Best cars to replace an E30?

[TheDutch]

Having beetled about in my E30 for the last 9 years it has come to mind that it could be time for replacement. This is obviously a difficult issue; once you have enjoyed/tolerated a vehicle from 13 to 22 years of age there's not much against another 5 or 10.

That said, is there anything out there that can come some way close to the experience? I suspect not, especially as I recall casting the E36 aside as a plush, lifeless folly, and now see it regarded as a pure, exhilerating and raw chassis free from modern refinements. If that is the case I'm probably doomed.

The important factors are RWD, space for a bike inside (currently fit two in my saloon), some sort of interesting drive, 35+mpg on motorway. The not-so-important factors are that it should be DIYable, smallish, more than two seats, and not be too heavy.

I don't know of anything that ticks all the boxes, and the best I can do is a 130i, but they are more weighty and refined than is ideal.

I guess all the people that can best answer the question no longer haunt these corridors, but any enlightening suggestions are welcome.

[Brianmoooore]

Short answer is that there is nothing out there that comes close.
You haven't said what engine your current E30 has, but the chances are fitting your present car with a M52B28 will renew your interest in it and tick all your boxes above.

[TheDutch]

It's a 318is. I wouldn't have run an M20 car for this long due to their drinking habits (which I'm well aware can be sorted with bootfuls of toroids). In fact a rough calculation suggests the savings made over having a 325i could probably now buy a 130i.

Not that I look at many, but I've yet to hear about a 24v conversion that yields the sort of fuel economy I'd expect, i.e. they seem to be ~30mpg. No doubt the figure is hamstrung by the novelty acceleration. Besides this, I think it could be time for something different altogether, though I can see the E30 being kept as a toy and having a transplant at some point.

[pnd]

modern bmw's don't have the same thrill factor as an e30 mainly owing to weight.
I would go for something light even if it was FWD.
i have never driven one but a z3 might be ok.

[e301988325i]

Newer beemers just aren't built as well. My E46 is a turd compared to my E36 which is a turd compared to my E30.

130i DIYable? If you're a main dealer beemer tech than maybe, but even then not certain.

As mentioned LPG your 318is, problem solved?

New cars are engineered to meet legislation which bares little relevance to the real world. Any fuel economy test where auto's are better than manual (because they can change gear when they like Vs manual which has to be changed at a set speed).

I've totally given up on having something properly engineered as a newer vehicle, the E30 is staying.

[bss325i]

An E36 compact is the closest in terms of how an E30 feels but they are getting a bit long in the tooth now with the newest being 12 years old and they are ugly.

An E8x 1 series is a very chuckable car with a great chassis.

[Francoise]

Money no object it would be a M1, but a 123d coupe is a good drive too.

[jonmsm]

For what its worth ( PLEASE DONT SHOOT ME ) the only car that puts a similar smile on my face is.... a Citreon C1. But thats because its small, weights about as much as a very light thing and wants to rev... despite being wrong wheel drive. It how ever can only really swallow one bike with the seats down (but worth a try) and a new one will do you a proud 70+MPG and tax free...

I think most people have hit the nail on the head that there is little better for ticking all the boxes than an E30 though (if you are so inclined; read - you prefer to leave the electronics at home and be the thing actually driving the car), but I would suggest tide and time waits for no man, you slowly but surely have to give in to the onslaught of modern motor vehicles, or do the good deed like most here and wave a justified two fingers at electronics and do what is necessary to keep the e30 going as long as possible, especially now they are really appreciating in value =D Try all you can to avoid my weekly struggle with my golf, which doesn't involve spanners or screw drivers... no... a laptop and some software and a LOT of scratching my head.... GRRR!

[Kos]

130i

[Kos]

i might add there is life beyond e30's especially as a daily car

[jonmsm]

An E36 compact is the closest in terms of how an E30 feels but they are getting a bit long in the tooth now with the newest being 12 years old and they are ugly.

An E8x 1 series is a very chuckable car with a great chassis.

I have to agree about the e36 compact... REALLY not a fan!

The 1 series however does seem to have been made with the e30 very firmly in mind when you see a coupe or cabriolet. Someone at the design office obviously loves his e30 and was fed up of big cars so made a motion to re-issue the car that really put BMW on the map!

[bmw9818]

diesel golf mk2 and run it on chip oil?

[pony]

For a 130i .... Could u not get a M Coupe Z3 for similar money ?

That would keep your hands full

[TheDutch]

For a 130i .... Could u not get a M Coupe Z3 for similar money ?l

More or less, and I've been looking at getting one of these for probably 8 years, but I need something cheaper to run. If my mileage came down it'd be a different story. They are also quite heavy, and getting something with a different chassis to the E30 would be nice (just for the change).

[TheDutch]

diesel golf mk2 and run it on chip oil?

Unfortunately the veg oil price and novelty bubbles both burst a few years ago. Back when it was 37p/l people would turn up with a fresh bottle to pour in the old Mercedes just to see if the rumours were true. The patience required to run such a distressingly underpowered crooner was ultimately beyond me.

