Stupid question maybe?

[Mitchen]

Hi all.. this is a tricky question and a stupid one. I got my first E30 and overall it's in very good condition, however there's certain things it's been missing that I'm starting to replace, to get the car back to it's original condition.. for example the rear windscreen curtain/blind which I never even knew existed, or the plastic button panel covers. How can I go about knowing what should be in there that isn't already, as I've never been in an E3O other than my own, let alone seen any mint complete ones.

I realise this is a stupid question, seeing as you lot can't see the inside of my car to know, but any help would be appreciated.

It's a 1990 320i 3 door. Would it have central locking for example? I have a button on the key but doesn't actually do anything. Should it have an alarm? Or were these optional just extras? Nothing looks like it's missing, but I'm sure one of you guys would sit in the car, and tell me I'm missing loads of stuff like little seat belt covers, or clovebox surrounds etc.

As always any help would be welcomed.

[jimbom30cab]

well mate, this is the fun of the hobby !! spending the next few years learning about the cars and fixing the little problems.

I would get along to an e30 meet and take your camera, great place to meet like minded people

And, instead of watching TOWIE get reading the wiki on here

enjoy !

[Mitchen]

Haha very true! Have always been a fan just never been in a position to get one.. I've owned brand new TT's, Golfs etc. but never had so many compliments before from total strangers about how much they love my car.

It's becoming a very addictive hobby, but every time I scour ebay pages I'm finding new things which mine hasn't got!

Let the fun begin hey

[Speedtouch]

Which model is it, e.g., 320iSE, or just a base model? An SE of that age most probably would have had at least central locking, and possibly an alarm/immobiliser.

The alarm is usually located under the bonnet, and quite often the siren bit may be behind the nearside front bumper (remove wheelarch liner to see).

It was the case last week with a Zoner, all that was needed was some new batteries in the key fob to fix the alarm/immobiliser, so check those first...

[suchy]

Original spec. depends on which model and which option boxes were ticked BUT you can just retro-fit the options if so desired

[Brianmoooore]

http://www.bmwarchive.org/vin/bmw-vin-decoder.html

Type in the last seven digits of your car's VIN to see what options were fitted to your car.

[polsta]

As above find out the original spec , see what's missing , then other things you retro fit - fitting old oem options your car didn't have , like the rear blind for example , easy way to check if your car ever had one would be to see if the little back clips that hold the blind are in the head lining at either side above where the blind would be , great thing about em these cars is there were so many options to fit and all part of the fun is finding and fitting the ones you want and make the car your own

[Mitchen]

Thanks guys! I want to post some photos on here soon.. show you what she looks like. I'm going to find the VIN tomorrow and check it out! It was first owned by the London Stock Exchange so be interesting to see how many optional extras they went for! lol

[mcbonio]

Just wait until you get to know the car a little better and you putting right the bodges previous owners have made. Thats when the fun really starts.!

[daimlerman]

It's a 1990 320i 3 door.

This is the rarest type of E30.They were built only on Friday afternoon's after the quality control inspector's had gone off to the pub.

Does yours have two doors on the n/s,or is it the ultra rare version with two doors on the o/s?

[Grrrmachine]

Mitchen, the simplest answer is that your car may have been the most bog-standard poverty-spec chariot ever made; only a VIN check like Brian suggests will show you what options the original purchaser requested from the following list:

http://www.e30zone.net/e30zonewiki/inde ... March_1990

[Fastroad]

Take some pictures and post them up and I am sure some zoners will point out stuff that is missing or extra.

[harry_p]

The button on the key is a torch. Probably just needs a new battery.

[Mitchen]

It's a 1990 320i 3 door.

This is the rarest type of E30.They were built only on Friday afternoon's after the quality control inspector's had gone off to the pub.

Does yours have two doors on the n/s,or is it the ultra rare version with two doors on the o/s?

Haha! Well it feels like I'm driving on ice when I'm driving this badboy! Have they got a rep?

[Mitchen]

Just wait until you get to know the car a little better and you putting right the bodges previous owners have made. Thats when the fun really starts.!

Luckily when the stock exchange sold it in 91 some retired Doctor brought it and kept it until I brought it a couple of months ago.. Was religious with all the inspections, oil changes, services etc. Don't think he tried his hand at any mods

[Mitchen]

Soon as this poxy weather lets up, I'm going to give it a proper clean and detail.. I've got a load of unused Diamondbrite I'm going to apply to the paintwork.. I'll then take some snaps for you all to see!

[Mitchen]

Guys how do i upload images on this site?

[Grrrmachine]

Have a read:

http://www.e30zone.net/modules.php?name ... c&t=167500

[Mitchen]

Here she is...

[jimbom30cab]

Very nice indeed, well done that looks a good un

[G-Bear]

Looks tidy.. never seen a two tone dash before..

[TPS]

Thats lovely

[JF008]

Very tidy indeed!

[DanThe]

Looks tidy.. never seen a two tone dash before..

They are rare, nearly as rare as a full Grey dash and trim!

[G-Bear]

Looks tidy.. never seen a two tone dash before..

They are rare, nearly as rare as a full Grey dash and trim!

I did just notice the M42 touring in the for sale section has a two tone interior. I'm colour blind so I never pick up on stuff like that straight away..

[Morat]

Lovely looking E30!
You might want to get the rear subframe bushes checked out. When they go you end up with that "driving on ice" feeling and a bit of a drop at the back which yours also seems to have. It's a notorious DIY but £250-300 from a decent Indy that knows what they're doing. Use original rubber replacements and you should be good for years.
You won't recognise the handling once they're sorted

[Mitchen]

Lovely looking E30!
You might want to get the rear subframe bushes checked out.

Ha it's funny you should say that, because when I first got it, I got it checked over by a local indy in hounslow, and that was the first thing that needed replacing! I think the springs at the back need replacing tbh.. next on the list.

Wish I was like you guys who do all your own work! I've never messed with mechanics before so these things cost a few bob when I get them fixed.

[G-Bear]

Wish I was like you guys who do all your own work! I've never messed with mechanics before so these things cost a few bob when I get them fixed.

Just keep on reading the posts that come in, do searches relevant to your needs and use the wiki pages.

Reading up on other peoples projects and knowledge on here is great inspiration.

I've tackled everything on my car over the last two years now and at the start wouldn't have thought I could do any of it.

You'll be surprised..

[timmzey]

Edited for privacy