Expansion yes/no

[Patm3]

I am not a MOD as you will probably all know and this is not my personal view even though i have my own opinion, sorry if this is a repost and it is not my intention to upset anyone especially the MODs. Had a conversation with a couple of people over the weekend at a meet who own BMWs like E36, E21, E30, M5, M3, B10 etc. even though it was a small local meet all of them have visited the zone in the past but never had nothing nice to say, which i was kind of shocked about.

The zone was slated for being E30s only, not being able to post pictures of other makes of BMWs, people posting bitchy comments, non supportive and so on. One guy said he logged on to get some info and was slated from the off and then the post was closed, because he did not own an E30.

I said to them i will put a pole up and propose the questions they asked me, and if they log on they will see the results.

1) do you think that other makes and models of BMWs should be allowed on the zone?

2) do you think it would be helpful to some zoners who wish to do conversions being able to talk to people on this zone, who own other makes and models of BMWs, without having to visit other sites?
(example e36 m3 interior, e36 m3 engine into an E30)

[jamo]

If people happen to own other cars, fair enough, as long as the posts are e30 related surely it shouldn't matter what car you own? What happens if you own an e30 and for what ever reason you change to a non e30 for a while, does that mean you are banned from the site? I say other cars are fine, as long as the topics are all about e30's and as long as you don't have threads about can you fit a cossie engine into my mum's nova etc etc. Some of you may disagree, buts its only my opinion.....

[nav786]

i voted no.

because i think it is good they way it is, ive been on other forums and it is a nightmare trying to find what you want cos there is so much other talk going on. if we did e36,e46,e34 etc there just would be things everywhere, especially in for sale section.

on other sites when you looking for something for sale it takes you time picking out the post that are relevant, whereas there all about e30's so its easier.

also there is plenty of talk on parts of other bmw's or other cars being used on e30's cos its e30 related. there is lots of info on conversions from other models on the forum.

and finally for any of us that need to talk about other cars we have the pub talk.

IMO i think its good the way it is. i am lazy and dont wanna make the effort to rummage threw loads of topics to find an e30 related one.

[Patm3]

my answer is a maybe, as i understand what some of them were saying especially when it came to the slating, but i agree with nav about having to much pages to go through. The only thing is i know loads of people who have parts for sale like e34 M5 engines, e36 m3 INTERIORS AND ENGINES, but people like us zoners who want to do conversions will miss out on these things, as no one will post them up as they think they are not allowed.

[fuzzy]

im with nav786 on this.if you allow other non e30 stuff,where do you draw the line? all bmw's? i notice one about a toyota corolla.there is already general bmw sites and sites for specific models.i say keep it as it is.the only people i see getting slated are the ones that come on asking stupid questions or coming on with attitude

[Simon]

One of the purposes of a forum is an information bank, it's great for reading back through the pages to find lots of useful information, this is the purpose of the tech section, chat section etc, if someone wants to come on and show of they're non E30, then they are more than welcome, but just stick the post in the appropriate section.

As for items for sale, then as has been said, where would you draw the line, it would be difficult, and cause arguments, if we opened the gates, we'd have all sorts for sale, mobiles, computers, cats, dogs you name it!

I do think the addition of a Other cars section would be a worthwile addition, where E30 owners/enthusiats could chat about they're other cars, I'm hoping to be a quattro owner in the near future, and the quattro forums are so quiet compared to this one!!

[dark_sounds]

since ive joined, i havnt had a bad experience at all.. everyone been supportive, i had a mk2 golf,, searching for information as to whether to change over,, and tbh i have found this forum one of the most friendliest ive been on,, and ive been on ALOT. lol been to two meets already, and enjoy it a great deal.

ive seen the posts you are talking about, often enough clash of arrogance comes into play. or someone who cant accept critism, probably because whatever he done cost alot of money and he is emotionally distraught.

i joined the zone instead of other forums because i wanted to be around like minded people. ie all of us hav a love for the e30 shape. sure e36, e46 can outperform, sometimes, but the shape and styling, for example inviting in some e36 fellas, there ideas of styling will be compleatly different, as i saw at ACE's lambo doors, lexus lights, some more suttle, but its not a "classic" shape hence is not treated likewise.

i have nothing against people coming on with ownership of other bmws, looking for info, or just joiining in discussion, though keep it e30 as otherwise it will constantly go off topic,,, and fireworks will go... as long as they come in respecting views and comments, and they are also friendly then theres nothing wrong with a bit of friendly banter, but storming in demanding quick answers for problems not e30 related. well thats what other forums are for...

i have nothing but postitive from my experience so far. have traded with zone members, people pm me when i have a problem or they can lend a helping hand. even on the sight of me selling and getting ripped off ill get a friendly pm saying uve underpriced/overpriced...

ive had more general conversations via pm then any other forum ive been on. i tihnk your mates should re evaluate their view by having a good read, and just having mutual respect and joining in. no one dislikes a nice guy.

