Extremely underwhelmed - Are e30's not for me?

[brandonbio]

Congrats!

Thanks!

[brandonbio]

I honestly think that if you drove a chipped 318is with other things done you'd really like it. Very different to E28s, different to all other E30s/E21s and even the 2002 I've driven. The thing I love about mine is the way the engine just begs to be ripped on and how light the front is compared to M20 examples.

But still. If you're happy then that's what matters.

The 318is I drove apparently was chipped and was on some fancy aftermarket setup. It just wasn't the one for me.

And yep, I'm super happy with the car I bought.

[brandonbio]

Congrats. Good choice too.

Thanks! I really like what I picked.

[brandonbio]

Just one of the first shots of the car after washing it.

[BobombETA]

Looks nice man. Love alpine e30's.

[econti]

The 318is I drove apparently was chipped and was on some fancy aftermarket setup. It just wasn't the one for me.

And yep, I'm super happy with the car I bought.

I guess it also comes down to what you're used to.
I learnt to drive on various Mini Mokes (same drivetrain as classic Mini) so am very used to, and comfortable with, low power and amazing handling and having to drive hard to make the most of the power.
My previous car was a MA70 Toyota Supra, which was totally wrong. Fun, but wrong.
Whereas the 318is is almost a progression from the Mokes and suits me well.

[FunfGan]

If u don't like the driving position, then no model e30 is going to feel rite. I was a fan of the driving position until I started driving more newer(e90 chassis) bmw, and realized that they offered a much better driving postion for daily use. I still love my e30, but its a garage queen/toy to best on, stuff like driving position no longer matter in this situation.

Couldn't disagree with you more on that first part.


I can barely fit/ hate the driving position of a stock e30 with sport seats and wheel.

Toss a small wheel in there with a spacer and nice buckets? I've never felt more at home in any other care.

[JAshley73]

Extremely underwhelmed - Are e30's not for me?

I find this interesting. Anyone else care to elaborate on this statement?

He's right... I just parked my 89' 325i, and replaced it with an 06' 330i (E90).

Just going by the seating position alone, I could never get truly comfortable in the E30. Sitting close to the wheel, my legs we're bent up too much, and I would always get some low back pain after a while. Move the seat back some to make it easier on the back and legs, and I have to almost "reach" for the steering wheel and shifter. I can never really get the top half and the bottom half of my body to be comfortable at the same time. For short drives, it's not a big deal. But a 40-60 minute commute in traffic becomes uncomfortable.

I'm 6'0" BTW, and have a 32-33" inseam, so not really built like a freak. I daily'ed my E30 for 4 years, and after just a week in the E90, it's much more comfortable to sit in. The low-back pain is gone, and I can comfortably drive for long periods just fine. I think being able to raise the seat height, and telescope the steering wheel make a big difference there.

[Wh33lhop]

Couldn't disagree with you more on that first part.


I can barely fit/ hate the driving position of a stock e30 with sport seats and wheel.

Toss a small wheel in there with a spacer and nice buckets? I've never felt more at home in any other care.

I think the column needs to be dropped 1" or so to be about right. Mine with an SPG and small mt2 still has a bit of a bus wheel feeling as does an e36.

[itsonlygeorge]

What rims are those? They look sweeT!

[lukeADE335i]

Just one of the first shots of the car after washing it.

Great work - Alpine White is a great colour.

The sound deadening & smoother engine in the 6 cylinder cars makes a world of difference vs. the 4 - even the M42.

[2mAn]

more pics.

[brandonbio]

A few months later....

I've fallen in love with tossing money at it, here is a an updated picture. While sometimes I do regret not getting that touring, this car puts a smile on my face every day.



Here are a couple more photos.

[straight6pwr]

car looks great! glad you are enjoying it.

as you found out, there is a great difference between a properly maintained and a poorly maintained e30. glad you found a good one.

[Cephas]

He's right... I just parked my 89' 325i, and replaced it with an 06' 330i (E90).

Just going by the seating position alone, I could never get truly comfortable in the E30. Sitting close to the wheel, my legs we're bent up too much, and I would always get some low back pain after a while. Move the seat back some to make it easier on the back and legs, and I have to almost "reach" for the steering wheel and shifter. I can never really get the top half and the bottom half of my body to be comfortable at the same time. For short drives, it's not a big deal. But a 40-60 minute commute in traffic becomes uncomfortable.

I' m about the sam size as you and think the e30 seat position, while not perfect because of the non adjustable wheel, is very good. Do you have sport seats? The key is to angle the whole seat bottom so that the bolster under your legs is facing up a little. Then extend the knee bolster out a bit and adjust the seat back to your preference.

Try it, you will like it.