In the comming months i will be purchasing my first e30, i have decided that i want to go for a cab but i am unsure of what engine to go for.
Do any of you guys/gals know of a good web site i can find the mpg expected, 0-60 times etc for the different engies on the cab?
The car will be a third car and used mainly at weekends so low fuel consumpsion is not really that big a deal.
I will have about 4k to spend and really want a tech 2 kit on it. Do you think i will get a decent e30 cab for this cash?
Must say i am leaning towards the 325I but will i get a good one for that cash?
Hope to come to a few meets when i have found what i am looking for and looking forward to learning the power of sideways action.
Assistance required in choosing my cab engine size.
Moderator: martauto
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chip-3door
- E30 Zone Regular

- Posts: 424
- Joined: Wed Oct 26, 2005 11:00 pm
325 IMHO
Its the perfect combination of having a bit of pace, but due to the low output per litre, still being a good lazy cruiser.
Its the perfect combination of having a bit of pace, but due to the low output per litre, still being a good lazy cruiser.

3rd car!!! Lucky bugger
Definetly make it a 325, especially if you don't care about fuel consumption. I get about 22mpg from my 325 cab and although in modern terms that is terrible - who cares!!! The book says a 325 cab auto will hit 60 in 10.1secs, a manual about 8.9 innit? So they aint that fast [I've never driven a 318 or 320 but I imagine them to be a little frustrating if, like me, you like some kind of umph?] When you get over 4k revs though they feel fast enough and the sound is wicked.
Im sure Ԛ£4k will get you a good one - though other people here will give you good advise regarding price. Not sure about an Mtech2 kitted one though [as this would make it a Motorsport cab and they cost a bunch more], unless you can find a retro fitted cab? I'd just get the best possible example you can get for your Ԛ£4k, Mtech2 fitted or not, and enjoy the coming summer.
Definetly make it a 325, especially if you don't care about fuel consumption. I get about 22mpg from my 325 cab and although in modern terms that is terrible - who cares!!! The book says a 325 cab auto will hit 60 in 10.1secs, a manual about 8.9 innit? So they aint that fast [I've never driven a 318 or 320 but I imagine them to be a little frustrating if, like me, you like some kind of umph?] When you get over 4k revs though they feel fast enough and the sound is wicked.
Im sure Ԛ£4k will get you a good one - though other people here will give you good advise regarding price. Not sure about an Mtech2 kitted one though [as this would make it a Motorsport cab and they cost a bunch more], unless you can find a retro fitted cab? I'd just get the best possible example you can get for your Ԛ£4k, Mtech2 fitted or not, and enjoy the coming summer.

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Ziggy
- E30 Zone Team Member

- Posts: 11534
- Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2005 11:00 pm
- Location: floating round my tin can...
4k will get you a nice 325i cab easily - especially if you buy it now (crap weather prices!). Not motorsport cab prices, but you can get normal cabs with the kit - there was one in the for sale section recently for 3k - not sure if it's sold?
Definately get a 2.5 unless you really are happy just to cruise everywhere... None of them are 'fast' compared to modern cars, but the 325's got enough to be fun
Definately get a 2.5 unless you really are happy just to cruise everywhere... None of them are 'fast' compared to modern cars, but the 325's got enough to be fun
E30 in need of wiring loom smoke since April '11...
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Ziggy
- E30 Zone Team Member

- Posts: 11534
- Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2005 11:00 pm
- Location: floating round my tin can...
http://www.e30zone.co.uk/modules.php?na ... ic&t=30517 
Prices are gonna start going up in the very near future when the sun comes out - I'd start looking now...
& the book figures for 0-60 are typically (for BMW) conservative - I'd expect at least a second quicker than they say
(last time I tried to test mine I broke an engine mount, really should get round to it again!)
My MPG is about 23 on the daily commute & 30ish if I take it relatively easy on a run. Strangely, the LPG kit that's in my garage hasn't improved things yet
Prices are gonna start going up in the very near future when the sun comes out - I'd start looking now...
& the book figures for 0-60 are typically (for BMW) conservative - I'd expect at least a second quicker than they say
My MPG is about 23 on the daily commute & 30ish if I take it relatively easy on a run. Strangely, the LPG kit that's in my garage hasn't improved things yet
E30 in need of wiring loom smoke since April '11...
i'd get a 325i no question. Ideal engine for the car as the cab is slightly heavier than your normal 2 door, so you need that extra power to cruise along with. Avoid the 320i as there just a lazy lump and you'll get the same amount of MPG. Lowest MPG i get is 17mpg in town, i do a lot of short journeys, but on a long run I've had 27-28mpg and that wasn't sticking to the 70mph speed limit! There's loads of cabs with fitted mtech2 kits. Main thing to watch out for, condition of the hood and engine. There expensive when either is not in good nick.