[dark_sounds]

alturnativly we could take a leaf out of these guys book::

www.edition38.com

the forum caters for everyone, and it works well though the for sale section is a bit annoying...

[Widge]

Well No it's the E30 zone.
However I do see why people say that.
I think it would be acceptable if it was a forum for BMW models E30 and older. And only E36 and onward stuff for transplants etc.. but that would be difficult to police.
So I voted No, as it is the zone is small enough that you can just about remember who is who and it is a real community, but bigenough that somone usually has the part you want or can answer a question.
However I have no problems with people who have or have had E30's posting ect.

[Adammcf]

I have always thought it has been a little too strict on here when it comes to what people can talk about etc.
Another forum for non E30 car talk would be nice so that other people could come on and not get told to piss off just because they dont own an E30 which to be honest is just childish.

[Dan318-is]

i dont think it is so much talking about cars but asking questions about technical issues and other vehicles

imagine if it was a free for all beemers? it wudnt be E30zone would it? the forums would get clogegd an the information base would be impossible to use

this forum is so easy to navigate compared to most i think its alrite like it is

[Jimbob]

I have always thought it has been a little too strict on here when it comes to what people can talk about etc.
Another forum for non E30 car talk would be nice so that other people could come on and not get told to piss off just because they dont own an E30 which to be honest is just childish.

I've never had a problem with owners of other cars saying "Hi" in Pub Talk, like the current 'pics of your non-e30's' thread is going quite well.


If all BMW's were catered for here in the main section (Tech etc) then the site name would then become confusing for new people.

For all BMW's I suggest to use BMWCC forum, I quite like it for when I want to see other BMW's which aren't E30 specific.

[Simon13]

This place was set up for E30's only! And as we can see it's busy enough as it is. We have a section to talk other stuff.

Maybe these people like this place alot and are jealous because the other forums for their cars are pants?

It would be a real downer as it would cause alot more arguments i feel. People taking the p!ss out of E36's etc

[HartgeH27]

Firstly this is an open forum and you have posed a fair question which I am sure will not upset anyone at all Ԛ—a debate is good.

[quote="bajandaan"]. Had a conversation with a couple of people over the weekend at a meet who own BMWs like E36, E21, E30, M5, M3, B10 etc. even though it was a small local meet all of them have visited the zone in the past but never had nothing nice to say, which i was kind of shocked about.

I am at a loss as to why E36 or whatever marque should be disappointed by the lack of non-E30 content. I wouldnÔš't go shopping for a Porsche at a Vauxhall garage lol.

[quote="bajandaan"]. The zone was slated for being E30s only, not being able to post pictures of other makes of BMWs

The Zone does cater for non-E30 cars within the Pub section which is a bit of a mis-noma and perhaps a section named Other Cars or something similar could be considered.

[quote="bajandaan"], people posting bitchy comments, non supportive and so on.


My personal and moderator opinion is that the Zone is a very very supportive forum and I am sure others will testify and agree to this. Support offered covers everything from technical advice, sympathetic support when things go wrong with a members car or life to good old humorous support when things arenÔš't so bright.

[quote="bajandaan"]. One guy said he logged on to get some info and was slated from the off and then the post was closed, because he did not own an E30.

As previously posted, no one coming on the Zone will get slated unless they come with attitude or contention. Yes we get contentious posters but they only get back what they give out. If a post gets unwarranted slating or goes way off topic, then we the moderators step in and get things back on track, Ok we get occasionally get things wrong but hey show me a perfect person etc Ԛ…Ԛ…Ԛ…..


Fair debate and a good poll !!!!!



Iain

[d6dph]

i voted no, this forum is an amazing source of technical data and has a great community spirit. if someone is feeling down, or has fallen on hard times, there is always someone who is willing to lend an ear.

i think by adding in more models into the mix, i think you loose some of the "bond" we all have. we are all here because we love e30's.

maybe its not my place to be commenting as i havent been a member for long but hey, thats freedom of speach!

[Patm3]

I understand everything said, and these are not all my mates, like you said it could be jealousy or some other reason, but i told them i would do a poll and it does not seem like any of them have bothered to log on to comment.

the only thing like i said which would be a good thing would be a section only for non E30 parts, like interior or engines for sale from, e36 m3, e34 m5, for those who want to add that extra bhp and torque to there E30. My main reason for this is i come across a lot of these parts now and again at cheap prices but dont know whether to put them in the for sale section or not.

Example: I have a mate braking an E36 M3, 3.0 litre engine, front and rear axle, 5 stud Wheels, Vader Seats (sold), M3 Mirrors, all these parts above have been used on E30s on this zone, how would he advertise these items on here "E36 M3 Parts For Sale to Fit E30" if yes, then he will be a happy man.

