Hello from Philly – looking for my first E30!

[pseudodennis]

New member here from the Philadelphia area — excited to finally join!

I'm hoping to acquire my first E30 within the next year and looking forward to learning from this community as I start my search.

Also - I joined the R3V Facebook group as well. What would you say are the main differences between that group and this one? Would it be frowned upon to post a question in both places?

So, hello - happy to be here!

[JasonWilson48]

Go buy this frankenstein of an E30. Honestly one of the crazier engine swaps I've seen.

https://www.facebook.com/share/1Av8mbb1rC/

[BadDays]

Welcome to the forums!

If you're looking for a E30 to start your journey and make new friends along the way, Here's a few tips and common things to know about to help your search out:

Early Models are 1984-1987 for US Spec Cars while 88-91 are late models, Europe has 83-93 but since you're from Philly, you don't need to worry about european models like the 316, 320i, 324td Etc. Here in the US you'll find the 325e and 318i that ranged from 84-87, It's up to your preference on what model and year that you want. Everyone has their taste but I'll give a quick brief for early models.

Starting off with the 318i, This model ranged from 1984-1985 and featured the legendary M10 engine that saw it's mark on the 1600, 2002, However the M10 found in E21 and the E30's came with 1.8L of slow and yet peppy power in stock form for you to go around, With a strong reliable engine block and aluminum cylinder head. This model is the base model because there isn't an OBC and special equipment found in the 325e. The 318i has L Jetronic Fuel Injection and a Getrag 260 5 Speed Transmission, Automatics are shamed upon most people and equipping the M10 with an automatic makes it slower than a super beetle. Though Modifications include turbocharging, ITB's, Dual Carbs and standalones if you're seeking to spice up the 4 cylinder. NOTE that the M10 can be fully built along with the chassis as this model only weighs 2400 pounds, The engine was proven in F1 so it's ideal for a quick street car but if you're looking for a reliable E30 from the early years. This is a solid choice.

The 325e is the economy version of the 325i. It ran from 1984-1987 with minor changes to the body vs the 318i, This model features the M20B27 which this engine has two things that are different from a late model 325i. One is that the stroke of the crankshaft was changed so that the engine has a lower redline but it gives you better MPG and it doesn't ask for much in terms of power, Two is that the engine was never meant to be modified in any signifiant way unless major things have been done to it. If you wish to choose a 325e for an early model, You'll get all of the bells and whistles with this model including a On-Board-Computer, Overhead check panel, Power Windows as standard (318i had it as optional which my car had them originally) and Cruise Control, This model is basically meant for you to be daily driven, Modifications for this model only means that you can swap a "885" cylinder head onto the block and modify the engine to be a stroker, While I am not an expert on this model, I find that I can only cover the Early Models because I know them a lot more than the late models.


However if you're seeking for more. Feel free to ask us! We won't bite ; )

[BadDays]

Also one thing to note: The 325es is a special model that came with sport suspension, front airdam bumper that is nicknamed "Cow Catcher" and you get a sporty interior with seats and leather if you're lucky. Hope this helps.

[patrick88m3]

Go buy this frankenstein of an E30. Honestly one of the crazier engine swaps I've seen.

https://www.facebook.com/share/1Av8mbb1rC/

that's awesome. I need it.

[2mAn]

R3V facebook is a sh!thole and you'll likely get everyone trying to unload their sh!tboxes on you... here we will try to get you to buy other peoples' sh!tboxes (like above! lol)