Any way to tell if M-Tech was original to a car

[reelizmpro]

This is why we must specify the difference between M Tech appearance and M Technic convertibles. People toss around the term M Tech too loosely. The only thing M Tech about the white/black cabbies is the bodykit. Other than that, it is a regular 325i convertible as the badging suggests. Still a nice car with that kit though. I see them sell for between $3000-6000 for stock ones depending on condition.

[naplesE30]

Thanks for the great info guys as always r3v comes through.

[e30vert]

Mtech II verts will also have a leather wrapped center console and leather wrapped door panels and door cards with the Mtechnic upholstery pattern (which really looks to me like airline seating material). Since most people cannot distinguish between an Mtech II appearance and an Mtech II non appearance it really does not matter unless one plans to restore the car to its original factory OEM appearance. Then once it was restored it would only demand a higher price and only an enthusiast would fork over the extra dollars to own it as a collectable.

Since this forum is "generally" geared to modding and improving the e30 ( hardtops / verts ) well then it would seem to figure that one would have a tendency to modify an actual Mtech II car anyway. Thus nullifying any prospective gains in value related to a true Mtech II car in original condition.

So whats it matter -really?

[sixsixii]

Mtech II verts will also have a leather wrapped center console and leather wrapped door panels and door cards with the Mtechnic upholstery pattern (which really looks to me like airline seating material). Since most people cannot distinguish between an Mtech II appearance and an Mtech II non appearance it really does not matter unless one plans to restore the car to its original factory OEM appearance. Then once it was restored it would only demand a higher price and only an enthusiast would fork over the extra dollars to own it as a collectable.

Since this forum is "generally" geared to modding and improving the e30 ( hardtops / verts ) well then it would seem to figure that one would have a tendency to modify an actual Mtech II car anyway. Thus nullifying any prospective gains in value related to a true Mtech II car in original condition.

So whats it matter -really?

^he is correct. it does not matter

[colorado_cabrio]

agreed 100% doesn't matter...

[reelizmpro]

I hear ya...I really do but while it may not matter to some, it might matter to others. While the differences aren't that great, there's still a difference nonetheless and this must be acknowledged so that the buyers can decide if it does indeed matter, modded or not. It's like the L7 or Alpina, you could build one but it won't be an original L7 or Alpina.

[e304lyfe]

It should be noted that the triple white/black cars are strictly M Technic appearance package cars. The M Technic models are red, silver and macaoblau. Contrary to what was posted on the net in the past, these cars were produced from 4/91 upto ??? perhaps 7/91. Mine was produced 5/31/91 and there were still more VIN's left. I believe Keith's list from (e30ic.com) is for cars produced in 4/91 only, which is probably the majority of them.

my m-technic is 6/91, not sure if they go up to 7/91.

[colorado_cabrio]

I hear ya...I really do but while it may not matter to some, it might matter to others. While the differences aren't that great, there's still a difference nonetheless and this must be acknowledged so that the buyers can decide if it does indeed matter, modded or not. It's like the L7 or Alpina, you could build one but it won't be an original L7 or Alpina.

Yes but an alpina, or L7 is a complete car, with a series of modifications. This thread is about a single accessory (an M-Tech Steering Wheel). We the thread nerds have made it about M-Tech vs Appearance (which agreed are "complete cars")

The OP asked if there was a way to tell if it was original or not, and the short answer is no. Even if the car came with it originally equipped it could easily have been swapped.

[e304lyfe]

Yes but an alpina, or L7 is a complete car, with a series of modifications. This thread is about a single accessory (an M-Tech Steering Wheel). We the thread nerds have made it about M-Tech vs Appearance (which agreed are "complete cars")

The OP asked if there was a way to tell if it was original or not, and the short answer is no. Even if the car came with it originally equipped it could easily have been swapped.

I could be mistaken.. but I don't think anyone is speaking about a steering wheel in this thread???

[Erik j]

This is a real m-tech (my car) stock ride height, wheels, seats, bodykit.



This is a appearance car with aftermarket wheels

[reelizmpro]

Yes but an alpina, or L7 is a complete car, with a series of modifications. This thread is about a single accessory (an M-Tech Steering Wheel). We the thread nerds have made it about M-Tech vs Appearance (which agreed are "complete cars")

The OP asked if there was a way to tell if it was original or not, and the short answer is no. Even if the car came with it originally equipped it could easily have been swapped.

Right, they are complete cars with a series of special modifications stock. This thread is not about a steering wheel it's about the M Tech bodykit and car identification so a prospective buyer knows EXACTLY what it is. Is it a regular vert someone put an MT2 kit on? appearance package? or full blown M Technic model? White on white on white? = appearance package.

The argument is, does it matter if it's an M Technic or a 325i w/M Tech appearance package. I know most people just like the bodykit, so I get it. The reason I feel we (E30 enthusiasts) need to differentiate the two is because they are not the same thing. The appearance package cars are more
common and can be found cheaper. There's a member here who had his M Technic totaled by a teenage HS student. His own insurance is trying to compare his car to the value of an appearance package car. Do you think that's right? The interior alone (like it or not) of an M Technic is worth the same as an entire appearance package car. So yes, it does matter.

[naplesE30]

Yes but an alpina, or L7 is a complete car, with a series of modifications. This thread is about a single accessory (an M-Tech Steering Wheel). We the thread nerds have made it about M-Tech vs Appearance (which agreed are "complete cars")

The OP asked if there was a way to tell if it was original or not, and the short answer is no. Even if the car came with it originally equipped it could easily have been swapped.

I am in no way asking about a steering wheel. I am looking at a car with authentic M-tech body work and wanted to know if it came factory that way. It makes a huge difference to me and a lot of others, espc collectors. Also if a car is a true m-technic car it adds value as they a rare and produced in limited quantities, more $$$ to buy originally and more $$$ now. So yes it ABSOLUTELY matters. Anyone can find m-tech components but you cant replicate authenticity. Also I have only seen the car in pics so if when I viewed it in person and it had proper cloth in the interior I would know if it had been re-upholstered using the replica material..... I LEARNED that true m-technic cars did not come in white which makes the whole negotiaton easier, as it is not as rare as a car. I am kinda funny in that I like to be somewhat informed before I spend my hard earned money on something. "A fool and his money are quickly seperated"

Try to sell two identical muscle cars, one with a factory hemi, and another with a hemi swap, see what gets you more $$$.

[Cabriolet]

M Tech appearance better after a few mods. full heated and leather seats. they have stock 14" weaves that are white. and like 90% are automatics. all have power tops from factory. i payed 4300$ for mine, it was automatic, broken power top, worn and cracking seats and cracked windshield.

[naplesE30]

Since I am going to pass on it.......http://orlando.craigslist.org/ctd/1805392579.html

I kid I kid...

here it is

http://orlando.craigslist.org/cto/1804055577.html

I ran a carfax on it.. one accident in 2000 right front.