Fitting a Drum Set

[Cletonius]

e30's have fantasically boxy trunks and are larger than the average compact car.

True, the trunk on my e30 is only slightly smaller than the trunk on my SX4. The biggest difference is that it's a bitch to load large things since the opening is only at the top and doesn't carry down between the lights. My wife was surprised to find out all her dildos (she sells adult novelties) fit in the trunk of the e30.

[N2MYE30]

Try it this way.

1)Scoot your pasenger seat(PS) all the way forward.
2)Remove the PS head rest.
3)Lay the PS all the way down...i mean so its pressing against the back seat.
4)Tilt the DS forward.
5)Shove the bass drum in to ride in the back seat behind you.
6)reasemble you car.

Another way is just remove the pass seat. :)

[CoelhoSport]

haha ima e30 drummer too never left my house with it tho

[SteveJ]

Full kit in an E30, should be no problem. maybe look for a 4 door.

When we got my son his full kit at Christmas a couple of years ago, we fit it all in our Mini Clubman. 24" bass, 3 toms, snare, cymbals, hardware, and throne. Even had room for the driver and passenger, who had a huge smile on his face after getting his full kit.

[kevmac858]

crazy there is such a big group of us drummers! who would have though we have the most to bring and smallest cars? haha either way thanks for all the responses they have really given me some confidence that i can find a way to fit it all in. @e34john i live in north county and would love to meet up to check the fitment if you wouldn't mind!

[AdamPlaysDrums]

I generally take a 22" bass, 2 rack toms, a floor tom, a set of Rototoms, 2 snares, 9 cymbals, and all the associated stands and such with me, and I have no real issues fitting all that in my 4-door. It takes some careful packing, but it can be done!

Leo and Mark, you both speak the truth. And my bassist complains about lugging just one 4X10 cab around...

[markseven]

How did we strike out, us who were unfortunate enough to become both drummers and car enthusiasts? Quite possibly two of the most expensive hobbies one could take up and they don't work well together at all

Haha, yeah. Drummers have to buy the most equipment, lug around the most equipment, set it up, break it down, lug it back to where it takes up the most amount of space when stored... and do the most physically demanding work... sheesh!

[adjmcloon]

Find yourself an e39 touring, works for me (very well!)

Got an e30 on the way for the fun factor. ;)

[e30austin]

Always wondered the same thing. Going to be moving in a few months and never tried to fit my kit in the E30. 20x22" bass, 12" mounted tom, 14"/16" floor tom. Probably would be fine...

[BrooklynMW]

I'm not a drummer, but at one time I fit a 24" kick in the back seat before along with the floor tom. Everything else went in the trunk. (Hardware case, snare, racktom, etc). You can definitely do it, but if you give any kind of shits about your leather, definitely get a moving blanket, if not, two to protect it from any damage from the drums.

On a regular basis, I can fit my 2 piece guitar amp (with a 2x12" cab), 2 guitars, & FX pedals all in my trunk. e30's have fantasically boxy trunks and are larger than the average compact car.

[TobyB]

Remove the rear seat. That'll give you way more room than you'd expect.
Although I'd then carpet it to protect the wiring...

You could always get a roof rack for the kick.

t

[leothedrummer]

How did we strike out, us who were unfortunate enough to become both drummers and car enthusiasts? Quite possibly two of the most expensive hobbies one could take up and they don't work well together at all!

Ultimately, I believe the best solution to this problem is a second car. I have a Mitsubishi Lancer station wagon that serves as a daily drive and drum hauler, keeping the E28 free of load lugging duties and away from the traffic of the daily grind. I'm inclined to believe that an E30 would be a bit too small to easily accommodate your average sized kit. There is more to it than just size; the rear of the car doesn't allow for the greatest access into the boot/trunk area (I mean the way that the trunk lid only sits on the top, rather than extending down to the rear of the car). An E30 touring is quite similar in this regard, as the tail lights obstruct the loading area quite a bit, making it a fair bit harder to manager a bigger item, like a hardware case or bass drum.

If you can manage two cars, I really do think that's the better option, but if this isn't possible, then I would actually like to second the suggestion for an E34 touring. That would be well worth a look!

Anyway man, all the best with it!

[e34john]

you can take the passenger seat out, I had to do that for a few months while I was cycling. What part of town you in? I can probably come by with my car and you can see if your gear will fit.

otherwise e34 touring?

[kevmac858]

hahah thats awesome! i love catilina clubs! do you think there is enough room to fit a 24" bass? that would be awesome!

[AE_m20]

I fit my gretsch catalina club in my e30. I remember pulling up to the knitting factory in brooklyn and everyone staring as I pull out this baby 18" kick out of the back seat lol
pic of kit for reference(typically had more cymbals for gigs)