Acquiring an E30 BMW

[WynandRoos]

The E30 BMW was the car of my dreams when I was in high school and now that I have the means, I would like to finally own one. The thing however is that I have absolutely 0 mechanical knowledge and can’t work on the car myself. I also don’t want to spend a fortune on one that is already perfectly restored. (I know I want the cake and eat it.)

My question is:
What size engine do you go for that will have future value but not driven moertoe already?
Is it easy to find spares and who would I use to work on my vehicle?

I saw this but it seems a lot for a 318?

https://www.autotrader.co.za/car-for-sale/bmw/3-series/318i/24878165

I also want a car that has not been modified or lied about being modified like this:


https://www.autotrader.co.za/car-for-sale/bmw/3-series/316i/25099285

No way that was the original exhaust.

Lastly I love the 325i but have been told that it will be taken from under my ass by “opportunists” - Is this true?

I look forward to your comments!


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[WynandRoos]

Well, that answers that question...

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[frs1]

Any E30 is a problem re stealing, you cant even go to the shops and leave it unatended. I drive mine sometimes to work and park it in a security area. Still an excelent BMW, just the situation in SA is the problem, there are not many well looked after E30 left.

 

[DoctorJ]

My e30 only leaves my garage on the odd occasion, I refuse to drive it to the shop.

Yes, it is now a garage queen, but I can't afford to lose it.

I will take it for the odd Sunday drive, and once a year to a car show.

 

[The Game]

My e30 only leaves my garage on the odd occasion, I refuse to drive it to the shop.

Yes, it is now a garage queen, but I can't afford to lose it.

I will take it for the odd Sunday drive, and once a year to a car show.

I agree I'm in the same boat

 

[e46monk3y]

Agree on above posts as I was involved in 2 hijackings with 2 different e30s...

I would suggest, perhaps getting a m10 318i (they're slightly lighter on fuel than the 6cylinders and cheaper to maintain) although relatively speaking of course.

Re the safety aspect I would say go to town on it, tracker, anti theft/anti hijack system and possibly a cut off switch some where where only you know it is...

These are notoriously high risk cars and awareness of your surroundings at all times is vital..

Unfortunately today's prices on these cars has gone crazy, there are a few gems around still but they're far and few between...

Ideally, I wouldn't daily a nice e30, maybe drive it on occasion but always be aware!

Good luck with the e30 search , that 318i looks very neat, try neg them down

 

[Fordkoppie]

They draw waay to much unwanted attention. Its horrible. I used to drive these as DD, but it just became too risky.

Pity, because they are such awesome little cars.

What a lovely country we have where you cant even enjoy your own stuff, which you have worked so hard to get.

 

[UpNcOmiNg!]

e30 is unfortunately quite a high risk car but the reward of owning one is just something else.
They are getting more and more beautiful as they age, but that being said, finding a trustworthy person to sort them out is becoming that much more difficult as well!
If you in JHB, you at least have Peter that side that can assist potentially.

I would look at pretty much anything really as far as engine size goes. The 318i is quite peppy but engine noise isn't great.
320i is an absolute donkey, especially with an Auto box.
325i has it all really.
It isn't quick by any stretch of the imagination, but it's a great car!
Also, they are great cars to learn your way around with regards to the mechanicals of vehicles. My first box taught me so damn much about cars and how to break and fix them Haha!

A surprising amount of parts are still available at the agents, some decently priced, others ridiculously priced. The nature of BMW.
Also, it is by no means a daily driver any longer unfortunately, just for that little weekend drive out, it is perfect!

 

[WynandRoos]

e30 is unfortunately quite a high risk car but the reward of owning one is just something else.
They are getting more and more beautiful as they age, but that being said, finding a trustworthy person to sort them out is becoming that much more difficult as well!
If you in JHB, you at least have Peter that side that can assist potentially.

