M50 e30 vs e28 build advice..

[mcgillaguddy]

Hey guys,

I've been debating this for a while to myself and figured it couldn't hurt to get some outsider input. The situation is - I have a 1987 535is, fantastic condition, 3 owner car as my dd - also have a 1990 325is m50 swapped, chipped, gc's, srd's, 16x9 borbet A's, custom exhaust, all original hartge kit, body is less than satisfactory though (rust, needs paint, rockers suck).. I've been looking for a new e30 shell but the search has not yielded promising results. My e30 is much more fun to drive, but it also has a lot done to it.

Options are -

1. Part out the e30 and take the money to build the e28 - most likely a turbo build as the engine is very healthy. likely no financial effect -parted e30 should pay for the project.

2. Make the e30 a track car - lack the joy of driving it all the time and having the e30 of my dreams - still keep it though and with minimal financial effect, but I would like to cut down on cars.

3. Suck it up - continue the shell search and swap everything over. Has the greatest financial effect and requires a very nice shell for me to be happy. I could sell the e28 after it is all done (a while from now for sure).

My question is: If you were in the same situation, what would you do? Especially if anyone has ever built an e28, please chime in. Can I make it as fun as the e30?

Thank you in advance.

Both as they sit now:

[CrusherCurtis]

After looking at both of the below threads, I'd probably find a shell for the e30. I'm sure you can find something in the $1000 range.

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=211769

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=262676

[mcgillaguddy]

thank you, gave me the idea to add pictures of both. Hopefully that helps with input.

[dannyyisntt]

E30 will always be more fun. It's sportier, lighter and easier to toss into corners.

The e28 would be an awesome base for somebody with a family that still likes the 80's brick style and enjoys some fun. But it won't be the same as the e30.

I'd keep the e28 as a DD and maybe lightly mod it over time and search for the right chassis for the e30 as a second vehicle.

[dougie30]

I agree with dannyyisntt, don't sell the e28 keep it for a daily, and do what you would like to the e30 track/street/whatever

[Unearth078]

i have never had an issue finding shells. put and add up and they will come. ive had 4 funnel through. one with a snapped tb, one with a snapped timing belt but removed motor and one with just a broken rocker, another was a euro with a fine motor apart. the least ive spent was 300 most was 1200.

[mcgillaguddy]

I'm surprised no one is going for building the e28, ha. I would like to cut down on cars so if I end up with an e30 that I am happy daily driving, the e28 will most likely go.

[Hooffenstein HD]

Keep the E28 as a daily.

Build the E30 for late night/weekend/track fun.

[Kovs]

Sell the E30 and buy the Stage 3 TCD turbo it for the E28 and make a reliable 400WHP. A well set-up turbo E28 is a monster.

[F34R]

E30 will always be more fun. It's sportier, lighter and easier to toss into corners.

The e28 would be an awesome base for somebody with a family that still likes the 80's brick style and enjoys some fun. But it won't be the same as the e30.

I'd keep the e28 as a DD and maybe lightly mod it over time and search for the right chassis for the e30 as a second vehicle.

This^ I bought a few e24s in my time, all have been parted or sold. They are just big and not as much fun. Unlike the e28 you can carry people with ease.

Build the e30 and DD the e28 with nice mods over time. I say wheels and some nice interior bits to set it off.

[rturbo 930]

How bad is the rust?

[TimKninja]

I really like the way you did that E28.

But itll never drive like an E30.

[mcgillaguddy]

Sell the E30 and buy the Stage 3 TCD turbo it for the E28 and make a reliable 400WHP. A well set-up turbo E28 is a monster.

Ha. finally someone for it - I expected it to be more disputed. I was only going to shoot for 300WHP if I went that direction but 400 sure sounds nice.

This^ I bought a few e24s in my time, all have been parted or sold. They are just big and not as much fun. Unlike the e28 you can carry people with ease.

Build the e30 and DD the e28 with nice mods over time. I say wheels and some nice interior bits to set it off.

I am refinishing a set of 17" style 5's for the e28. I'll put up pictures once the centers are back from the powdercoater. Bronze lips (painted, since the color is likely controversial) and powdercoated white centers/bolts is what I decided.

How bad is the rust?

It isn't terrible, could be repaired - battery tray, sunroof edges, rocker edges.

Worst thing is that the rockers are completely molested. The floor to rocker edge is even separating at one spot; need to be cut out and replaced for sure. Also the rad support needs to be cut out and replaced. I am good with mechanical items but I don't generally touch body work or cutting/welding a car.

[slammin.e28]

E28 > e30.

All day.

[slammin.e28]

E28 > e30.

All day.