but with slight detail differances to trim and equipment.
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bss325i
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Thu Sep 16, 2010 11:42 pm

Oh and i dont give a monkies about them either, i just give a monkies about providing the correct info.
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bss325i
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Thu Sep 16, 2010 11:44 pm

http://www.bmrperformance.co.uk

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cecotto479
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Thu Sep 16, 2010 11:46 pm

Thanks I didn't appreciate that they were different series. In the same way as anything south of Birmingham is London, anything wearing a Tech 2 kit is facelift. It must be a facelift valance to fit the Tech 2 kit? What about the rear valance?
1981 E23 735i
1989 E30 325i Motorsport Convertible
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bss325i
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Thu Sep 16, 2010 11:51 pm

Yes the sebring and macau tech 2 kitted cars were pre facelift and had a facelift front valence to work with the tech 2 kit.

The rear valece remained prefacelift but used a pair of brackets to mount the tech 2 rear bumper.

Item number 20 in the link.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do ... g=51&fg=15
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cecotto479
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Thu Sep 16, 2010 11:59 pm

I get it now. It's just with you being so particular about providing correct info, you mentioned a pre-facelift valance and it confused me a bit.
1981 E23 735i
1989 E30 325i Motorsport Convertible
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wardpaa
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Fri Sep 17, 2010 3:31 pm

So lots of ads are stating '1 of 50' when there were many more made ? Or is it 50 made of that colour/ body style ?
Reason for looking at the Motorsports was that I was looking at a depreciation free option this time. Like the newer BM shapes but there are too many of them t stand a chance of retaining any value, except the E34/39 M5's and the old 6 series of course.
It seems that you need to do your home work before buying one to make sure its genuine, complete etc.
Thanks for the replies.
csl
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Fri Sep 17, 2010 3:39 pm

csl wrote:
Hi, my 1st post on here and after advice about the 325 Motorsport models
325I Motorsports are cabriolets only.There were approx 590 made rangeing from F-J plates.
325I Sports are the 2 door tin tops.There were approx 4402 made rangeing from D-K plates.

I have the figures for manual and auto for the majority of them to,but im off to bed now! :D
Will dig them out if no-one else posts them up fella.
HTH.
With regards auto/manual build numbers.....

I only have figures for the first batch of Motorsports(1988)...out of the 40 cars,15 were auto,the remaining 25 being manual.

As for the Sports...474 were auto.
HTH.
csl
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Fri Sep 17, 2010 3:53 pm

So lots of ads are stating '1 of 50'
That will be referring to the final (1991)batch,as there were 50 in either calypso red or mauritius blue.These cars had the distinctive "lotus white leather"interior.
Reason for looking at the Motorsports was that I was looking at a depreciation free option this time.
Although this could be regarded as true,these are 20 year old cars and require an amount of up-keep,which can mean expense! Im sure you will already have accounted for that though. 8)
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wardpaa
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Fri Sep 17, 2010 4:43 pm

understand the up keep etc and have lots of tools from past older cars which are redundant on modern cars. coupled with the fact I don't do many miles a year and want a car I can fix myself it sounds a good route to take. my misses has an 08 plate mini cooper D with stop/start etc. if it went wrong we would be screwed...
csl
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Fri Sep 17, 2010 5:39 pm

and want a car I can fix myself
If you have the time to do this,an e30 is an excellent choice btw.
What you waiting for?.....get one bought! :D
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wardpaa
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Fri Sep 17, 2010 9:44 pm

csl
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Fri Sep 17, 2010 10:50 pm

Andrew at WLN does tend to get some nice ones!
That silver one was local to me for a while.
B7
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Sat Sep 18, 2010 7:37 am

wardpaa wrote:understand the up keep etc and have lots of tools from past older cars which are redundant on modern cars. coupled with the fact I don't do many miles a year and want a car I can fix myself it sounds a good route to take. my misses has an 08 plate mini cooper D with stop/start etc. if it went wrong we would be screwed...
You sir, are in the exact position I was in in 2004. I was heavily into triumphs but was bored with how slow they were and the handling. Wanted a modern classic that drove like a car today and with good performance out of the box.

First off looked at the 6 series e24 and quickly realised that I'd probably be in for another "weldathon".

So started looking at 325i convertibles. Bought mine, got in with this lot of deviants :D and have not looked back since.

They are simple to work on. EVERY fault has been had, solved and is known about. Parts are plentful and if you are like me and are only interested in the OEM look, everything is still available at the dealers (at a cost mind). I've only been unable to get the part from them on 2 occasions and they were tiny, indescript parts that I've managed to secure off breakers.

You want a motorsport and good luck. I would too but I'm now buried in my 89 325i convertible so it will probably stay. All I'm trying to say is:

Mechanically there is NO difference between a non Motorsport and a motorsport. I have currently (breaking) a 1989 cirrus blue convertible that spec wise, beats every motorsport i've ever seen. AC, OBC, Tech Steering wheel, LSD, HLWW etc etc. Okay its not got the extended leather or the bespoke paint but essentially, it's the same car.

All I'm saying is, IF an immaculate totally original standard well specced 325i convertible rears it's head, don't dismiss it over a molested tatty motorsport. Things like LSD's are a mornings work to change and a damn sight easier than welding arches and floorpans. And the chances are you'll save 1000's buying it also.

Just my tuppance and hope it helps
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Sat Sep 18, 2010 8:26 am

Just don't buy the first one you see. have a look around. I waited 2 years before I bought my motorsport. They are such a great car and turns heads all the time. good luck looking... :D
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bss325i
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Sat Sep 18, 2010 9:47 pm

A friend of mine has a mint (and i dont use the term loosely either!) 325i auto convertible with a very good spec and only 62000 miles from new.

Pm me if your interested in a non motorsport cabrio.
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ben9040
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Sun Sep 19, 2010 9:42 am

Then there are some later tacky, facelift ones with Tech two kits and bubble leather, and these are the ones mostly copied. Somebody who gives a monkeys about them will be along in a minute with some info.
And these ones are the ones which command the highest prices, I suppose like the tech 2 sport coupe over a standard 325i coupe as imho they do look a bit tacky and over the top but thats what the late 80's were all about and thats what makes them special!
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wardpaa
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Sun Sep 19, 2010 10:30 pm

Thanks for the advice chaps.
B7, I have also started looking at tourings believe it or not, so a well spec'd E30 of any kind with low mileage is worth looking at.
I have yet to sell my current car and should get enough to buy a minter 325i touring or 2dr sport should plus leave me with some change, yet a motorsport would use it all up.
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Sun Sep 19, 2010 10:48 pm

As i said, a friend of mine has a mint 325i convertible for sale.

White with blue leather
65000 miles FSH
Factory spec of,
M technic suspension
LSD
M technic 1 bodykit
15" BBS
Cruise control
OBC

PM me if your interested.
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Sun Sep 19, 2010 10:51 pm

bss325i wrote:As i said, a friend of mine has a mint 325i convertible for sale.

White with blue leather
65000 miles FSH
Factory spec of,
M technic suspension
LSD
M technic 1 bodykit
15" BBS
Cruise control
OBC

PM me if your interested.
:eek: is that B7's ?
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