By the way Love the zone

[bigkev]

as the name suggests it is the E30 zone so if i REALLY want to find and M3 motor with interior or anything else non E30 related i will make the effort to go onto other sites to find the parts i need so i dont think its a case of any of us missing out on parts for sale,although saying that i would'nt oppose a non E30 related section at all and will always give advice and help if i can

[woodysjw]

Ive Voted no as It is the E30Zone and the 1 thing we all have in common
which what makes this site work and the place that it is, is the fact we
all own/or have an interest in E30's

[Geeman]

Keep it E30. There's plenty of other sites dedicated to other BMW marques to glean info from if you need it.

I don't ask questions about my E28's (okay, I do, but only engine related questions as it's still an M20), and I wouldn't expect to find info about an E36 when the name of this website says E30 in it's title.

Keep it small, and it'll be the best kept site in the WORLD!

I struggle to see any of the faults with the Zone that so many other people see. Maybe I should go to SpecSavers... or just maybe, people take this site, it's varied users, and it's different outlooks far too seriously.

I still maintain that the E30Zone is by far the best site around for what I'm looking for. I never expected to make friends on here, just wanted to get the info I needed... but I HAVE made friends, and not bad ones at that.

Carlsberg don't make websites, but if they did, it'd probably be the best website in the World...

[Simon13]

here here! there are loads of heros on here.

I've made sooooo many friends on here all up for the crack!

Remember those nobbas handing the fliers out for bimmerflex at ace for months! from the e36 massive. They are a different kind of peron in general.

It's surprising how your car says what u are like.

With the newer cars it's alot more cheque book modding, but on here most get stuck in themselves on anything they can

[dark_sounds]

It's surprising how your car says what u are like.

With the newer cars it's alot more cheque book modding, but on here most get stuck in themselves on anything they can

i compleatly agree simon! like i said, saw a e36 with lambo doors, lexus lights and people actually gathered round to look at it!

i love old cars cos i can do most things myself, i have had both old and new,, had my fair share of a modern engine, and was too complicated to work on myself,,, got a mk2 golf and rebuilt the top end

e30 is the best of both worlds... old skool cool, with the looks and engine, but the comfort of modern cars! my one (rest in peace) felt better to drive then my 99 polo. and looked cooler then my mk2 golf!

simply the best!

[Simon13]

Bmw deliberatley designed the E30 to look distinctive, rather than keeping pace with other car manufacturers and going more aerodynamic to get the drag factor down. So i read in my book!

U can spot/hear one a mile off, i can especially 6 pots!

They look more retro i'd say now

[dark_sounds]

retro/vintage.... though most girls dont understand this, they tend to like guys who wear retro/vintage instead of drive retro/vintage.

[Simon13]

My girlfriend has endured E30 ownership as long as i have been with her. Bought my 318i and started seeing her at the same time. Poor thing! She has had to endure 4 of the f**kers. Plus i now have 2, much to her disapproval (sp) no.5 could being coming and her interest is wanning. Shame cos the E30's keep getting better as i go! Well faster thats all

[316eyes]

I understand everything said, and these are not all my mates, like you said it could be jealousy or some other reason, but i told them i would do a poll and it does not seem like any of them have bothered to log on to comment.

the only thing like i said which would be a good thing would be a section only for non E30 parts, like interior or engines for sale from, e36 m3, e34 m5, for those who want to add that extra bhp and torque to there E30. My main reason for this is i come across a lot of these parts now and again at cheap prices but dont know whether to put them in the for sale section or not.

Example: I have a mate braking an E36 M3, 3.0 litre engine, front and rear axle, 5 stud Wheels, Vader Seats (sold), M3 Mirrors, all these parts above have been used on E30s on this zone, how would he advertise these items on here "E36 M3 Parts For Sale to Fit E30" if yes, then he will be a happy man.

By the way Love the zone

Surely, if you've got something to sell that will fit an e30, then it's e30 related and I don't see a problem with that.

The for sale ads have always had non e30 items for sale; there is a set of Ronal wheels on now. Not e30, but they will fit. How many times have E36 racks been sold or the conversion been discussed in the forum. Even the zone shop sells MOMO steering wheels!!!!!!!!
So that particular criticism is a little unfair.

What I don't want to have to do is wade through endless posts that have nothing to do with my cars. With the recent increase in membership it takes long enough now to keep up.

What makes the zone special and successful is that it is THE E30 ZONE!!!!!!!!

As for people getting slagged off, if your acquaintances logged on when all the arguing was going on, I take their point, but common sense prevailed, the idiots gave up, and the zone is more or less back to what it was.

IF IT AIN'T BROKE, DON'T FIX IT.

