E30 Zone

Hi
I have got a 1983 1.8 e30 is it advisable to get it converted to run on unleaded and if so how much should i be looking to pay for one? Thanks

they run on unleaded any way

A car of that age will by now have built up a good work-hardened 'lead effect' from years of previous usage, so there should be no problem using unleaded in it.

I use it in both an A-series engine and a Fiat twin-cam, with no ill effects.

Thanks

lead in petrol was only to kill the knock effect (early ignition of the fuel without a spark)

It was also added to help valve seat lubrication.

Bmws being German cars have had hardened valve seats many many years before British cars.

All e30s will run on unleaded without mechanical or electrical alterations with absolutely no problem.

Anything with an aluminium head will have needed hardened valve seats anyway, pretty much if it has an alu head made past 1950 then it will be ok on unleaded.
IIRC germany went unleaded a long time before we did so most bmw engines will run on unleaded just fine.