So long e30 M3s...

[norMcal]

Don't know, but the E90 wasn't designed from the ground-up intending to be a racecar like the E30 was. And if you wanted to swap, I think welding on the flares to a non-M car usually end sup being a cheaper way to ruin an E30.

Wow, really the e30 was designed to be a race car from the ground up. Just like it was designed to only have a 4 banger. Thanks for the history lesson. I almost want to bet you weren't even born back then, which would explain a lot.

[norMcal]

yeah, bound to happen. inevitable result- purists v pet projects

Don't judge if you don't know all the facts.

I got the BMW bug when I rod in my dads first 2002 back in the early 70s'. He traded his cars in every two years for a new one and I pretty much followed the same pattern from the day I was able to afford to do so. We owned countless 3 series including M3's over the last 40 years. But your right, now that I wanted a reliable track car for some fun on the side, and bought a swap car, I am less of a purist than they guy who just bought his first overpriced e30 M3 and stuck it in to his collection, so he can show it to his schmuck friends, bragging how much the value just has gone up.

[bataangpinoy]

I have been dd'ing my s14b23 touring, even through the snow. Just got to let it warm up a bit and it does fine. The thought of an engine rebuild does scare me, and so does the impending doom of getting hit. I've already had someone tap my rear bumper causing it to crack. But if I'm going to put money into it, then you can bet that i'm going to drive it till I get sick of it.

I've never understood car collectors. In my opinion, if they made more than ten, then it should be driven. If you want to collect, collect hot-wheels or something else. Otherwise, you're just a grown up nerd who likes to get together with other nerds and trade cars or something.

[2761377]

Don't judge if you don't know all the facts.

I got the BMW bug when I rod in my dads first 2002 back in the early 70s'. He traded his cars in every two years for a new one and I pretty much followed the same pattern from the day I was able to afford to do so. We owned countless 3 series including M3's over the last 40 years. But your right, now that I wanted a reliable track car for some fun on the side, and bought a swap car, I am less of a purist than they guy who just bought his first overpriced e30 M3 and stuck it in to his collection, so he can show it to his schmuck friends, bragging how much the value just has gone up.

it was a comment on this whole thread. at one time I actually cared about this argument.

over it now.

[norMcal]

it was a comment on this whole thread. at one time I actually cared about this argument.

over it now.

No problem. It was a timing thing, the way it posted after my post. Sorry!

[einhander]

The S38 is a big, heavy engine. It's very, very expensive. It does not fit well in e30 engine bays. You're fucking delusional if you think that, if you're ever able to afford an M3 (which you won't), you're just going to swap in a built S38.

You'd get as much if not more enjoyment from keeping the existing S14 (if some dipshit didn't already swap it with a fucking S52) and going the 2.5L route. Balance is maintained, and you get a screaming, high-output 4 banger.

And to all you dreamers who go on about stripping it and turning it into a race car "because that's what it was built for," is your plan to actually race competitively? How? Are you going to quit your job, get sponsors and just live the life as pro M3 driver? Get real. Does a casual track day every month or so require a complete strip down and cage? You're a fucking idiot if you do.

Whoa. You need to relax, homey.

[reelizmpro]

I have been dd'ing my s14b23 touring, even through the snow. Just got to let it warm up a bit and it does fine. The thought of an engine rebuild does scare me, and so does the impending doom of getting hit. I've already had someone tap my rear bumper causing it to crack. But if I'm going to put money into it, then you can bet that i'm going to drive it till I get sick of it.

I've never understood car collectors. In my opinion, if they made more than ten, then it should be driven. If you want to collect, collect hot-wheels or something else. Otherwise, you're just a grown up nerd who likes to get together with other nerds and trade cars or something.

