318i Convertible Low mileage keeper

[ChrisE318]

Thought I’d share my E30 story with some like minded folks.

I’ve had a soft spot for E30s since I was a teenager getting into motoring. Having never actually scratched the itch, when this local car came up for sale I had to go and have a look!

Turns out the car was better than I had imagined and the seller genuine. It had been purchased by a couple who lived in the next village to where I grew up, so I couldn’t resist the temptation and a deal was struck.

Since purchasing (August ‘19) it’s had a full inspection 2 service, cam belt and water pump, professional paint correction and a few other bits. It still needs a few bits sorting. I’d like to Schulz the sills to the standard black, remove the seats and clean and lubricate the runners and sort out a frustrating misfire.

I’ll post some pictures now and add some bits as I go along.

[martauto]

Great looking car you have there mate, fire up as many pics as you like, we all like to see e30`s
(Is that a great view from the garden ?)

Mart.

[ocde30]

Fantastic looking car and a good find! I agree the sills would look better black as original but no denying that's a good looking straight machine. As Mart says....more pictures around the car please. Describe this misfire a bit more - advice may come forward and that will help others with any similar issues.

[ocde30]

Oh and another thing. ...has it really only done 11,000 miles??

[coopman]

Looks really nice. How's the interior?

[ChrisE318]

Oh and another thing. ...has it really only done 11,000 miles??

Sadly not, the Speedo was changed at 26k, this was done at the dealer and all the paperwork and original clock are present with the car. So it’s done around 37k!

[ChrisE318]

Looks really nice. How's the interior?

I’ll attach some pictures.

[coopman]

It looks barely used.

[Tzantushka]

On behalf of the convertible fan club - Agree it looks very fresh.

IMHO - a nice upgrade would be to switch out the 4 spoke bus steering wheel for a 3 spoke sport one or Mtech II if budget allows.

[HenryM3]

What a find, just over 1k a year. It can’t get any better. Hope you enjoy.

[ChrisE318]

Great looking car you have there mate, fire up as many pics as you like, we all like to see e30`s
(Is that a great view from the garden ?)

Mart.

Thanks, yes that’s the view from our garden (which takes up more time than the car!)

[ChrisE318]

Fantastic looking car and a good find! I agree the sills would look better black as original but no denying that's a good looking straight machine. As Mart says....more pictures around the car please. Describe this misfire a bit more - advice may come forward and that will help others with any similar issues.

Thanks for the positive comments.
The misfire seems to have developed since the service (done at a BMW specialist who trained on these, so I’m sure this is a coincidence rather than the cause!), it’s had a new distributor and rotor arm, new HT leads, spark plugs, coil pack resistance test in spec. idle control and air flow meter cleaned. I’m getting a bit stumped now so any suggestions gratefully received.

[ocde30]

Fantastic looking car and a good find! I agree the sills would look better black as original but no denying that's a good looking straight machine. As Mart says....more pictures around the car please. Describe this misfire a bit more - advice may come forward and that will help others with any similar issues.

Thanks for the positive comments.
The misfire seems to have developed since the service (done at a BMW specialist who trained on these, so I’m sure this is a coincidence rather than the cause!), it’s had a new distributor and rotor arm, new HT leads, spark plugs, coil pack resistance test in spec. idle control and air flow meter cleaned. I’m getting a bit stumped now so any suggestions gratefully received.

I'm curious. Is this misfire when under load when accelerating or is it more of a hesitation when on very light throttle to no throttle ? You seem to have changed the more obvious electrical items. It will be interesting to hear what our experts have to say?

[ChrisE318]

A couple of jobs started this week. Front seats removed to clean the carpet and seats.

Wheels removed and sent for powder coating.

Callipers removed - now to find somewhere to refurbish them to oe finish.

Spark plugs changed and old fuel drained in an attempt to sort the misfire.

[HenryM3]

Even after all these years there are still gems to be found. Enjoy.