E30 Soul?

[ClassicE30]

I was talking to one of my co-worker, telling him that I'm about to get an e30 and he said that the e30 doesn't have the soul or feel of the newer BMW. He said he's driven 2 different e30's and the steering was light and the car didn't handle as well as his car (e92 335i). The only BMW I have ever driven was an 05 e46 (test drive), and I remember how good it handled and how its steering was tight and heavy. Is the e30's steering light? I told him of anything the e30's steering should be even heavier and more responsive. So how does the the e30 compare to other bmw's, do you guys think is better or not as good as other bmw's. I'm asking because I've never driven an e30.

[jlevie]

The steering is lighter than some later models, but doesn't have the "numb" feeling of later cars. In my opinion, from a driver's perspective an E30 325i/is is the second best car BMW has ever produced. The best being an E30 M3.

[e30Villain]

When i first bought my e30 i thought the steering was light and that it didn't handle too well ( i was 17 at the time ), but now that I'm used to the car and the feel, i can take it faster through corners than most newer model cars. In my opinion it just comes down to the driver.

[Exodus_2pt0]

^^ Agreed. I had to drive an E46 for a few days and absolutely hated it. If I was concerned with comfort, it would have been great.

[240zs30]

This thread might get interesting. I have driven some of the newer BMW's for more than just a test drive. Needless to say that there is no comparison between anything newer than an e30 and anything else in the BMW line up. The E30 is way more impressive for what it is to me. I have never jumped back in my E30 after driving anything else and wished to replace my E30.
I might consider buying a newer one as an alternate(that is what I did) and it will just sit because its not as interesting.
BTW. I drive mine 70+ miles daily mostly stock motor (over 250k) and still feels great!
My only real contribution was a better lower turn ratio rack to help and of course newer suspension/bushings. All that being said, I don't think Soul would be a good word to describe it although it definitely has something. Character it has a ton of!
335i is a fast car. but still E30>E92 (i'm biased)

[roguetoaster]

Spirit is what E30s have. Despite, or perhaps due to their low power outputs and reasonable weight they feel light on their feet, but not exactly planted as stock. It's easy to get sucked in the the effortless power of a modern car, but maybe because they are so simple to drive and zoom around in they will never have E30esque spirit and get boring rather quickly.

Another factor to consider is the ease of wrenching that an E30 provides and the sense of accomplishment you get after fixing it for the umpteenth time, which simply adds to the whole experience of E30 ownership and fosters a personal connection with the car.

[matthugie]

Soul definitely isn't the right word. Yes, the steering is a lot different from newer cars, but the e30 iss more intuitive for me to drive. Also, as we all know, the stock e30 rack is very long, so switching to a shorter rack makes a huge difference in feel. Suspension setup plays a huge factor as well. Clapped out 20+ year old suspension components aren't going to give the response and feedback that a new car will.

[zig553]

All this being said, I did drive an E36 M3 one time and that was the only car to even come close to how the E30 handles.

[tonerrrr]

Another factor to consider is the ease of wrenching that an E30 provides and the sense of accomplishment you get after fixing it for the umpteenth time, which simply adds to the whole experience of E30 ownership and fosters a personal connection with the car.

As for steering, my '86 325es feels effortless compared to the e30 M3 for me. I appreciate them both for how they handle though, the M3 just feels a bit more serious.

[oliver.r]

lol at a e90 owner talking about "soul"

[kalib0y]

sounds a little snobby if you ask me. Without the e30 the 3 series would not be what they are today. I feel that there is less driver feedback with the newer cars. since they are mostly drive by wire, there less of a direct connection with what touches the road. You feel like you are going fast in e30s and e36s, not so much in later models.

Reference the Top Gear Ferrari F40 vs Envo episode

[Holland]

lol at a e90 owner talking about "soul"

Lol. The E9x is a really pathetic car. Cheap doesn't even begin to describe them.

[xphiledan]

Your coworker doesn't know what he's talking about.

[E30M-tech//]

Hi I'm new.. But not new to BMWs, I have driven and owened e30 316,18,20,25 sadly no m3 :( yet!! but older bro's got 2.7 alpina with a e30 m3 diff ;) also many newer like e36 318,320,325 and a 325tds.. E46's used to Owen a m3 smg 2 cab, fun car ;) E34's e39's e60's e92... and I must say they don't have the same feeling as the old e30 to me is almost perfect, sure the m3 evo 2 sport must be very nice ;) but part from the e30 next must be the e39s 530d sport, a gentle mans car lol
Im almost completed a restore on my 325is, must say very pleased with the 24year old car as she was very clean with afew spots of rust that have been treated and dealt with, new nuts, bolts, screws & washer all over, also many new oem parts gone into her, car is almost factory new with alot been either refurbed or replaced with new parts.. Each panel was dismantled, treated for any rust and then painted in & out & same with the cars shell, I 1st had the car sprayed in it's original but toth wanted bit colour and a oem + so used 1 of bmw's new induvial colours ;)
Sorry I'm gona stop there as I wanted post up a full tread of my baby ;) soo watch this space e30 lovers as sure you all will love it but shes all mine ;)
Only thing needed to do is s52 heart transplant ;) but can't wait, want my baby out the garage and with me :(

[E30M-tech//]

Oh sorry back on topic lol
I'm afraid all new BMWs have lost the feel and apeal of been a real drivers car to me now as sadly all there new car are coming out with electric steering!! Like seriously!? I know, lets alow a computer to control the steering, that's a clever idea, ermm no!!