E30 VIRGIN

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bux
E30 Zone Newbie
E30 Zone Newbie
Posts: 3
Joined: Sat Oct 09, 2010 11:00 pm

Sun Oct 10, 2010 7:30 pm

Hi all, after thinking back to all the cars my old man used to drive the one that stands out was an 1987 320i. It was a cracker and was gutted when he sold it. His future cars 1991 320i, 1996 3 series and z4 just arent as beautiful. After googling the E30 I didnt realise how many of them still existed so I decided today that I want an E30 and was wanting some advice from you experts...

1) Should I spend more on buying to start with or go for a cheaper one and gradually build/mod it up?

2) What kind of mileage should I keep clear of? Obviously 20 y o cars will be high but how much is too high?

3) When viewing possible buys what should I be looking for apart from the obvious i.e. the engine is there and has 4 wheels!!??

I need your help so I can get a hold of one and give it huge amounts of luving!! No not that kind of luving....

cheers in advance, Bux
magpie
Old Skooler
Old Skooler
Posts: 28035
Joined: Sun Jun 29, 2008 11:00 pm
Location: Consett,Durham.

Sun Oct 10, 2010 7:32 pm

where are you located?
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m52 b30 stroker 6-speed 318is Galvanizer
m42 touring
+ a yard full of scrap turds :)
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bux
E30 Zone Newbie
E30 Zone Newbie
Posts: 3
Joined: Sat Oct 09, 2010 11:00 pm

Sun Oct 10, 2010 7:33 pm

n east of scotland in a town called keith
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kevyd
E30 Zone Newbie
E30 Zone Newbie
Posts: 21
Joined: Thu Jun 24, 2010 11:00 pm
Location: perthshire scotland

Sun Oct 10, 2010 7:34 pm

The only luving they need is money luving,from my experience i would buy a good one to start with that has been well loved
//Rocky
E30 Zone Regular
E30 Zone Regular
Posts: 850
Joined: Tue Jan 06, 2009 11:00 pm

Sun Oct 10, 2010 7:37 pm

1) It all depends on your budget, but ideally try to buy one that has been looked aftered and does not need TOO much work.

2) Milleage is not too important as long as it has comprehensive service history. Buy one which has a lot of history and bills and receipts of work carried. This will show you if the car has been well looked aftered or not

3) The main thing to look out for apart from the obvious on an e30 is RUST and more RUST.
e30topless
E30 Zone Team Member
E30 Zone Team Member
Posts: 13598
Joined: Wed Aug 23, 2006 11:00 pm
Location: surrounded by scrap

Sun Oct 10, 2010 7:39 pm

good solid E30's are getting hard to find, go on condition rather than Mileage... Most engines are bullet proof especially the 6 cylinder version's

avoid Modded cars fitted with ebay crap ! try and find something Original/unabused
the E30's major flaw is rust, and these turds usually have lots of it ! check absolutely everywhere when buying,
Jim320i
E30 Zone News / COTM Team
E30 Zone News / COTM Team
Posts: 10627
Joined: Sun Oct 25, 2009 11:00 pm
Location: Leicestershire
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Sun Oct 10, 2010 7:47 pm

What was the reg of your first E30? Might be floating around still, may even be owned by a zoner now. :D

I personally would go for something that needs bodywork attention, they get over looked due to the fact they dont look as clean, but with a bit of love and attention, they always polish up well.

But check for rust like others have said, alot of the rust can be fixed up quite easily and if your willing to do the work yourself your onto a winner.

Are you after any perticular model? I'm assuming your after a chromie. :D
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bux
E30 Zone Newbie
E30 Zone Newbie
Posts: 3
Joined: Sat Oct 09, 2010 11:00 pm

Sun Oct 10, 2010 7:51 pm

Ive been keeping an open mind about model. Whatever comes along. There are a few in my area up for sale so will have a wee look. Cannot remember the first reg it was the old mans and I was only 14!!

I would be willing to do the rust myself but not wanting to get caught out so a top to toe inspection needed.

Cheers for your speedy replies....
Jim320i
E30 Zone News / COTM Team
E30 Zone News / COTM Team
Posts: 10627
Joined: Sun Oct 25, 2009 11:00 pm
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Sun Oct 10, 2010 7:56 pm

Get a chromie, much cooler. Good luck dude!
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kevyd
E30 Zone Newbie
E30 Zone Newbie
Posts: 21
Joined: Thu Jun 24, 2010 11:00 pm
Location: perthshire scotland

Mon Oct 11, 2010 7:18 am

bux wrote:n east of scotland in a town called keith


Look up Ashton Motors in dundee
he has just bought mine and is away to refurb it,the body is really solid but needed suspension and other bits and bobs,he will make it a tidy motor,he also has a few others for sale,give him a call
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