E30 Zone

Evening everyone,

I have been hunting for a 325i for two months now and it had me thinking, what is the ratio of e30s in regions..

Dont get me wrong, but we all know they are getting rarer. But it seems to me that their are more 316's, 318's and 320's for sale or around the north east of england than 325's, yet once you pass the midlands & down south their are hoards of 325's up for sale. Are their more of them than up here? Or is this a quiet time to sell..

Also i have noticed more 325 cabbys (which i cant get insured on) than hardtops, were there more shipped over here or produced?

My conclusion is the hunt goes on, and good things come to those who wait! But are my theorys correct?

Cheers, sven.

E30 was very expensive when new,so the hard nosed northeners may well have chosen the cheaper versions...southern softies had more cash to spend so bought the top of the range...

Cabbie's were VERY expensive,and mostly bought new as a toy by sugar daddies for elegant young ladies,so will have led a sheltered life,hence more have survived.

there are loads down saaF.

yep i got two still but they are getting well rare,, one 88 e30 325 & 86 325i with m30 3.5 which i have just got on the road today and loving it!!,,, makes me feel ill to think of the amount of e30's ive scrapped or raced over the years..

i've only seen a small few out and about.so that'll be 4 in a year scince back up here.
not counting Zoner cars.

e30's have classic status now apparently.

too true guys, bloody southerners (joking) my dad remembers in the TA in the late 80's early 90's a certain anti-tank missile which they related to being the same as firing an e30.. as these missiles were the same price each as a top range BMW

Despite mine having the 'chavved' up look i get many compliments and storys of old footballers owning them in their day.

My next e30 (325i) will be kept classic if not with the 'style'

Good e30s are thin on the ground. in my opinion too many people are breaking them and not enough saving them. when i look all you get is 4 pot or 320i more door scrap. Loads of autos too. Probably because these are popular with the coffin dodgers.

Agreed Alex, 316's seem to be the best for originality and low milage, whilst the 325's are often 'ragged' or used regulary (nothing bad there) and sometimes have lists of past repairs & replaced parts (and mileage) etc due to their popularity.

Without drifting from the topic is their a reason youre not after a 325i yet Alex? or are you keeping youre eye open for the right one or a concorse?

They're in the South West according to the guys in the know.

svenga wrote:Agreed Alex, 316's seem to be the best for originality and low milage, whilst the 325's are often 'ragged' or used regulary (nothing bad there) and sometimes have lists of past repairs & replaced parts (and mileage) etc due to their popularity.

Without drifting from the topic is their a reason youre not after a 325i yet Alex? or are you keeping youre eye open for the right one or a concorse?

ive got a 325i convertible Alpina c2 wanna be. See sig pic Unfortunatly its got a slush box. but i recon i might like it

Just won another alpina wheel for £27 on ebay. a bit dissapointed as it's nearly 3 times the amount i paid for the last one

Mines in Carlisle although I had to travel to get mine. If it sells, it could well be one less this way. I'd like to see it stay local so I can still see it driving about, I'd probably end up gazing lovingly at it rather than watching the road.
People appreciate it when they see it but they say they wouldn't own one for some reason. I find that a lot when I talk to people about them.

As for other e30 in this area, in Cumbria as a whole there really isn't that many. In Carlisle, theres another 325i se coupe, in light green, one little old lady owner since new. And an unbadged 2 door coupe in bronze. I used to see a tourer kicking about but I haven't seen it for a few months now, which I'm sure had 318 on the back. My previous e30 have all gone over the border.

Last time i seen one on the road was 3 weeks ago. it was driven by a man with a beard, it had too many doors, too much rust, the man was old, an m40 power plant and he was driving slow, so i overtook him

TopSod dont get me wrong if it was closer i would be making a visit, but my dad likes to get involved and hates rust, body repairs, and problems.. And 80% of the cars we have travelled for have been.. 2 hour drive.. five minute look.. 2 hour drive back.. moody for the rest of the month, the small body repair (unfinished?) made him 'hmmmm' dont hesitate to PM me however with more details on condition etc.. as minus the repair and no tech 2 kit the car is pretty much what i am looking for, and its the best colour!

Sorry Alex as you know im a bit rusty myself as i havent been here since the meet, im sure your cabby will turn out spot on and i look forward to seeing the final result (hopefully inmy new one)

p.s the red tech 1 at cleveland has sold good and bad.. lack of sunroof, coupe, and electric additions put me off.

Its because down south they knew that you needed 6 pots.

svenga wrote:TopSod dont get me wrong if it was closer i would be making a visit, but my dad likes to get involved and hates rust, body repairs, and problems.. And 80% of the cars we have travelled for have been.. 2 hour drive.. five minute look.. 2 hour drive back.. moddy for the rest of the month, the small body repair (unfinished?) made him 'hmmmm' dont hesitate to PM me however with more detailson condition etc.. as minus the repair and no tech 2 kit the car is pretty much what i am looking for, and its the best colour!

