E30 Zone

Hi fellow E30 followers. I was recently viewing an old Wheeler Dealers TV programme and I heard about E30 Zone. I’ve been a BMW owner for about 25 years now and have many great cars from across the beemer spectrum that includes, E30, E36, E39, E46, E60, E63, E83, F25, F80, F33, E81, F20, F10 and a B10. I’m currently driving a 530i M Sport G30 but also, about 2 months ago, after failing to purchase this particular car on two other occasions, purchased a 1 owner E30 318i Lux in Calypso Red, G reg (May 1990) with 40k on the clock. The previous owner just couldn’t bring himself to selling it and it’s spent it’s last 9 years in the garage going nowhere. Since he passed away his son got my details as he knew I’d tried to buy it before and I was pleased to punch that we did a deal and I became the 2nd owner. Under the bonnet resembled a chicken roost and the interior, whilst in an ok condition portrayed an interior that hadn’t been loved for many a year and the exterior paint, whilst ok there were quite a lot of small rust type spots breaking out.

Having now had it for nearly 3 months she’s had quite a bit of my blood, sweat and tears, money and time put towards her. I haven’t driven her yet or even fired her up as lots was needed to be done. I’m currently awaiting the return of the front calibers as they are being refurbished. So far I’ve done,
Fitted new: Cam belt, water pump, thermostat, coil, ignition leads, rotor arm, both v belts, plugs, new rocker cover, upgraded headlights (nothing yellow or blue etc just more output), new centre console, handbrake console, leather handbrake cover and gear lever cover and new gear lever knob. Stripped out all of interior to give her a v v v deep clean inside, got refurbished BBS alloys, a complete a total new instalment for all parts of front and rear brakes, drained fuel, drained oil and removed sump to clear gunge, gearbox and diff oil to be drained still, drained coolant and brake fluid to also be drained. Also bought new wiper arms and 3 parts to the shadow line B pillar. Can’t get hold of Left Rear, part number 1 888 219 - any ideas?

I’ve also had somebody come round to look at the bodywork. If it wasn’t for the small rust type blemishes it would be fine but it looks like a resprayed with front and rear windows removed etc. The wheel arches are absolutely sound as is the floor inside and the boot.

I got the car with the original receipt as purchased from Grevan BMW in Plymouth. The vehicle cost almost £16k which was a lot of money then.

As I’m now venturing down the E30 road, which I’m thoroughly enjoying and also it has been a massive blessing during the COVID outbreak, I’m pleased I’ve found a forum that may possibly be able to give me some tips etc as I progress with the refurb work.

Good to be onboard
Cheers
Scotmeupbeemer - John

Hi John and welcome to the zone mate

You are definitely in the right place for advice, there are sooooo many guys on here oooozing help in most directions but ,,,we need some pics of the beast even in her "undressed " state lol

Mart.

What a great story! It does always upset me when people just 'sit' on these cars when really, there are plenty of people out there who will love, care and use them. Good to see you finally got your hands on her! Get some pics up soon

Hi again. Thanks for early pick up and feedback. I’ll definitely get some pics of the ‘before’ world and how the ‘progressing’ world is unfolding. My very first car was a cherry red 850 Mini (DOL 884C - still remember her reg) which I cut my teeth on in regard to car DIY. As we know in those days you could really get stuck in to doing a lot yourself as they were truly mechanically driven DIY, unlike today with engine management systems, reprogramming to be done after you’ve done just about any old bit of DIY. Astronomical dealership prices etc. Having the ‘Back to Basics Baby Beemer, as I refer to her as, is just brilliant. Albeit it isn’t quite back to basics, but close, and close enough to end your day looking like a greasy good old fashioned mechanic. I was really chuffed as well that when I put a new battery on her to test the electrics, with the exception of the front near side indicator, everything worked. Sunroof, electric front windows, wing mirrors, radio, aerial, sidelights, headlights, indicators, rear parking sensors (genuine BMW as traced wiring back to BMW parking sensor module in off side rear wing behind panelling in the boot), that really surprised me given age etc. All in all I’ve got many hours and days ahead of me that will end with a smile on my face as I’ve cracked something else towards getting her back to where she belongs. On the road. Can’t wait. Will keep the updates coming and get some pics on.