Hello E30 lovers,
I always read those build threads from people who completely transform their cars to suit their own taste — and every time I think "I should make one too". But I never seem to find the time or motivation to actually start writing about my own cars.
But now it’s finally time to share a bit more about my true automotive love (after the kids, wife, dog, and house, of course...).
The list below is shamelessly copied from my original intro post from a few years ago — it covered all the things I wanted to change or improve, and looking back now, I think I’ve done pretty well checking most of those boxes. Parts I had ready (status updates included):
The engine was fully rebuilt, but I went through two cracked cylinder heads.
The car originally had an E36 head, which was cracked. Tried to repair it by welding, but it cracked again elsewhere.
Bought another E36 head — also turned out to be cracked...
Eventually found a proper E30 head, which is supposedly a bit stronger. Had it fully rebuilt and have now driven it hard for over 5000 km without any issues.
After sorting out the head problems, I fitted 272° Dbilas cams and the ITBs.
Engine now makes about 160-170 hp, revving happily to a 7,250 rpm redline. :popcorn: What’s been added since:
The whole idea behind this build was to take an already great car — the E30 — and improve all the small things by a few percent. Nothing extreme, just subtle tweaks to elevate the driving experience.
And honestly, I feel like this has become my dream car for spirited roadbook rally driving and the occasional track day.
It’s just fast enough to be exciting, still comfortable enough for long touring drives, and the handling is really sharp without becoming sketchy.
Last week I added some extra auxiliary lights in the front to make night-time rallying more fun.
Also installed a Blaupunkt Bremen head unit with Bluetooth/DAB and replaced all speakers with cheap but decent ones (~€20 each). Long drives are much more enjoyable now with some music playing in the background.
Next up:
Last Sunday I took part in the Ardennes Marathon Rally organized by Rally-Corps — 360 km of roadbook fun! The car was absolutely in its element. 😍
I always read those build threads from people who completely transform their cars to suit their own taste — and every time I think "I should make one too". But I never seem to find the time or motivation to actually start writing about my own cars.
But now it’s finally time to share a bit more about my true automotive love (after the kids, wife, dog, and house, of course...).
The list below is shamelessly copied from my original intro post from a few years ago — it covered all the things I wanted to change or improve, and looking back now, I think I’ve done pretty well checking most of those boxes. Parts I had ready (status updates included):
- Bilstein B12 suspension kit – has been fitted for a while now and is the perfect balance between sporty and comfortable.
- Thicker sway bars front and rear – installed a Eibach kit after long time, and the difference is remarkable.
- Quaife LSD in the rear – fitted! Completely rebuilt with shorter final drive by Hardemann.
- Engine at a specialist for rebuild and some upgrades:
- Dbilas ITBs – ✔️
- Dbilas camshafts – ✔️
- Matching standalone ECU – ✔️
- Ported and optimized cylinder head – ✔️
The engine was fully rebuilt, but I went through two cracked cylinder heads.
The car originally had an E36 head, which was cracked. Tried to repair it by welding, but it cracked again elsewhere.
Bought another E36 head — also turned out to be cracked...
Eventually found a proper E30 head, which is supposedly a bit stronger. Had it fully rebuilt and have now driven it hard for over 5000 km without any issues.
After sorting out the head problems, I fitted 272° Dbilas cams and the ITBs.
Engine now makes about 160-170 hp, revving happily to a 7,250 rpm redline. :popcorn: What’s been added since:
- Half roll cage – ✔️
- Z3 short shifter – ✔️
- Upgraded seats – beautiful Recaros now in place ✔️
- Purple tag steering rack – ready to install
The whole idea behind this build was to take an already great car — the E30 — and improve all the small things by a few percent. Nothing extreme, just subtle tweaks to elevate the driving experience.
And honestly, I feel like this has become my dream car for spirited roadbook rally driving and the occasional track day.
It’s just fast enough to be exciting, still comfortable enough for long touring drives, and the handling is really sharp without becoming sketchy.
Last week I added some extra auxiliary lights in the front to make night-time rallying more fun.
Also installed a Blaupunkt Bremen head unit with Bluetooth/DAB and replaced all speakers with cheap but decent ones (~€20 each). Long drives are much more enjoyable now with some music playing in the background.
Next up:
- Retrimming the original M-Tech steering wheel in alcantara
- Alcantara upholstery in the back, around the half cage
Last Sunday I took part in the Ardennes Marathon Rally organized by Rally-Corps — 360 km of roadbook fun! The car was absolutely in its element. 😍
Comment