[Patm3]

no what i am trying to say is that they would rather approach me to put the items on and say "no its alright you put it up for me, i have heard about that zone" then i say what have you heard, then the stories of slating and not liking other bmws or cars if they are not E30s start, so my comment is not unfair its what i have been told.

I dont care either way this zone has helped me alot, and i have sold some of my own stuff on here, and made some good friends, but the hassle i go through to sell items that i dont even make a penny on, is unreal and its time consuming. i just want a green light to tell them, "look just log on, and sell your stuff, if you think somebody with an e30 would want this item" i just dont want them coming back to me saying, i wont do that again.

the poll results are saying it all so if they log on they will see the outcome and a lot of explanation as to why its the E30 zone.

[Andy335Touring]

I think people can get a little E30 blinkered on here which is fair enough as it's for E30's but people who are interested in E30s but don't own one can get a bit of a rude/unwelcomming response some times.This response is justified some times due to the odd knob newbie joining up.

I like most things BMW and would welcome a Non-E30 section of the forum ?

I can't see a problem with non-E30 parts for sale so long as they can be fitted to an E30 like engine swaps/E36 suspension/wheels/ETC ?

Reading some other forums the Zone hasn't got the best reputation but as in society it's only a very small minority of posts/users that let the side down.

[Brianmoooore]

As far as I know, there's no requirement to actually own an E30 to join the zone, and I have no problem with people posting parts for sale that are commonly used in E30 conversions, such as the E36 M3 engine and box.
There is a line that will be drawn though, at the discression of the mods.
E36 M3 engine and box for sale is OK, E36 M3 for sale is not.

[Kos]

here is my bit now,

its an e30 related forum, and there are forums for other bm's so i'd like to keep it this way.

i dont mind anoter section for cars for sale which could be of interest for zoners(possibly an ice section for sale?), as far as parts for sale goes, i've seen lots of non e30 parts for sale but the can be used in/on an e30 with out any probs eg my turbo set up, e36 engines interiors etc so there is no issue with that.

i dont think we are stuck up and anti other bmw modles as a few of us have other types of bmw's myself included.

it could jealousy as simon13 said, or maybe be just be envy as our forum is pretty good and others are crap but this just highlights the popularity of e30's on its own. we are possibly too big and busy for ourselves at times with 50 new thred a day at times on tech question and e30 chat with out having other bmw's being mentioned and tech questions etc

kos

[320Touring]

cheers for bringing this up bajandaan!

As far as I can see, the e30zone is friendly to ALL of the BMW fold. I for one have an e34 and e32 (5 and 7 series) as do several owners on here.

Infact, many members are merely looking for info on buying an e30, and may own vauxhalls/fords etc-thats is no issue here

to answer the questions you posed

1) do you think that other makes and models of BMWs should be allowed on the zone?

Not to any further extent than at present-we have adequate provision for displaying other cars (even non BMW) within the pub talk section (witness the recent discussion on the Lotus Carlton)

2) do you think it would be helpful to some zoners who wish to do conversions being able to talk to people on this zone, who own other makes and models of BMWs, without having to visit other sites?
(example e36 m3 interior, e36 m3 engine into an E30)

I think that if you spend 5 minutes in either the Tech Help or Engine Swap forum's you will find articles relating to the above examples! At the e30zone- we WHOLEHARTEDY encourage people to enjoy their e30's, and try to offer support and information wherever possible. I personally couldnt care less if you painted your e30 pink and fitted a landrover 2.25 diesel engine- as long as another e30 survives, thats fine by me.

As for new members recieving a harsh treatment- The vast majority of new members recieve a very warm welcome, if any "bitchieness" exists, I think you will find it is oft initiated by the new member, due to a less than convivial attitude.

Hope this helps to answer the issues raised,

thanks

Neil P

[N4SBM]

i voted No because it will make things too messy as newer models do apreciate their bmw's as we do..

PS: dont mean to offend anyone..

[hammoj28]

Dont mind other people who own bmw's coming on but as long as the site stays dedicated to e30's and the posts being e30 related then thats ok. Dont like the idea of it being related to all bmw's. There are other forums for that. I like the zone as it is.

[JoeP]

I really can't see their problem, what did they expect from the 'E30 Zone'?
If people choose to drive E36 chav wrongness that's their prerogative but there's no need to pollute the zone with it.

[Ant]

personally, the e36 massive already have an excellent forum base so are in effect well catered for already

I'd not be opposed to a section for E3- E28 including the e21 as they are not so well catered, however, as has been stated we are the E30zone and make no bones abaout the focus of this site and forum.

lets see what the poll results are

[DemonDaz]

NOt long after this site was started, I bought an e36 convetible. Having spoken with Steve, I started to setup e36zone.co.uk. Unfortunately I haven't had time to continue with this, but if anyone wanted to, is there any reason why we couldn't have an affiliated e??zone.co.uk?