Looking to join the E30 Family

[Threehz]

First off, howdy! I'm a Z car fanatic ready to start my Bimmer addiction. I'm currently restoring a 77' S30 (280Z). Nice to meet you guys

So I'm about to sell my current vehicle and I plan on buying an E30 as my new car. I'm a college student, working full time and my SUV drinks more gas then I drink beer which isn't working out for my wallet. I've been reading up on some of the basic of the E30's over the past few days but I'd like to get some opinions from you guys (the one's who really know) on what to look for, and what E30 is right for me.

I've seen the E30's rated at around 18-20 MPG but hear from owners that they can get 25-30 or more. Either way that is a huge improvement for me.

Are any of the years/models known for certain issues?

Adversely what are the 'best' years/models?

Definitely want a stick, but I do see quite a few autos that are good looking cars out there. I'm wondering is a tranny swap pretty straight forward, no crazy tricks to these E30's? Also is there good availability of used trannies for sale for not too much?

Also what kind of differences are there between the E30 trannies?

As for engine and the likes seemed there are quite a few different kinds and some of it was odd like the 2.5 being tuned to be more powerful then the 2.7, etc. I definitely want my E30 to get as good gas mileage as it can but I need it to have punch.

So all in all I want a hard-top stick, for use as a daily driver, I want to keep the body and look very stock as they are beautiful cars, however even though it's going to be my DD I want it to have some balls and I plan on tuning it up at least a little bit.

Sorry for the HUGE post, I'm sure most all of this info is available so if you guys want to throw me links I'm always down to read up every bit of info there is. I tried using the search but no matter what I searched for nothing came up, don't know what's up with that?

Thanks in advance!

[Kershaw]

1989 is the best year.

e30 trannies are the same for that engine type. all m20b25s use getrag260s. all m42s use getrag240s.

certain issues? lack of 24v and low hp. expect 23-24mpg with an engine in good shape. 30mpg for etas and m42s.

if you want punch, you have to get a manual. the automatics feel anemic.

[Threehz]

Looks like you got the lock on both those years and the awd, nice! How is the awd on these, I thought it was really cool they added that.

Good to know.

[ohthejosh]

Just to add a bit more. If you want gas mileage but like lower rear arches and the larger tail lights go for a 318 but if you like the smaller tail lights and higher rear arches get an eta or seta (pre- 88). It's really up to you, etas + chip + manual is what I think you are looking for but again its up to you ;)


If my information is wrong some please correct me. Thanks. Happy hunting!!

[325ix]

Looks like you got the lock on both those years and the awd, nice! How is the awd on these, I thought it was really cool they added that.

Good to know.

The AWD is fantastic in the snow and slippery conditions. It is damn near impossible to make them slide or spin the tires. However, they are more expensive to buy and some parts are more expensive.

[Threehz]

Ice and snow are just myths where I live and I definitely wouldn't need the extra possible costs/maintenance, still very cool!

Ohthejosh, good info I'm thinking that the eta sounds good. Now when you say chip are you talking about fuel injection control module chip?

Also you say pre 88 is the way to go, and I'm reading that in 87 there were some pretty big revisions, like the M40 being introduced and the switch from Jetronic to Motronic injection.. So why pre 88?

So it's really looking like the eta with a stick is what I want.

To me coupe is the only way to go, but if worst comes to worst how does a 4dr feel compared to the coupe?

[InuFaye]

if the T-case goes in the ix you might as well throw the entire car away and buy another one.

T-case is 2-3k depending on condition.

[russhixmo]

I've had two e28's and an e30 and all my buddies have e30's and they love them, I personally love my e28's more because they stand out more, ride a little smoother because there original purpose was a luxury car and they have a shit ton of power rite out the gate. As far as gas goes for both e30's and e28's there actually really good. I get around 25-30 mpg on my e28 and I use to get around the same in my e30. My buddy had a 318i and we drove to NJ and back and only used not even a half tank. If your looking for gas mileage and no power buy an E model but if ur willing to sacrifice a few mpg's for a little more power buy the I or the IS. You really can't go wrong with any of these cars but you do need a little more then average knowledge about cars if your looking to buy one. I don't say that to discourage you just to worn you and from what you've said you have a good knowledge of cars already so if your looking for a nice clean well maintained e30 or e28 try and find one that wasn't a kids car. Soooo many kids buy these cars cuz they think there cool and hack the shit out of them as far as electrical goes and there's usually where your problems are. I usually look for cars that are one owner or buy from someone who knows what there doing and does it rite. When you do get one, do alllllll the basics on it(O2 sensors, timing belt, water pump, coolant temp sensor, and change your fluids). I did that on my first e28 that I bought with 145k on it and when I sold it it had almost 190k on it and all I did in between then was the regular oil changes and filters and never had a single problem with it. There great cars all around. As far as year goes, I'd have to agree and say get a late model (89-91). Look for plastic bumpers. Don't try and be cheap about it. Your going to need to spend a little money for something that's going to last. Good luck. Feel free to ask any questions.


