E30 Zone

Hi,

Long time lurker here. Used to own a mk2 golf which is now sold. Looking to stay VAG but this time I think something of Munich origin would be nice

As with the golf scene there's almost an infinite amount of variables to look at when buying one; but there are a few that stand out. I'd imagine e30s are the same.

Anyone out there could gimme the low down or a bit more info?

Wikipedia is just a vast page of facts but not much info in terms of the modifying scene, before anyone suggests.

Thanks!

2 doors/4 doors/Tourings/cabs are the variants, each coming in either 316, 316i, 318i, 318is (2 door only), 320i and 325i flavours. 325's and 318is' are generally the most sought after (bar the m3)

Not forgetting the baur.

tuners/stylers had a go...the most recognised are

alpina/hartge/ac schnitzer/griffin

pukar wrote:tuners/stylers had a go...the most recognised are

alpina/hartge/ac schnitzer/griffin

Kelleners/ MK Motorsport

ross_jsy wrote:2 doors/4 doors/Tourings/cabs are the variants, each coming in either 316, 316i, 318i, 318is (2 door only), 320i and 325i flavours. 325's and 318is' are generally the most sought after (bar the m3)

Also 318,,,, 324d ,,324td ,,323

dont forget 325E

Was mainly focusing on the main ones available in the UK, although forgot the 318 and 323.

There's also ix's, with 4 wheel drive, but again those aren't common

lol, I understand theres 318, 320, 325 etc but I mean the more nitty gritty... I mean this is the E30 forum, no?

Basically all that youve told me is that through all the years of manufacture theres been no alterations to the standard engine? Each engine has the same engine code, etc?

In terms of modifying, power, workability what are the more desireable and why?

/edit: Any produced without a cat? carbs/injectors/etc

Get on over to facebook, that is where the serial paedos / Einsteins and Rav hang

Click the button 'e30 wiki' at the top of the page, tonnes of great info in there.

What are you looking for exactly?

There is an e30 for everyone. It all depends on what your willing to do vs what your willing to pay for.

You could spend a fortune and get a properly nice 2.5 sport and keep your hands clean.

Spend a smaller fortune on a properly nice 318is, again, keeping your hands clean.

You could buy a turd,throw all of your money at it and end up with a turd.

Or you could buy a "best condition you can afford" grampa spec pre facelift auto and build yourself something really special from there.

In terms of different engines, 325's had "high compression" and "low compression" m20's (all being relative, the high CR isn't really that high). Pre-facelift had high comp, running the older motronic system, facelift had low comp, with better engine management. The better engine management can be fitted to high comp engines for increased performance.

In terms of what is best for modifying for power, nothing really. BMW properly engineered the lumps, so there's no simple bolt ons that will yield decent performance. Looking at the m20, you can do some headwork, cams etc and get a bit more power. You can also build strokers, 2.7's and 2.8's being the most common, but I have seen 3.1's and if memory serves a 3.2 before. The problem is it's very expensive to do so most people looking for power decide to stick something else in.

A common swap is the m5x swaps. An m52 with m50 inlet and a map is around 220hp, and to do properly will cost between £1 and £2k.

m30's are also common and look more period in the bay. But they are old engines and weigh a lot, and have poor specific outputs, but a decent load of torque. Also Rav will start sexting you if you go down that route, something best avoided.

Leaving m3's out of the equation, the most desirable e30 will always be a 325i in 2 door flavour. Sport's being even more desirable. That being said, a clean 2 door is a lovely thing and I prefer the lines to a Tech 2 these days (I own a Tech 2 and and SE)

That sir is the sort of response I've been after. Thank you, I'll keep my ears to the ground!

Would love if anyone else got some input or knowledge to add

Thanks