E30 Zone

Hi all.
Im looking at getting a 2.5 touring.
Two guys locally have good base cars for a project im looking to do. My questions are what is more desirable - Auto or manual (within the E30 comunity) I personally prefer manual cars? What should i be looking to pay for a very clean, straight, with no rust and little ownered car (both the cars im looking at match this).
Thanks for your help in advance. I know what to look at in general and engine, chassis and documentation wise. Just need a little more info to sway me to one of the cars! lol

manual, ofcourse.

being that rust is the major issue, go with the least rotten one.

i know you say they have no rust, but have you had a really close inspection.

manual

You really need to tell something more about these cars: milage, spec, service history and details like condition of the drivers seat, is the tool box complete, etc.
Jan

The Auto's a very relaxing drive, but it lacks the involvment of the manual. I've had both and much prefer the manual TBH.

I've got an Auto Touring and it's relaxing to drive, but thirsty. Could really do with a 5th gear for the motorway too.

Manual.

E30's autos are not the best.

But again, if the body and mechanical in the auto are better then that must be the deciding factor.

If it is the auto you can always swap in a manual gearbox if you hate it.

A manual is the box of choice but the auto is a very good box for its age. Only 4 speed but the torque converter should lock up around 50-55mph giving you in effect 5th gear. They're a far better drive than the old 3 speed autos. A lot of the better E30's tend to be autos as they were originally purchased by people wanting a relaxing cruiser. If you try any autos just make sure there's plenty of evidence of the gearbox oil and filter being changed regularly. It's standard ATF so theres no excuse for neglect.

Renton500 wrote:I've got an Auto Touring and it's relaxing to drive, but thirsty. Could really do with a 5th gear for the motorway too.

If you have not done so already, I'd fully recommend getting her chipped. It would really help with mid range power and economy in an auto. It's a lot of gain for a little money...

-Go for a manual one, and rust is the big issue for these cars now because they get old!
For a good one, I think you need to pay around 800-1500 quid with a ticket and tax...
Good luck with the hunt!

If you have not done so already, I'd fully recommend getting her chipped. It would really help with mid range power and economy in an auto. It's a lot of gain for a little money...

I haven't actually. Which Chip would you recommend and where would i get one?

Renton500 wrote:

If you have not done so already, I'd fully recommend getting her chipped. It would really help with mid range power and economy in an auto. It's a lot of gain for a little money...

I haven't actually. Which Chip would you recommend and where would i get one?

Get a zone chip from Ant @ A-Tech. You'll find his contact details in the FAO section I would imagine. The chip is about £65ish delivered to your door and they do make a world of difference to the 2.5. It's very quick and easy to fit too !!

depends really on the kind of driver you are..if you are,shall we say, enthusiastic..then manual is the only way to go.. the electro/hydraulic auto box does a good impression of a manual but the standard (non switchable) auto box is totally pants imo

as previously said autos tend to be a better base car as they have spent their lives having never seen a red line or a harsh gear change

but again as said before..rust is the MOST important thing to avoid as everything else can be repaired/upgraded at will..rust is usually fatal

thats my tuppence worth anyway

Get a zone chip from Ant @ A-Tech. You'll find his contact details in the FAO section I would imagine. The chip is about £65ish delivered to your door and they do make a world of difference to the 2.5. It's very quick and easy to fit too !!

Thanks, I'll look into it

being that rust is the major issue, go with the least rotten one

thats the basics of it

78dude wrote:-Go for a manual one, and rust is the big issue for these cars now because they get old!
For a good one, I think you need to pay around 800-1500 quid with a ticket and tax...
Good luck with the hunt!

id agree with most of this exept the rust part. tourings dont seem to be as badly effected generally with rust as saloons although you obviously do get exceptions.£1500 will get you a good speced lower than average(100000miles)325 touring with leather, tech2 kit,possibly lsd all electrics etc.

BMStyling wrote: My questions are what is more desirable - Auto or manual (within the E30 comunity) I personally prefer manual cars? What should i be looking to pay for a very clean, straight, with no rust and

If you prefer a manual then go for a manual. I went for the best I could find and it happend to be auto, but suited me at the time and have grown to love it.

I have the Ant chip and YES it helps a lot, double kickdown is awsome.

I do love my manuals, I have a E36 M3 as my fun car but the van seems to be the thing im in during the week due to work.
I had a look at both, both had a few miles, both had the normal drivers wear, both were very very clean however. Seriously well looked after, not bad one being 1100 and the other 1700 both with different, classy mods. After looking at them and having a drive in one i decided its not for me.
Once i asked the questions on here i had a good look around the site. I really think a 325 sport 2dr or convert(wanted one since i was about 11), is the car for me! Touring just doesnt do it for, especially since seeing them in the flesh and having a drive.
Reading all you advice however has been really helpfull. I appreciate. Many thanks.

P.S, I will be on the lookout for a noce E30 325 convert or coupe, Manual. ;)