People are scared of what they don't know of. S14 is no more expensive than any other DOHC I4 with the exception of the timing chain rails/guides. It's not a magical engine, just an old BMW motorsport engine. I voluntarily rebuilt mine when it didn't even need it because I figured it'd be cheaper to do it now than later. Months later, evo oil pumps were NLA and the price of NOS pumps soared. Same thing with 370mm M tech 2 steering wheels, Startecs, MHW, M tech badges, Hella smiley's, S14 M3's...etc. You getting the picture? Don't we all wish we had a time machine? I would have held on to all those parts I had, had I known... well what if you do know?

If you have a line on something that may appreciate in value and you can get in at the right time, it's a win-win for the enthusiast collector. He gets to drive the car, trailer it to shows, loan it to museums or whatever he sees fit and it's making money??? it's a no brainer. Protecting that investment is also a no brainer but apparently not to everyone. Swapped M3's are still holding ground but there's going to be a time when they will be considered rollers + engine. Author's of M3 buyer's guides are already starting to write about staying away from swapped cars and diminished value.

[FirstM3]

Love my E30 M3

Heres a picture of mine in at Shanonville race track one of some i go too.
My love affair with this car began when I was 13 years old. When i saw it for the first time at 13 one of my neighbors owned one. I would always stare and admire it. i new there was something special about this car and that i would own one when i grew up.I come from a mechanic family so growing up all i was into were race cars. I bought my E30 M3 when i was 20 years old. Ive now had it for 5 years and love it to pieces. It has the original S14 with some tasteful mods.
I could never see myself parting with it.

[jhaurimn]

[norMcal]

Swapped M3's are still holding ground but there's going to be a time when they will be considered rollers + engine. Author's of M3 buyer's guides are already starting to write about staying away from swapped cars and diminished value.

Naturally originals are always going to be worth more. But this argument has been made before, many times, yet the guy from Autocraft has stated just recently on S14.net that he repeatedly turned down $50k offers for his S54 swap and that he doubts it would fetch that much if it were stock.

But generally I'm agreeing with your assessment. Then again, if it's just the value one is concerned about, you will need to watch the miles you put on the car, and were is the fun in that!

[einhander]

Naturally originals are always going to be worth more. But this argument has been made before, many times, yet the guy from Autocraft has stated just recently on S14.net that he repeatedly turned down $50k offers for his S54 swap and that he doubts it would fetch that much if it were stock.

Well, if one guy who owns one car is making claims on the internet then it ABSOLUTELY has to the case.

SCIENCE. INTERNET. BUSINESS. SERIOUS.

[E30 Wagen]

Whoa. You need to relax, homey.

Totally relaxed here. Just airing out my thoughts, felt good.

[reelizmpro]

Naturally originals are always going to be worth more. But this argument has been made before, many times, yet the guy from Autocraft has stated just recently on S14.net that he repeatedly turned down $50k offers for his S54 swap and that he doubts it would fetch that much if it were stock.

But generally I'm agreeing with your assessment. Then again, if it's just the value one is concerned about, you will need to watch the miles you put on the car, and were is the fun in that!

He'd be capitalizing on the latest popular swap...s54. In 10 years when everybody can do it, it wont be such a big deal. We see this now with m50 and s50 swaps. Autocrafts red m3 has a lot of nice mods as well. Clean M3's, fetch big money period, but it won't hold it's value with true M3 enthusiasts. You guys need to think more long term.

[norMcal]

Well, if one guy who owns one car is making claims on the internet then it ABSOLUTELY has to the case.

SCIENCE. INTERNET. BUSINESS. SERIOUS.

The guy is well known and respected in the community. Look up Red Rocket. He owns 4 e30 M3's in all, 2 of which are S14.

Another S54 just sold for $40k as well.

[norMcal]

He'd be capitalizing on the latest popular swap...s54. In 10 years when everybody can do it, it wont be such a big deal. Autocrafts red m3 has a lot of nice mods as well. You guys need to think more long term.

Well, I doubt it will ever get easy with the S54.

I guess I will have to just swap a S65 then, and I'll be fine ;D