How much is your e30s upkeep?

[Oofie_SD]

I'm still looking for my e30 here in San Diego but I'm interested how much have you guys spent on your e30s just for its upkeep. When I find mine, I'll be doing every maintenance work and light repair on it, but I'd like to know how much it really costs to run it in good condition.

[eric (^__^)]

It seems like the only time I ever have to spend money on it is when I break something.

[StereoInstaller1]

It seems like the only time I ever have to spend money on it is when I break something.

I think this pretty much caps this thread.

[Oofie_SD]

I think this pretty much caps this thread.

So much for creating a successful thread :p

I guess as long as I'm on top of all the maintenance work, I'm good?

[StereoInstaller1]

Basically, these cars are like rocks. M20s run forever, even bouncing off the r3vlimiter every day. 260s are tough, too. Little shit like power window motors, engine seals, switches, most anything rubber, taillight gaskets, whaev...all of those require replacement every 20 years it seems.

Fantastic little cars, as long as you do your own work, cheap as hell to own.

Good luck on finding a gem!

Luke

[bimmer8604]

i kinda do a deal where i save money every month for a "car account" all of my e30's have been paid off, so instead of making a car payment I usually put 50 bucks or so a month into an account. Last month was a big month, having to put a new driveshaft, power steering lines, and blower motor in the car. But, I do all my own work so i only had to pay for parts. Ended up being about 350 bucks, which isn't bad. And since then, I hadn't spent a dime on the car in probably 6 or 7 months(besides an oil change).

As whats been said, e30's really aren't too expensive to maintain as many believe the BMW name = lots of money. If you are handy with a wrench, and have some patience and the knowledge/willingness to learn then its a perfect choice.

Usually the biggest/most frequent items to pay attention to are:
T-belt/water pump
Brakes
suspension components- typically aftermarket is way cheaper than stock

depends on what you want to do with the car. If you want to just DD it around, then you're golden. If you want to do more racing/auto-x then you'll have a lot more to do like rebuilding suspension stuff which can be expensive/time consuming.

Kyle

[Ben Carufel]

I would say $2,000 - $3,000 per month to upkeep the E30.

[92 mtechnic cabrio]

It seems like the only time I ever have to spend money on it is when I break something.

QFT

blown shocks
broken oil pans
broken clutch masters

all my fault

and then your occasional maintenance:

-oil
-timing belt
-water pump
-etc

[Bimmerista]

I spent about $4k on maintenance and repairs in 2 years. It was on things both necessary and pre-cautionary.

Considering I drive about 400 miles a week, this car really hasn't asked for much. Its a good deal since these cars aren't depreciating anymore and I can continue driving it at no loss.

[Oofie_SD]

I would say $2,000 - $3,000 per month to upkeep the E30.

2,000-3,000 a month for your e30 alone? Wow! By the way, my dad said he saw you a couple of weeks ago driving the 90 325is, still have that?

[oldskool3]

Usually you end up spending the most when you purchase the car because the PO didn't maintain a damn thing. (at least for the cars ive bought) After the initial maintenance they are cheap to run.

[Oofie_SD]

Thanks to all who responded! I'm now pretty confident to buy one after months of thinking about it. I guess I just need time and patience to have a great daily driver!

[Ben Carufel]

2,000-3,000 a month for your e30 alone? Wow! By the way, my dad said he saw you a couple of weeks ago driving the 90 325is, still have that?

Nope, it's long gone. He might have seen the new owner??

Yeah, my E30 is FUH RAZE and in lieu of motor oil I use the blood of small children; not inexpensive stuff.

[Oofie_SD]

Nope, it's long gone. He might have seen the new owner??

Yeah, my E30 is FUH RAZE and in lieu of motor oil I use the blood of small children; not inexpensive stuff.

lol, that will be expensive! Yeah, he probably saw the new owner. I'm still kicking myself for not buying your car :(

[Ben Carufel]

lol, that will be expensive! Yeah, he probably saw the new owner. I'm still kicking myself for not buying your car :(

You'll find another. They're not a dime a dozen, but they aren't as rare as the almighty Dodge Colt. Talk about a rare specimen...