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I am here: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=41.275165,-72.821502

[Threehz]

Yeah I do love the older E28's but as much as it goes against everything I believe in, the E30 being newer will be likely to have less problems. An E28 would be a hella fun project though, I'd turn one of those into one hell of a mean machine.

Anyhow I'd say I have a pretty good knowledge base about cars now. I also plan on doing 98% of the work on it myself, or all of it.

I definitely hear what you are saying about kids ruining the cars, happens to all good cars. I'm hoping to find one that was driven by some older folk or at least someone who kept it well maintained and as stock as possible (but then again, isn't that all of our dream).

Since we're here, what are some things to look for (that are wrong) when I go looking? For instance old Z's are prone to rust under the battery tray and places like the frame rails and doglegs can mean bad news.

Right when I get it I'll most likely change:
Sparks
Spark wires
Water pump
Timing belt
O2 Sensor
Water temp
Thermostat
Filters (Fuel, Air, Oil)
All fluids of course
Distributor cap & rotor? (Do these have electronic?)

Anything else?

[davem]

Yeah I do love the older E28's but as much as it goes against everything I believe in, the E30 being newer will be likely to have less problems. An E28 would be a hella fun project though, I'd turn one of those into one hell of a mean machine.

Anyhow I'd say I have a pretty good knowledge base about cars now. I also plan on doing 98% of the work on it myself, or all of it.

I definitely hear what you are saying about kids ruining the cars, happens to all good cars. I'm hoping to find one that was driven by some older folk or at least someone who kept it well maintained and as stock as possible (but then again, isn't that all of our dream).

Since we're here, what are some things to look for (that are wrong) when I go looking? For instance old Z's are prone to rust under the battery tray and places like the frame rails and doglegs can mean bad news.

Right when I get it I'll most likely change:
Sparks
Spark wires
Water pump
Timing belt
O2 Sensor
Water temp
Thermostat
Filters (Fuel, Air, Oil)
All fluids of course
Distributor cap & rotor? (Do these have electronic?)

Anything else?

Suspension bushings is a big one on e30s, they're typically never done:
-control arm bushings
-subframe bushings
-rear trailing arm bushings

They also like to rust under the battery tray.

[Threehz]

Ahh good idea, bushings are never given the love they need!

You guys are awesome, great community! Had to say it.

What kind of cash should I be expecting to put down on an E30 in good shape. KBB only goes back to 91 and that suggested a 325i coupe in excellent condition go for 1675. Seems very very cheap to me, but is this correct? I was thinking around three for one in good shape.

[walktheboard]

in excellent condition, for a late or early model 325i expect to pay 4-6k.

[ohthejosh]

Ice and snow are just myths where I live and I definitely wouldn't need the extra possible costs/maintenance, still very cool!

Ohthejosh, good info I'm thinking that the eta sounds good. Now when you say chip are you talking about fuel injection control module chip?

Also you say pre 88 is the way to go, and I'm reading that in 87 there were some pretty big revisions, like the M40 being introduced and the switch from Jetronic to Motronic injection.. So why pre 88?

So it's really looking like the eta with a stick is what I want.

To me coupe is the only way to go, but if worst comes to worst how does a 4dr feel compared to the coupe?

I say pre 88 in regards to the body/stylings. If you like the smaller rear tails, higher rear arches, and diving board bumpers that's the eraly models are what you want. The eta was stopped after 87 if im not mistaken. As far as the everything else you stated I would not know my knowledge is limited in the technical/mechanical department.

4dr vs 2dr, I can't tell you much besides they have the same length and width, 4dr does not mean bigger. I hope everyone else can provide you with better info!

[TurboJake]

the ETA was stopped after 87. but in 88 they had the SETA. Which leaves more options open for him powerwise too, while still getting all the early model appearances.

4 door feels NO different than the coupe. I have a coupe, the woman has a 4 door. I could not feel a difference in handling characteristics between our two cars when they were stock. The weight difference was 20 lbs when we popped them on a scale... My coupe was heavier... IIRC She didn't have a spare tire at the time.

[ohthejosh]

the ETA was stopped after 87. but in 88 they had the SETA. Which leaves more options open for him powerwise too, while still getting all the early model appearances.

4 door feels NO different than the coupe. I have a coupe, the woman has a 4 door. I could not feel a difference in handling characteristics between our two cars when they were stock. The weight difference was 20 lbs when we popped them on a scale... My coupe was heavier... IIRC She didn't have a spare tire at the time.

But dont all 88's have low rear arches and larger tails?

SETA seems like an awesome car for OP.

Jake we know you had dead 20lb crackhead hookers in the trunk during the weigh in ;)