Sorry Alex as you know im a bit rusty myself as i havent been here since the meet, im sure your cabby will turn out spot on and i look forward to seeing the final result (hopefully inmy new one)

p.s the red tech 1 at cleveland has sold good and bad.. lack of sunroof, coupe, and electric additions put me off.

Non sunroof is very desirable if you didnt know. people cry out for them

no sunroof or roof rot to worry about. roof rot kills these unless you are determined and spend £500 or what ever for just a new roof skin

svenga wrote:too true guys, bloody southerners (joking) my dad remembers in the TA in the late 80's early 90's a certain anti-tank missile which they related to being the same as firing an e30.. as these missiles were the same price each as a top range BMW

Despite mine having the 'chavved' up look i get many compliments and storys of old footballers owning them in their day.

My next e30 (325i) will be kept classic if not with the 'style'

good to here your keeping the faith.
a good one will turn up.don't buy scrap on a whim.

Didnt realise this but it does make sense, the fact it did not sell the first time made me think but she was snapped up the day after being re-listed.. just as i was emailing to arrange veiwing

alex ditch the auto mate its the best thing you can do for it

svenga wrote:TopSod dont get me wrong if it was closer i would be making a visit

I'm not pushing to sell mine at the moment, if it goes it goes as its for sale in various locations. Have something going on in the family at the moment that needs much more attention, also meaning I'm 125 mile away from the car for the next 10 days or so.

paul1985 wrote:alex ditch the auto mate its the best thing you can do for it

i probably will to be honest Paul. once its on the road first though

bought a welder last week, i'am pretty pleased with my welds so far so i can get the shitter rust free

What make welder Alex? mig tig stick?

Welding is a fine art and everyone has a differant style & technique, will be nice to see your progress.. i have ND's in welding and im still only average when i can be bothered

As for autos, perfect for a cabby... armrest cruzing... lady pulling.. but i can imagine a lack of performance and appauling in bad weather even with a sportbox?

but i guess your cabby will only be out in good weather with you having the 1.8 as a day car?

svenga wrote:What make welder Alex? mig tig stick?

Welding is a fine art and everyone has a differant style & technique, will be nice to see your progress.. i have ND's in welding and im still only average when i can be bothered

As for autos, perfect for a cabby... armrest cruzing... lady pulling.. but i can imagine a lack of performance and appauling in bad weather even with a sportbox?

but i guess your cabby will only be out in good weather with you having the 1.8 as a day car?

The 318is will be getting a resto next year, with hopefully an m52 2.8 for the year after when i'am 21. the cabby will probably be fragged then. ive put my practise welds up in pub talk. i think there pretty good if i may say so myself

you'll need an angle grinder .

magpie wrote:you'll need an angle grinder .

i certainly will £9 on ebay

and plenty of weld through and zinc ritch primer i can see £50 going on just primer here though

Is that for robbing banks for insurance costs Mick

I will have a look Alex, i need a catchup with you for some advice sometime or the next meet.
Topsod, no problem, if im still struggling & the car is still advertised in the future (not too far away) i will push to make a visit when the dust for you settles, the price is reasonable in my mind with cash to spare for new allys and kit & a tank of fuel. As said do not hesitate when you have time to explain the repair & rust spots with details..myou never know it could end up with your e30 in a zoners hands with due care.

Next meet will be Santa pod, the biggest meet of the year in the bmw world. hundreds of e30s and nearly every zoner. we are having a convoy down if you fancy it. 5am start though. but its well worth it. take your car down the strip too

i know this is away from the op but does anyone else think autos sound wrong i hate the noise they make

attention to detail .

paul1985 wrote:i know this is away from the op but does anyone else think autos sound wrong i hate the noise they make

once they are going they still shift. just dont like quick starts.

Just dont build the revs up and drop in D

Just dont build the revs up and drop in D

thats not even funny alex

a few people have told me that it knacks the box up, knowing me i probably would of tried it myself.

Depends Alex with work and the many ladys, and the fact despite my baby being mechanically sound (touchwood) i still dont trust her or feel enough passion to show her amongst other e30s, thats why i want a 325i with the style i want, something i can really put effort, money and love behind, the e30 bug has bitten me hard, i cannot imagine myself in another car. And i have learned alot and many lessons so far (as Mick will know )

Only our naff british weather and no whining gears puts me off an auto!

Dont worry Mick im keeping faith.. its driving me mad hunting but something (other than a cabby) will turn up!

why not its not a bad car yours, just needs putting back to standard imo but i'am a sad OEM freak.

You can do alot worse

She will be standard minus the alloys when she is for sale & e30 number three is sat on the drive craving for fuel and attention

You are right she is not the worst, only rust is the rear arches (surface) and the small dents and wing.. the underside is 100% solid & the interior and engine is spot on and well maintained, but im no e30 virgin anymore so an upgrade is a must! and everyone has to chase their dreams.

When is the cabby due for finish?

Cabby will be finished before Xmas i would think but cant insure till feb when i get my 3rd years no claims

what e30 you got on your drive now.