[TheDutch]

the only car that puts a similar smile on my face is.... a Citreon C1. But thats because its small, weights about as much as a very light thing and wants to rev...

This is good thinking, and agree it would be fun for short bouts, however sitting in it for the 120 mile commute would be hard work.

The FWD aspect is also definitely an issue. Tried a 1.7 Puma not so long ago, similar speed to the 318is and an enjoyable steer of sorts, but fell considerably short of the E30 drive.

[retroboyo]

E30 is irreplaceable. All other cars are obsolete.

[appletree]

Wrong wheel drive but what about an Integra, they always seam to rave about the handling over on Piston heads.

[Jozi]

The new Toyota/Subaru is getting good reviews as a good handling car, just lacks the power it deserves, looks might not be to everyones tastes. Or m52 the e30 and put a long diff in.

[rallygaz]

lexus I S

[rh306]

An E36 compact is the closest in terms of how an E30 feels but they are getting a bit long in the tooth now with the newest being 12 years old and they are ugly.

An E8x 1 series is a very chuckable car with a great chassis.

I have to agree about the e36 compact... REALLY not a fan!

I used to think they were a bit aesthetically challenged, bought one recently though and it's really growing on me:




much better looking at least than the wonky old 1 series



or the even uglier new one

[MadE30mike]

when you find out let me know, i keep selling e30s then coming back to an e30, had evo audi etc inbetween, now got my eyes peeled for another e30

[daimlerman]

I have pretty much the same problem,just what is out there to replace my touring?

Needs to be as thin as an E30
Needs to be DIY friendly
Needs to be able to work as a boat tender
Must be fun to drive
Be at least as economical as the current touring(34/36mpg min)

[retroboyo]

I have pretty much the same problem,just what is out there to replace my touring?

Needs to be as thin as an E30
Needs to be DIY friendly
Needs to be able to work as a boat tender
Must be fun to drive
Be at least as economical as the current touring(34/36mpg min)

Answer = E30

[TheDutch]

when you find out let me know, i keep selling e30s then coming back to an e30

The outlook is bleak then.

I researched the Compact idea, thinking that the embarrassing E46 325ti might fit the bill. Expecting a smaller, lighter car than the saloon, it was disappointing to find out it seems to be only 15kg less. Quite surprising, but not as surprising as realising the entire boot section jutting out at the back of the saloon must therefore also weigh only 15kg. Absolutely incredible, an engineering landmark.

[pnd]

yeah they really missed a trick with the e46 compact FAR TOO HEAVY which is whats so wrong with modern BM's.

[HairyScreech]

It's an issue with all modern cars, even small things like the new fiesta are still the size of the old focus and nearly as heavy.
The motor industry is killing itself with model bloat, technology and regulation.

[rh306]

Needs to be as thin as an E30

I'm assuming that's because of garage width? Virtually no chance of getting a modern in a 1960s built London garage. Sadly no chance of fitting one of these in either which was my original replace-the-E30-with plan

[retroboyo]

Needs to be as thin as an E30

I'm assuming that's because of garage width? Virtually no chance of getting a modern in a 1960s built London garage.

No chance of getting it in a new build garage either. Cars get bigger but garages get smaller, whats that all about

[pacerpete]

Needs to be as thin as an E30

I'm assuming that's because of garage width? Virtually no chance of getting a modern in a 1960s built London garage. Sadly no chance of fitting one of these in either which was my original replace-the-E30-with plan

That is a proud chariot. Moorland green over pewter, exactly like the turd Everett and I rocked up in to a Surrey meet. Everett was in the back and opened the window to throw coppers* at the assembled peasants

* Being Everett, obviously he quickly picked them up afterwards

[daimlerman]

I have pretty much the same problem,just what is out there to replace my touring?

Needs to be as thin as an E30
Needs to be DIY friendly
Needs to be able to work as a boat tender
Must be fun to drive
Be at least as economical as the current touring(34/36mpg min)

Answer = E30

I guess I'll have to have the touring painted next summer,then!

[retroboyo]

I have pretty much the same problem,just what is out there to replace my touring?

Needs to be as thin as an E30
Needs to be DIY friendly
Needs to be able to work as a boat tender
Must be fun to drive
Be at least as economical as the current touring(34/36mpg min)

Answer = E30

I guess I'll have to have the touring painted next summer,then!

=WIN

[E30BeemerLad]

I'm currently on the lookout for a replacement for the chromie, but it's tough. Thoughts are e36 or 46, Saab 9-3 or 9-5, mk4 golf. I haven't a clue really

[daimlerman]

Needs to be as thin as an E30

I'm assuming that's because of garage width? Virtually no chance of getting a modern in a 1960s built London garage. Sadly no chance of fitting one of these in either which was my original replace-the-E30-with plan

That is a proud chariot. Moorland green over pewter, exactly like the turd Everett and I rocked up in to a Surrey meet. Everett was in the back and opened the window to throw coppers* at the assembled peasants

* Being Everett, obviously he quickly picked them up afterwards

What were you doing carrying pigs in the back of a roller?

[bodger]

renault twingo 133