The E30 has been having a hard time of things. 3 years and 40k miles later, it has been pretty bloody good but the daily grind is taking its toll. The body is suffering with rusty arches and it needs a little love, care and attention to put it right. As such, it was felt a winter car/daily driver was required.
Criteria:
- Cheap(ish) to run
- Manual
- BMW
For some reason I was
drawn to a touring, don't ask why. My gf seemed to think this is the go ahead to get a dog (fuck that!). 3 and 5 series variants were considered but ultimately it was felt for a cash a decent E36 would be the best bet, fewer potential big bills, easier to find a manual.
The search commenced on Autotrader and Pistonheads and (surprisingly) quickly
a good example was found.
On viewing the car, I was impressed. The owner was a genuinely nice chap and proper enthusiast. Had multiple BMW in the past, currently owned a 135i and a TVR.
The car itself was honest - straight up panels, started first time from cold on the button. All documentation present and correct (I love to see all the original manuals including for the stereo). Plenty of bills for the last few years which the guy had self serviced, two sets of keys, a touch of rust on the rear tail gate but otherwise bang on. The spec was good with leather, climate control AND a sunroof (hurrah!) The only minor thing were a set of Alpina reps but they had decent tyres all round (can always be sold later). A deal was done.
Picked it up yesterday and I have to say so far I'm very very happy.
Spent the day with this stuff:
My only niggle with the car was the feeling that the blower wasn't very strong. Changed the pollen filter as well (not pictures above) and that has made a significant improvement - the old one was properly black and full of leaves/insects.
Otherwise, I'm very very happy. Engine is spot on (and even better since the new oil/plugs). Rides well, handles well, very smooth. In fact...thinking about it now, it's probably too good to be used from a bangernomics point of view!
As promised here are some pics
My first 'modification' - BMW dealer tax disc holder
Alpina reps (in good condition actually)
Second mod: Bosch aero twin wipers
OE BMW Business stereo/Climate control
Original dealer plates
Proper M-Tech gear knob
Original glove box torch present and correct
Touring tool kit (think I'm missing the spark plug tool)
Original (sealed) first aid kit and warning triangle.
M52 2.8
So overall I'm delighted. Love the fact it is so original and unmolested. As mentioned, it's too good to run into the ground, we'll see how it goes.
Plans:
- Genuine Alpinas
- 16 inch (ideally style 32s) with winter tyres
- Keep the orange indicators
- HIDs but NO angel eyes
- Probably change the stereo at some point, OE is nice but ultimately not up to scratch
- Enjoy it!
