Gentlemen

[Netbook]

Gentlemen (and Ladies),

I have been browsing around for some time now. I am an avid car enthusiast and would love to get into the e30 world. It is a beautiful platform and I don't mind having to show a little tlc on a finicky car that I love. My only question is is there a good place to start reading. I am lost in a sea of information on these boards, from models to years to bumpers to obscure (to me) motor designations, and much more. Is there a beginners section or faq I can begin reading through to avoid having to ask too many questions that have already been answered many times?

Thanks,

Netbook

[Dermeister3]

hmmm you could read the BMW E30 wikipedia. that would help you figure out which models have what and all that. then you could just keep checking the new topics and posts in the general and members rides sections to see what people are doing and how

best of luck, these cars are great fun, and have a style all their own

[Dermeister3]

o and btw, theres no ladies here. All the guys scare them off

[325ix]

o and btw, theres no ladies here. All the guys scare them off

Yeah pretty much. There is a faq a little further down on the main page. It has some good info in it. Wikipedia wouldn't be bad. However, just reading some of the this car or that car threads would help.

[StereoInstaller1]

I am gonna suggest this: decide what use you have for the car first. Daily with occasional track use, track only, daily only (my wifes car), ice racing, rally...or just a sweet little cruiser with an attitude from hell (like mine).

Basically that is gonna allow you to focus on specific areas of the car. Like for example: coilovers basically suck for street use. If you are gonna track it occasionally, think about GC (Ground Control) coilovers as you need adjustability to set up properly for Auto-X or track...but a track only car might be worth dropping the coin for ASTs or (OMFG!) even Ohlins or something.

I say unless you are build a car for a spec class, leave the E30 alone. The same level of prep on an E36 will get you a safer, faster car. The E30 is a blast, but it is also a turd compared to the later chassis.

It is all about what you are gonna do with the car.

On the other hand, my car has no intent of ever being on a track. It is perfect with the KYB/ B+G and urethane control arm bushings on both front and rear...likewise, Delrin bushings on the street are just too harsh. I even hate the Bilstein Sports that are on my wifes car, they are just too fucking stiff for a DD/Street only car IMO.

Keep in mind, LOTS of guys here do it, but that does not make it less retarded. It is fine if your car sees miles only to get to the track, but normal street driving will eventually rip your car apart if you run solid bushings/rock hard springs/etc.

If you are building a "DD with Attitude" you can do whatever motor you want, but I personally say the only logical choice right now is the S50B30 ('95 E36 M3 only) as it gets terrific mileage, makes plenty of power and is cost effective, plus quiet and reliable.

If you want the most "fun for the buck" find yourself one of the M30 (big six) motors to drop in. Massive torque and fun as hell. Then if you wanted a balls out badass beast, add boost. Either way, big six = shitty mileage, so shitty range, more monies in the tank, etc...no too smart for a DD.

I wish I could offer more insight as to reading material. I find histories of BMW to be entertaining, but hardly any specifics regarding the E30 as it was so ubiquitous.

I say if you want an E30, choose what you want it for first.

Oh, and if it is for drag racing, immigrate to Norway.

Luke

[lga714]

If you are building a "DD with Attitude" you can do whatever motor you want, but I personally say the only logical choice right now is the S50B30 ('95 E36 M3 only) as it gets terrific mileage, makes plenty of power and is cost effective, plus quiet and reliable.

So just out of curiosity, why not the S52? Is it less reliable, more expensive? I just bought an S50 long block but I really wanted an S52 for the the extra ponies you get from going to OBD1.

[Danny]

Just saves a bit of hassle from it already being obd1. The advantage of the s52 is negligible.

[StereoInstaller1]

^that.

[naplesE30]

To OP: decide if you want four door or two. Thats really the only decision as everything else can be changed fairly easily.

[daniel]

S50B30 ('95 E36 M3 only) as it gets terrific mileage, makes plenty of power and is cost effective, plus quiet and reliable.

it's a great motor, but i don't know if i'd say it gets terrific mileage. 25ish highway is kinda lame.

[xwill112x]

^ but when your outrunning things that get 10-15mpg thats good :)

[dkbmxer002]

^ but when your outrunning things that get 10-15mpg thats good :)

what gets 10-15 on the highway that you are out running?

[xwill112x]

what gets 10-15 on the highway that you are out running?

i was making a reference to mpg in general not highway lol.

mmm maybe mustangs, camaro's(not the fbodys), toolbags in huge diesel trucks, etc.. e30's really aren't highway run cars to begin with, if your all into that, get a supra :)

[dkbmxer002]

i was making a reference to mpg in general not highway lol.

mmm maybe mustangs, camaro's(not the fbodys), toolbags in huge diesel trucks, etc.. e30's really aren't highway run cars to begin with, if your all into that, get a supra :)

all camaro's are fbodies except the new ones, but they still get about the same gas mileage as a s50 would, and 4th gens get over 30 highway, newer mustangs are probably similar city/highway. i would say the s50 in an e30 would be in the ball park with competitors as far as gas mileage. one car i was surprised by its bad gas mileage was the sti, which wasn't terrible but worse than i would expect though everything else about the car makes me not care.. haha