Newbie considering soft top E30

Post Fri Aug 25, 2017 3:49 pm

Hi all, I'm hankering after an "interesting" (subjective I know), fun but usable car for social use (seeing friends, mtbing, camping). I've had a MX5 and a Smart Roadster but need something with more luggage capacity and a less tiring drive on motorways. I drive new cars at work and both those were getting tiring, albeit fun.

So my question is might an E30 soft top fit the bill?

Is it quiet enough at speed, good-handling enough? Not bothered re a Baur vs BMW, tho I hear former are write offs of the cage rusts.

Seems £5K will get an ok one? Does mpg get above 30?

Post Fri Aug 25, 2017 6:46 pm

Is it quiet enough at speed, good-handling enough? err no! But a Hardtop helps with these.
Strut brace helps a bit also.

Dunno about 4 pots but I would be surprised if my 320i Cabrio does 30MPG.
My 325i 4 door does 25MPG according to OBC. Cabs have shorter gearing
which hurts MPG I guess.

But I love my Cabrio, you will get loads of attention! Luggage space and rear seats
are reduced due to hood stowage. Best of all I only paid £1600 for her!
5K should get you a minter, just avoid Dealers out to make a quick buck!

Post Fri Aug 25, 2017 6:53 pm

A typical 320i/325i will return around 26 mpg on average, though you can get them up to around 30 mpg by fitting either a Mild chip or a Miller MAF kit.

Post Fri Aug 25, 2017 8:06 pm

Cheers, I guess I'd have to drive one.

Are the rear seats usable?

Post Fri Aug 25, 2017 8:23 pm

cynic-al wrote:Cheers, I guess I'd have to drive one.

Are the rear seats usable?

Yes but remember its a 4 seater and the only person that ever looked good in the back of a cabriolet was Hitler.

You'll be lucky to get anywhere close to 30mpg, they are a heavy wallowing barge but are nice to drive, where are you based as you should sort out a passenger ride in one.

Post Fri Aug 25, 2017 11:23 pm

Cheers, I'd read the STD car is a good drive and 1 ton, so the cabriolet gets heavier and flexier (maybe less so for Baur?)

I've added my.location to my profile in case anyone is game to give me a spin...

Post Sat Aug 26, 2017 9:49 am

SexyLady wrote: ...the only person that ever looked good in the back of a cabriolet was Hitler.