How do I tell a genuine Hartge tuned car?

[Ralphead]

After a year with no E30 I'm really itching to get another.
I've seen an '88 325i which the owner has told me has a Hartge tuned engine. I haven't had a proper viewing yet so thought I'd try to get some info first.

So far I've seen a nice six branch manifold and a Hartge badge on the boot. It also says Hartge on the cam cover but it looks a bit like a metal badge on a standard cover to me. As I said I haven't had a good look just a glance really.

I don't think the owner's the sort to tell fibs, he seems very genuine. That doesn't mean he's right though..

So, are there any known, reliable ways to tell if it has been tuned by Hartge? Or do I just judge it with my right foot?

[Barx325i]

check the head for a hartge stamp, take the ECU out and it should brandish a hartge sticker - depending on price, it could be worth purchasing

[Ralphead]

Thanks. Whereabouts might the stamp be and where's the ecu on a 6? I've only ever had 4 cylinders, hmm...

I'd be quite happy with a normal 325 but certainly don't want to pay a premium for something it isn't.

[Topblag]

if it's a UK car, get the reg to Birds and they'll tell you if it's genuine. If it's a left hooker, you're in the lap of the Hartge GmbH gods. I've got a rare Hartge, made in Germany and LHD and it's been a real frustration trying to get info from them.

Hartge turds are rare, but fall foul to rot as much as standard E30s do.

Best idea would be to get some pics up and check with Birds.

One last thing is that if a previous owner paid for a genuine Hartge conversion, unless they are mad, they will have kept the all important documentation on the conversion. Ask for it.

[Barx325i]

ecu is in the usual place under the rhs of the dash, remove the kick panel and remove the 4 bolts. If it has an OBC the control unit can be in the way, but it's a 15 minute affair

[Ralphead]

It's rhd, I'll get the reg next week and tap them up. Usually car makers have little clue of what they've built and what parts they fitted but you'd expect a small tuner/manufacturer to keep at least some records.. I've thought of learning German several times, solely for car parts... and weissbier.

I don't really want to go pulling bits out the car before I've bought it but this is all useful stuff. It saves me going in blind.

[Barx325i]

Usually car makers have little clue of what they've built and what parts they fitted but you'd expect a small tuner/manufacturer to keep at least some records..

this is Hartge you're talking about, not only are they disinterested in historical tuning, but they haven't a scooby - no records it seems..

Best bet, if you're serious, check as much as you can - it's worth taking the ECU out..

Pics?

[jonny323i]

this is a genuine hartge rocker cover


genuine hartge 6 branch should have a plate welded to it on the top


there are lots to look for but if its only a partial tuning package then you may not find any hints at all unless you strip the engine apart

[Barx325i]

what is it posed as being? there are many different hartge releases, different cars received different upgrades

[Ralphead]

[quote="jonny323i"]this is a genuine hartge rocker cover


That's more like what I'd expect, the one I'm looking at is nothing like it..

[jonny323i]

i think you have answered the question there then probably a story that has been passed down from one owner to the next to help sell it on.

[Ralphead]

Best bet, if you're serious, check as much as you can - it's worth taking the ECU out..

Pics?

Yep I think your right, If money's being asked for the proof is needed.

I've read up on Alpinas a fair bit but always had a feeling Hartge were a bit more random in their way of doing things. Hence the questions.

I'm not exactly sure what the owners position is on it. He said he had been told it was Hartge tuned and has no reason to disbelieve it as he kept up with a track prepared 200bhp Capri on a track day with it... He isn't making a bit deal of the Hartge thing and we haven't even got near talking money so I really got to go see it properly with some cash ready and a good bit of info, courtesy of you guys.

[Ralphead]

i think you have answered the question there then probably a story that has been passed down from one owner to the next to help sell it on.

That cover was what got me thinking beyond general suspicion.

[Barx325i]

get some pics up, all eyes will be on this, but if you get a drive, and it opens your eyes, it could be a good machine, based on cost..

[Ralphead]

I'll swing by and see the chap next week, he's just down the road from my work.

I'm not getting my hopes up yet, but secretly I'd love for it to be something special. I'll do some digging, get some pictures and get back to you all soon.

Thanks again for all the help.

[jonny323i]

well good luck