If you had $3k to spend on your E30...

[cspec]

If the rear subframe and trailing arm bushings haven't been replaced I'd replace those also. Never owned a cabrio so I can't speak from experience but a strut brace and chassis brace may have a big effect on how the suspension feels, probably worth trying that out before going with a stiffer shock/spring.

Honestly I think I'd just leave the stock bumpers alone because it's a lot of work swapping to plastics, plus you're left with holes in the trunk from removing that trim piece. The cowcatcher 325is front valence looks great, or there are others made by Zender, Pfeba, Racing Dynamics, etc, that are designed for diving boards but are harder to find. Good luck finding a rear apron. I've been wanting a smooth and quiet m50 swapped face-lift cabrio to cruise in myself, ideally black with a gray interior, including the uber rare matching gray dash.

Cabrio bumpers don't need modification, just plug and play for front and rear

[stonea]

Even though the suspension was just done I'd do a spec e30 suspension with an x brace. If you're not happy with the way it drives you are going to have to do something. I'd also probably do a plastic bumper conversion while I was at it.

[E30 Wagen]

Cabrio bumpers don't need modification, just plug and play for front and rear

I know, I'm talking about the diving board models and the long trim/molding piece that rests on the top of the rear bumper. It's fastened to the car through holes in the trunk compartment, so removing that piece leaves those holes open.

[UlrichFennec]

Hardtop, fix the squeak, address the idle/throttle issue and go from there.

If it were mine, I'd end up picking up a hardtop, paint it gloss black and getting some bodywork done.

[BaltimoreBimmer]

Funny you post this. I have a 90 5 speed vert myself and I have spent close to 3k on it over the past year. Hell, I just logged my purchases for May alone and it was just under 1k

[LateE30]

Thanks again peeps. Been looking through the builds and member cars here as well as online. Still really not sure what direction i want to take with the car and what my end goal looks like.

Think this will be a piece-by-piece build where i get everything looking "normal" and driving "normal", then go into mods.

still trying to figure out what options i have if i want to keep the diving board bumpers. I could tuck them, but then not sure what valences would fit front/back. it's all very confusing with late model bumpers and euro bumpers making everything more complicated

[dubdub]

That was my take... why invest $3k into a car that you seem to want to change? Sell it and get the best baseline car that you actually want and go from there. It is insane to consider swapping bumpers on a car that needs so much else. Some people love earlier cars... some don't. Decide which you are and go from there.

It sounds like you could spend $3k and not even end up with a car that you really wanted. Step back. Assess end goals, and see how to best get there.

[LateE30]

This is my hobby car. Money is going into it regardless. I won't be making huge leaps and bounds overnight with mods so like you said, I need to really figure out what direction I want to take here

[Sail Boat]

$3,000 isn't enough :(

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[LateE30]

haha, im beginning to understand that. this isnt my TOTAL budget, but just a "bonus" that i've earmarked for myself

$3,000 isn't enough :(

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[chriso]

Make it run.

[LateE30]

^^ it runs just fine. does it need an overhaul and some upgrades? no. would i WANT to overhaul it and upgrade it? yes...