Looking into an E30

[Nesset]

All you have to know is this. Drive one. The answer whether not to buy one or not will be very obvious.

[ST1G]

Also, I lived in LA for 19 years and not once did I think to myself: "Dang, I wish my e30 was automatic"


Good luck

Yeah, I'm with JinormusJ. The only reason I would own and automatic older bmw is because I was physically incapable of driving a standard. It's really not that hard to drive a standard in traffic.

[JasonC]

Get the car that you want. Not what these other guys are telling you. If you want to live their lives, then your life isn't going to be much fun is it? Plus its quite obvious that they can't read your post to the reason for an automatic.

That youtube video that you posted up, here is that guy.... http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/member.php?u=16046

[California]

Well, I've broadened my horizons to include manuals too. As great as an automatic would be, it seems that I'll be able to get more out of the manual. It will serve as a weekend car rather than a daily driver.

[KIRIEIW]

Turboing an E30 can cost anywhere from 1,500, to 8,000+ easily depending on how much money you want to spend, whether or not you upgrade the internals, what parts you use, etc...
Also I don't think the auto trans handles the power well and they are more prone to breaking.

Fixed. Also the gearing in an Auto sucks! Ever try a 2nd gear launch? Well you wont have to, your Auto does that stock!






And incase you don't get that, second gear in a manual is almost the same ratio as first gear in an autotragic.

[Kevinl]

A e30 with an automatic is a terrible thing turbo or not

[uturn]

Get the E30 convertible, m-technic 2 version. They almost all only came in automatic. The car is already all slow and no show!

[Benjamin_Button]

If you want a auto e30 don't bother. Get another vehicle

[ELVA164]

I'D SUGGEST USING THE WINDOWS.










....I'm sorry, I'll read your post now.


Okay, yeah, unfortunately the automatic transmission isn't super durable on these cars and it would limit your options. If you're looking at a more warmed-over setup you could be okay, though. I wouldn't walk into a manual if it's going to make using the car more annoying.

[California]

Like I said, I'm looking into manuals now. I'm not going to daily drive it, so a manual will work well.

Are the AWD E30s really as unreliable/troublesome as people make them sound?

[California]

Anyone?

[KIRIEIW]

Get the E30 convertible, m-technic 2 version. They almost all only came in automatic. The car is already all slow and no show!

True, but there a lot harder to find then you think! I lucked out finding mine.

[lukeADE335i]

Nothing wrong with a well maintained auto - my car had an auto initially, and it always shifted smoothly & I never had any issues at all (mind you, I only had an M20B20 engine, so the car was pretty slow).

Just for a different slant on things if you want an auto...

M30 auto with 3.9 or 4.10 diff in an e30 = WIN!

[California]

Like I said, I'm looking into manuals now. I'm not going to daily drive it, so a manual will work well.

Are the AWD E30s really as unreliable/troublesome as people make them sound?

Anyone

[ian325is]

I've never owned an ix so my thoughts might not be relevant but a car is only as reliable as its owner. Whatever you choose will need work. the more systems the car has the more work they'll be. Of all of my cars my stock plain Jane e30 is the one that gives me the least of my headaches. Manual transmissions are simple and autos are complex. It's all about how the car was treated before you and how you treat it. Any car can run and drive forever if the owner wants wants it too. Get what you want and stick to the forums for help