New member, non-owner, yet.
Posted: Tue Jun 11, 2019 8:57 pm
Hi E30 Zone,
Apologies in advance for the long post... I’m currently looking to buy my first E30. I’ve done some research in to engines and specifications, and looked at what is for sale, but I thought I might as well post up a thread to answer the last of my questions.
I currently drive an E53 X5 Sport, which I love, but it’s getting to the age now where it’s getting issues and thought it was time to swap – which I know sounds contradictory considering I’m going to an even older car. The plan is to buy the E30, run it as a daily for a while, before buying something more substantial and putting the E30 in to storage for restoration.
I’m looking for either a saloon or coupe, preferably the saloon as it’s a bit more practical. Budget is between £3,000-£4,000. I’d like the later post-1987 model, the ideal year would be 1990. I’m not too fussed about engine or transmission as over time I’d like to fit an later engine from an E36, or potentially even an E46. But initially with the engine, the bigger the better. Is there anything I should aim for which would put me good stead for an engine upgrade? Were the more powerful engines fitted with bigger brakes or a heavier clutch? I like the twin exhaust, but I don’t know whether they were standard on a certain engine size, or as part of a trim level.
Colour wise I’m not overly bothered either, I would prefer either black (if that’s an option in the UK – I haven’t seen any black models for sale), grey, white or red. Blue or green would be acceptable depending on the rest of the car. In terms of spec, am I right is saying Lux is the highest trim level in my price range? But I don’t know what that means in terms of bumpers or interior etc. I’ve just seen the sentence “top spec lux model” on a few adverts. Over time I’d like to fit the M-Tech II bumpers, skirts, side panels and boot spoiler – whether genuine or replica, and modernise the interior a bit. So again, I’m not too bothered on spec initially, but it will be a few years before I start fitting the kit, so I’d like to get the best base possible to start with.
Along with the above, I just wanted to ask whether there any other must haves I should go for? Obviously I’m not expecting the E30 to have the same levels of tech as the E53. However, are there any other things people strongly recommend getting? Or equipment that is beneficial to have / avoid? Either it’s for day to day use, or helps retain the value of the car. I don’t want to buy an E30 only to realise that I’m missing something which would really improve the overall car.
I guess what I’m looking to buy at the moment is something solid, which I’ll be able to use as a daily, and also ticks most of the above. Any advice or reviews from current owners is also greatly appreciated. Thanks all, and I’m looking forward to being part of the E30 community. And if anyone wants an E53…
Cheers,
Jack.
Apologies in advance for the long post... I’m currently looking to buy my first E30. I’ve done some research in to engines and specifications, and looked at what is for sale, but I thought I might as well post up a thread to answer the last of my questions.
I currently drive an E53 X5 Sport, which I love, but it’s getting to the age now where it’s getting issues and thought it was time to swap – which I know sounds contradictory considering I’m going to an even older car. The plan is to buy the E30, run it as a daily for a while, before buying something more substantial and putting the E30 in to storage for restoration.
I’m looking for either a saloon or coupe, preferably the saloon as it’s a bit more practical. Budget is between £3,000-£4,000. I’d like the later post-1987 model, the ideal year would be 1990. I’m not too fussed about engine or transmission as over time I’d like to fit an later engine from an E36, or potentially even an E46. But initially with the engine, the bigger the better. Is there anything I should aim for which would put me good stead for an engine upgrade? Were the more powerful engines fitted with bigger brakes or a heavier clutch? I like the twin exhaust, but I don’t know whether they were standard on a certain engine size, or as part of a trim level.
Colour wise I’m not overly bothered either, I would prefer either black (if that’s an option in the UK – I haven’t seen any black models for sale), grey, white or red. Blue or green would be acceptable depending on the rest of the car. In terms of spec, am I right is saying Lux is the highest trim level in my price range? But I don’t know what that means in terms of bumpers or interior etc. I’ve just seen the sentence “top spec lux model” on a few adverts. Over time I’d like to fit the M-Tech II bumpers, skirts, side panels and boot spoiler – whether genuine or replica, and modernise the interior a bit. So again, I’m not too bothered on spec initially, but it will be a few years before I start fitting the kit, so I’d like to get the best base possible to start with.
Along with the above, I just wanted to ask whether there any other must haves I should go for? Obviously I’m not expecting the E30 to have the same levels of tech as the E53. However, are there any other things people strongly recommend getting? Or equipment that is beneficial to have / avoid? Either it’s for day to day use, or helps retain the value of the car. I don’t want to buy an E30 only to realise that I’m missing something which would really improve the overall car.
I guess what I’m looking to buy at the moment is something solid, which I’ll be able to use as a daily, and also ticks most of the above. Any advice or reviews from current owners is also greatly appreciated. Thanks all, and I’m looking forward to being part of the E30 community. And if anyone wants an E53…
Cheers,
Jack.