Many questions concerning E30's

[Mike_Duncan]

So it's getting about that time, I've been driving my Accord for 4 years now, and well, I basically both need and want a new car.

Being the Honda guy I am, I still have the idea of a clean DA9 flying around in my head, also have the Miata lurking around also, but I'm really interested in the E30 moreso. I just need to know, how difficult is upkeep? how exspensive are the parts? are they as much as people like to say? and if I buy a 19 year old E30, will it be as strong as a 19 year old civic? also, how in the hell do you change coolant?!?! there's no radiator cap!

I have NO experience with German car's or BMW's at that, besides research, no first hand experience, well .... except I worked on a Cadillac that was made in Germany by Opel, but that's beside the point lol.

[shiftbmw]

Parts aren't that bad at all. You just have to use PREVENTATIVE maintenence.

That means, spend a little money now to save a lot later. You can beat the hell out of an E30 if you just do routine maintenence on it. In the past on my non M's, I've gotten away with 500 or so a year in maintenence...a lot of that being preventative.

The E30 is pretty simple to work on. There's probably a bit more space under the hood compared to a honda since it's a RWD. If you know enough to perform a task on your honda, I garauntee you can do it on an E30.

E30's go forever if peoperly maintained. I know of numerous 325e's with 400k+ on them, original motor. As a further testament to their robustness, Mobil did their million mile test with an E30...motor made it and was still fell within acceptable tolerances after(although it was a constant 80mph...so not similar to city driving).

You change the coolant just like any other car. There's a coolant drain plug on the radiator and another on the block. There's a cap on the fill tank...its just not on the radiator. Nothing tricky.

German cars are nothing to be scared of. Just like Japanese cars aren't slow(well some of them ;-)).

[browntown]

your best bet would be to buy one that isn't your DD. You'll get it cheaper and can work on it at your leisure and as money allows. If you want an old car that is reliable and in DD shape, be prepared to pay. imho

parts are more than a honda. easiest example I can think of is your first upgrade: Poly bushings. You can buy a energy suspension bushing kit for a honda accord for under a $100. Be prepared to pay that for just the trailing arms on the e30 in aftermarket form. Although there is a decent aftermarket for the e30, it is nothing like a honda. Most trick parts are sold by race-shops that are small, bmw specific and charge more for a specialized product.

Think of all the work you would expect to do on a 20 year old car, then go to www.Turnermotorsport.com and start building a shopping cart with what you think you would do first. Don't be surprised if you're in the thousands quickly. Turner isn't the cheapest, just using it as an example.

The first order of business would be the suspension. Figure a couple grand to overhaul the whole thing with good stuff. Again go to www.bmw2002.com and start filling a cart in the suspension isle. You'll be surprised.

Not to talk you out of it, an e30 is a passion we all share, but if you're new to the fold and on a budget, consider a project car e30, and keep driving the honda to work.

[rede30]

consider a project car e30, and keep driving the honda to work.

This just sums it all up.

[Van Westervelt]

I sold my first e30 and started looking at new cars several years back. Ended up back in an e30 after just a few months and tons of test drives.

The only major expense I ever had was something that I ignored and it blew up into something bigger. Testament to preventative maintenance.

Almost everything you can do in your own garage with some tools and the famed Bently Manual. Parts are a little more expensive, but that can be offset by doing the labor yourself.

Hondas are built to last forever and a day. BMW's are built to enjoy driving, and they last forever with some love too :)

[Van Westervelt]

This just sums it all up.

Once the e30 is in good condition, driving a honda is torture!

[Mike_Duncan]

I really appreciate the help guys :)

I think I should give a little info about myself, that way you folks can understand more about me.

I'm 19, have no need for two vehicles nor would I want two, unless one was for pure track racing only, I want one Daily Driver, that's it. I'm a very idealistic person and plan everything ahead.

As a result of this, I know exactly what I want to do to the E30 if I happen to get one. The only thing I will do to the straight six is a full exhaust system, that's it. I don't need or want big power, the 2.2L SOHC F22A6 four cyclinder in my Accord is plenty for me and is factory rated at around 145 BHP, Torque follows closely, so the M20 is it? will have plenty of power for me:p the exhaust will be for the nice tone basically. And yes, I welcome the FR layout with open arms, things will be much more easier under that hood lol I love the FF layout though, don't get me wrong.

And if I do purchase an E30 I'm going to make sure it's in very good condition from the get-go, no rust, clean interior, ect, ect .. but yeah, I won't have to spend much money really when I get the car because it'll be in really good condition. That way I can just focus on what I want done (exhaust, slightly stiffer chassis, slight drop, probably euro bumpers, and wheels and tires)