I would look at pretty much anything really as far as engine size goes. The 318i is quite peppy but engine noise isn't great.
320i is an absolute donkey, especially with an Auto box.
325i has it all really.
It isn't quick by any stretch of the imagination, but it's a great car!
Also, they are great cars to learn your way around with regards to the mechanicals of vehicles. My first box taught me so damn much about cars and how to break and fix them Haha!

A surprising amount of parts are still available at the agents, some decently priced, others ridiculously priced. The nature of BMW.
Also, it is by no means a daily driver any longer unfortunately, just for that little weekend drive out, it is perfect!

That’s awesome feedback, thanks so much!


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[NtandoN]

You definitely want to own one of these cars and good luck with your search.
I can only speak for the 6 cylinder engine and it's a peach - can't get enough of that engine & exhaust note.
I've had mine for about a year now and my experience has been as follows;
1. I enjoy driving it more and more everyday.
2. Very reliable car (maybe I'm lucky).
3. I daily drove it for the better part of this year and no issues (added about 15,000km to it).
4. I'm no mechanic but this has been an easy car to work on, while doing preventative maintenance.
5. Mechanical parts are available from most autospares and dealerships.
6. Cosmetic/body parts are not easy to come by.
7. It does demand a lot of attention (but I have not felt threatened or at risk).
8. All different kinds of people want to make an offer.
9. I avoid driving it at night, for safety reasons.
10. All in all it is a high risk car and there are areas that I will not drive it to. But my thinking is, I want to enjoy it while I have it.

 

[DoctorJ]

The E30 BMW was the car of my dreams when I was in high school and now that I have the means, I would like to finally own one. The thing however is that I have absolutely 0 mechanical knowledge and can’t work on the car myself. I also don’t want to spend a fortune on one that is already perfectly restored. (I know I want the cake and eat it.)

My question is:
What size engine do you go for that will have future value but not driven moertoe already?
Is it easy to find spares and who would I use to work on my vehicle?

I saw this but it seems a lot for a 318?

https://www.autotrader.co.za/car-for-sale/bmw/3-series/318i/24878165

I also want a car that has not been modified or lied about being modified like this:


https://www.autotrader.co.za/car-for-sale/bmw/3-series/316i/25099285

No way that was the original exhaust.

Lastly I love the 325i but have been told that it will be taken from under my ass by “opportunists” - Is this true?

I look forward to your comments!


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The second link in your original post looks quite nice, apart from the fact that they call it a 316.

Unless they retro fitted absolutely everything, that is a 325i. Correct steering wheel, OBC, even the battery in the boot. Looks like it has the correct 195/65/14 wheels on (also 325i only). 325i had the twin exhaust come out at an angle like that.

 

[Jeremy.d]

You definitely want to own one of these cars and good luck with your search.
I can only speak for the 6 cylinder engine and it's a peach - can't get enough of that engine & exhaust note.
I've had mine for about a year now and my experience has been as follows;
1. I enjoy driving it more and more everyday.
2. Very reliable car (maybe I'm lucky).
3. I daily drove it for the better part of this year and no issues (added about 15,000km to it).
4. I'm no mechanic but this has been an easy car to work on, while doing preventative maintenance.
5. Mechanical parts are available from most autospares and dealerships.
6. Cosmetic/body parts are not easy to come by.
7. It does demand a lot of attention (but I have not felt threatened or at risk).
8. All different kinds of people want to make an offer.
9. I avoid driving it at night, for safety reasons.
10. All in all it is a high risk car and there are areas that I will not drive it to. But my thinking is, I want to enjoy it while I have it.

I agree with this. My dad, and then I have driven e30 daily for many years now, without issue. That said, I live in PMB, KZN, and the car is a relatively undesirable model.

I'd suggest you get a 325i if you can find one. They're expensive, and people will try to scan you...but do your research and find something nice. It'll be well worth the effort.
I found them relatively easy to work on, but if you have no knowledge of mechanical ability, then just work with a good mech who you trust and has worked on these cars before.
Hope you find what you're looking for.