Owning an E30. Is it worth it?...

[nando]

no, this is why we have more than one. one to DD, one to track, one to show, one for the money, one for the go.

I've only ever had one.. I don't really get having a car that sits in the garage and never gets driven. *shrug*

[TheTacoMan]

I like mine, but I also hate that I am replaced parts literally constantly but I can also blame that on my self for putting a turbo on.
However having a fast brick that smokes a a new sti is pretty entertaining.

The best thing you could do is get some that knows these cars really well and bring them to check out the e30.

[cferb]

I'm on my fourth. I had a 325e as my first car, sold it and bought a 325i, sold it and bought a 91 Subraru Legacy, which I'm going on 5 years with it(not because I love it, it was just what I needed, it's still a fun car but it kinda falls flat in a lot of ways compared to my e30s), and now I've got a 91 318 and an m3.

So if you ask me, of course it's worth it. I think it's dumb that everyone says they're expensive to own because BMW. The only way they're expensive is if you get them repaired at shops that aren't focused on European cars, where they just go "ugh, BMW" and slap an expensive price tag on it just because. But they're easy as hell to work on, and it doesn't make sense to buy a 25 year old car that you're gonna pay someone else to fix anyway, from any manufacturer.

As far as parts go, compared to my Subaru they're barely more expensive, if at all, and they're really not expensive anyway, my m3 is ridiculous but that's another story altogether. For the most part the things you're replacing are the same damn thing you're buying for other cars, alternators, batteries, thermostats, radiators, they're all made by the same people, and these aren't some rare low production cars that get a mark up for that.

[jalopi]

If I ever get rid of mine, I'm never getting another one. Too niche. I mean, it's a fun car to drive, but then most cars with a decent amount of power, good suspension and nice tires are.

Buy something 'Murican or Japanese. Make sure it's a popular car, you won't have too much trouble finding aftermarket or performance parts. **cheap** aftermarket/performance parts ;)

Literally. No difference. Just buy by what you want, what you think looks good and how solid people say the car is.

[evandael]

No car is really 'worth it', unless you're buying up old aircooled Porsches or vintage Ferraris.

But E30's are nice enough for the price and maintenance costs.

[Stanley Rockafella]

Not really. But once you have one, you're screwed. Don't even go down this road.

[QUKBMER]

Hey r3v,

So the basic question that I want to ask is, is owning an E30 really worth it?

It would be greatly appreciated. Thanks :D

-David

If you have to ask that question,you are not worthy of owning one.

-QUKBMER

[AndrewBird]

You can say that about any car. They are all bad investments. My E30 is a blast to drive and pretty cheap/easy to maintain.

That's true with nearly every car though

[dnguyen1963]

This is a wrong place to post this question. People on here love their E30s. Some put in huge amounts of money for their beloved E30s. They can never recoup that money...you want to play the game...be prepared to pay. All I can tell you is that a working E30 always put a smile on your face. The key word is "working".

[iwannam3]

I won't bother reading all the various replies. Mine is a simple yes. My e30 only has a hr bilstein sport pkg and a short shifter. Its a super fun car. I enjoy as much or more than my e36 m3. Maybe because it is surprisingly fun to drive and exceeds expectations. You don't have to drive like a d bag to enjoy it and I can fit three kids in back easier than in my 5 series wagon. If you want to do stop light drags and get looks from non car guys get an e46 m3 or vette. The e30 is for those in the know.

[iwannam3]

Oh and my username refers to an e30 m3. ;)

[Nick_S]

Yes. It's the only car I've ever driven that simply puts a smile on your face. They're not mind blowingly quick, they don't handle like a oh cart...they're just fun. However, they're also an incredible platform for just about any form of Motorsport you want to get into.

[dustyperez]

YES OWN ONE!!! why.......cuz racecar

I bought mine having never seen one in person or driving it. It had a bad engine. So i had no idea what i was getting beside what i read about how great they are. And I fell in love like a virgin on prom nite! So i bought a rust free version owned by a girl that didnt change the timing belt. I'll never look back

[rmosca594]

Ive had 3, in which all of them I got screwed over on with and the first one had a destroyed wire harness and never ran. They are money pits. I do not advise buying one unless you have atleast 7 grand to match it to the reliability of a new/pre-owned vehicle.
Just my 2 cents :)

Not saying this because I got screwed on them, I did rebuild 2 of the cars motors entirely, that being said they are still money pits lol, but I cant seem to stop buying them

[Aguedae30]

I've owned mine for just 2 years, bought it when I was 19 and did so cause I "did not" like bimmers,I swear,my idea was only getting some nice cheap wheels and little customization,after 2 years a M50 swap,D2 coilover conversion,fully leather interior,custom built LSD and a long list have gone in already and yet a lot to come.
It is worth it? probably not, the money you invest will be gone and it is not as comfortable as other car can be for a DD,but you will have your own e30,sure a blast to drive,pretty "fast" in comparison with cars you can get for the same price and good looking IMO.
I would do it,but for sure,it is just an owners opinion.