E30 Zone

Hi All

My names Jake, I have just got rid of my current car (924) with the intention of buying myself an E30. I'm not allowed more than one hobby car at a time.

I never did any of the work on my 924 (bar very simple bits like changing trims, headlights and the like) but the intention here is to get a decent car and then learn bit by bit.

Not quite sure what model to go for, budget will be 8k give or take a thousand quid. Any reccomendations on which model would be best at that budget? I would like something peppy ish and don't intend to engine swap it or anything but it would be good to have the option to do some minor tweaks. I intend to do just some minor mods which are subtle and don't change the outward appearance.

Cheers, looking forward to getting involved.

Jake

I don't think it's possible to say which model is best for 8k. You could buy a nice 316i or a nice 325i, it depends on your needs. Welcome to the zone.

Cheers! It will basically be just for me to drive around Yorkshire backroads on the weekend! A friend who had one years ago suggested I go for a 325 or 318is if I can get a non rust covered one. All I'm after is the best drive.

Yep it is a realistic budget for one of those, 325i has a bit more grunt but is a bit heavier on the front end. The 318is is a light revvy engine and quite a bit of fun.

Back in the day a mate of mine had a 318is and I had my 325i and I got to drive them both back to back quite a bit. From then on I never underestimated having a light engine up front.

A good tight-driving standard 318is is a really nice machine to own and one of the better looking E30s IMHO

Welcome Jake, which area of Yorkshire are you ? Maybe see if you can get to have a drive/ride in one or two different models before you narrow it down. I think most will agree that the sound condition of the body is the most critical part if you intend to keep it a while. A 316 or 318 could never be described as "peppy ish" but still great fun to own. Good luck with your search.

I'm just north of York, the intention is to keep it, work on it and upgrade it indefinitely to be honest! Is there a particular variant that's any easier to work on?

Jakee30 wrote: ↑

Sat Jun 13, 2020 8:02 pm

Is there a particular variant that's any easier to work on?

Not really, they are all about the same, bit less room around a 6cyl engine but still acres of room for most things.

More optional bits it has the more there is to potentially go wrong, but it is all spanner-and-screwdriver-stuff easily diy and lots of info on here to help.

Jakee30 wrote: ↑

Sat Jun 13, 2020 8:02 pm

I'm just north of York, the intention is to keep it, work on it and upgrade it indefinitely to be honest! Is there a particular variant that's any easier to work on?

Hi Jake and welcome to the zone !!
Another one from Gods own earth
I would go for the 318is cars. I had a 318ti (e36) a bullet proof engine and looooaaaaads of fun as well

Mart.