So how many 'un-molested' E30's are there...

[Jim320i]

One for the diddler!

This was taken around the time the were inspected with an endoscope and thoroughly waxoiled.

When you say no rust, do you refer to festering holes or light scabs too? I am 100% certain I could find rust on any e30 that gets used regularly as well as in the rain

[Chris_B86]

Mine has been welded and painted by previous owners. It was unmodified though. I've since bought different wheels and suspension setup for it though

[hennabm]

I've got one near both extremes.

The good one has had some paint done - nearly 23 years ago now and no welding. Any rust showing on the pads and the proper jacking points was dealt with when it was 4/5 yrs old - ie when I first got it.
This is unmodified and still has its original (working) radio

The 320 has had welding & paint and ongoing maintenance on the bodywork just to keep it going. Mind you for a £70 investment 7 years ago I'm not complaining.
It has various mods including and Eibach ARB F&R, SS exhaust, K&N intake and 325TB mod.

[Gavla]

Up to date mine has not been painted or welded....

Unfortunately it will be in a month or two...

[bss325i]

Its had 6 winters since then Baz

And that ARB bracket looks scabby - oh the horror

Get it garaged !

Its seen two winters since then, '07-'08 and '08-'09. Every other winter since its been in the garaged SORN'd. And as i said, around the time that pic was taken they were inspected, cleaned and waxoiled.

That ARB bracket has since been replaced with a new one when the roll bars were replaced for eibachs.

When you say no rust, do you refer to festering holes or light scabs too? I am 100% certain I could find rust on any e30 that gets used regularly as well as in the rain

I mean light festering holes or light scabs on the body work.

Sure there is some surface rust on the suspension and brakes but other than the two areas i have mentioned ie the couple of paint bubbles on the rear arch and the rear panel to battery tray spilt seam there is none.

Trust me i have inspected every inch the car and it has been completely apart before.

Mine doesnt get used regularly, thats the thing jim.


There seems to be some "zone" misconception that ALL E30's are rusty when they are simply not! There are some out there but they are getting rarer.

I wonder if it will get to the stage where people start importing shells or complete cars from drier climates like they do with other classic like E types and early VW scrap?

[stew72]

My cabby hasn't been welded or painted and only the stereo has been changed.

Thats going to change over the next few months though, time for a light winter spruce up.

[mark_i]

1990 318iS: still all original... will be bringing back to UK

[Jozi]

Mines unmolested

[ItNothingWithoutATurbo]

depends who does the welding gert, a welded joint isnt necessarily a weaker point than the original steel

but a weld either too strong or too weak can effect how a crumple zone is ment to work....

[Morat]

Did the E30 have much in the way of crumple zones? The chassis rails at the front maybe?

[daimlerman]

Did the E30 have much in the way of crumple zones? The chassis rails at the front maybe?

When the things were new and valuable they were often rebuilt from the bulkhead forward...we have all seen the unfortunate photo's of strut tops fouling battery trays and fuseboxes in more recent years.

Rear end,the shell seems to fold at the rear arches and side impact usually kinks the roof...

So by now,it does seem that most E30's are a bit like Trigger's broom,but as long as the repair/restoration is done to a decent standard all should be well.
After all,look at the silly prices being asked for rusty Mk1/2 Escort shells!