E30 Zone

As we know the prices for e30's and cars from around that era seem to have increased in price. But how much of a difference
Just a daydreamed thought really.
would a conversioned e30 compared to an original be? And what conversions would depriciate a vehicals value quicker, ie would it be better to stick a 2.5 originally in an e30 into another e30? or a 2.5 from a later? I am only talking from a financial point not which engine is better.

I was only wonderinging this as my brother has a 1.3 golf mk2 ..the engine is near the end of its life. and is thinking of having a conversion done, and made me think what affect will it have on prices on cars that do not have the original engines, whether the top spec or not. This is mearly a question to see what you guys think of the future of the old skool classics out there. (Also considering the possibility of electric laws being put in place im guessing at some point)

with classic cars - originality is king.

I think it depends on the model and quality of the engine conversion.

standard 316 vs a 316 with an S54 engine conversion and brakes and suspension to match....

If you do a conversion, you can always retain the original parts should you or the next owner wish to refit them at a later date - so long as you don't get too radical and cut the body about beyond recognition, of course.

I did this with my Minor Traveller after the original engine got a bit tired at 100,000+ miles - replaced the engine but kept the original, which just needs new bottom end bearings, which are fairly cheap and easy to fit. So, I have a spare engine to slip in as and when required...

what about a 316 with a 325 lump in.... engine numbers wouldnt match but surely more desirable ?

Yes, to most people, apart from 'OEM homos'/purists, who like everything to be as it left the factory.

Also, since the 316 had rear drum brakes and smaller front suspension struts with softer springs, you would want to ensure it's been properly converted to 325i spec with the bigger struts/stiffer springs and rear disc brakes, else it could be a bit of a handful.

not in a touring though

Indeed - a good basis for conversions.

Converted cars are never worth the same as a car with its original engine, as most converted cars are bodged up shit even the ones converted by garages or specialists

So would you say a problamatic engine or one that is completely rubbish would still hold its value over a more disirable engine that has been chucked in?

With some classics, this is indeed the case, e.g., some infamous ones include the NSU Ro80 (rotary tips wore out quickly), Triumph Stag (overheating due to poor block castings), Lancia Gamma (cambelts snapped if steering left on full lock from a cold start), etc.

At the time when they were relatively new and the problems appeared, many owners went for conversions to completely different but known reliable engines, e.g., Ford V4s for the NSU Ro80 and Ford V6s/Rover V8s for the Triumph Stag, however, as they became classics, owners wanted the original engines put back in, and either lived with the faults, or found ways of curing them!

Depends on the model to start with, my 316 is worth more now with a 3.2 Alpina engine, 6 speed box, air conditioning etc than it would ever be as an 1800cc carb poverty spec car

Also do you want to drive the car and enjoy it or just stuff it in a corner hoping it will earn some money? Might as well make it nice to drive if so

+1. Nowt wrong with sensible, reversible mods/upgrades.

An e30 isn't going to make you rich any time soon (m3's etc excluded). If you want to change the engine, change it.

gonna carry on for a search to replace the m40 then
but i agree were gonna need another 20 years+ before the value is considered good for a non m3 e30

I say keep it all original,i have a 325i sport and it's as original as you'll get!

Generation X (45-60 year olds) are now looking for classics from their youth, driving up prices of the the 80's cars.

IMO engine and body modifications to the less desirable cars (316, 4 doors etc) won't make much difference to the near/mid term value, but I wouldn't change anything on a 325 318is or a cab as the future buyers are going to want as original as possible.

Doobit wrote:Generation X (45-60 year olds) are now looking for classics from their youth, driving up prices of the the 80's cars.

Not been called that before !!
I ran a 316 coupe for eight years as my daily and bought a 316 Baur for a bit of fun 3 years ago but vowed to keep her as close to original as possible as this is the easiest and cheapest way to go.
I am surprised in just three years how much people are asking for their e30`s and very glad I got back in just in time.

Mart.

Generation X are guys that came after the baby boomers, and before the millennials.

Ye, Billy Idol taught me that, I'm generation Y. I think. I will be keeping my 'is totally un-modded, not that you couldn't de-mod it but you need the time, inclination, money/skill and storage space for that.