Finally back into an e30: ‘88 Alpine on Blue 325ic cruiser build

[nando]

I have stock projectors. Even if my car came with sealed beams, I'd just get new OEM US projectors though. I checked recently to see what options are still available, and new OEM US projectors are still available for ~$700 a set. I'd rather just get those over smileys, which will be harder to get, and more expensive. I'm not sure if they're still available in Europe, but I think I saw a couple new OE sets on eBay from European sellers.

Pretty sure all euro lights are NLA, although there might be some old stock laying around (they did produce them for like 30 years). Stock US projectors are fine, and if they're still available new for $700 that's a good deal. They're basically the same thing except the cutoff, which isn't a big deal. But back in the day, the cost was pretty much the same - why not get the version that's a little different?

I wouldn't pay more-than-new prices for a used euro set though.. that's insane. Both of my smoked Hellas were only like $300/pair, brand new in box.. but granted that was like 2006. :p

[Mastrcruse]

A lot has changed in the last ten years. The older I get, the more I appreciate these cars in closer to stock form. 100% reversible modifications are fine, like suspension and wheels, etc, but I am all for leaving the M20 in and doing something cool with it. My last three E30s are the last ones I'll own, and only one of them has an engine conversion - the other two are staying M20 powered.

That being said, I miss buying lots of decent, usually running E30s for under a grand. Those were great times - now they're long gone.

My vote - keep it OEM+

I’ve definitely decided to stay OEM+, I’ve always liked the classic styling of the e30. I’d like to do some things to the M20 to step it up, a balance between reliability and performance would be my goal. I’m excited to get this thing down to Texas!

[Mastrcruse]

Welcome back!

Regarding 5 lugs, I think one reason is the cost/benefit just isn't there. I think the primary draw was 5-lug wheels are a lot cheaper than 4-lug equivalents (BBS-001 etc). Well now you would probably spend $5k+ on an E30 M3 setup (I don't even know, it could be even worse than that), or you could go with a cheaper, goofier looking, poor geometry E36 setup for cheap. But I don't think that ever truely caught on. Plus now there are tons of 4-lug brake kits that are way better than what you get on a stock M3, while also being significantly cheaper.

Mtech kits are definitely something I think people still like, but the cost is extremely prohibitive. I mean, 10-15 years ago you could still order Mtech-2 all new from BMW, which isn't possible now. and the aftermarket kits are still total garbage.

Diving boards, I think I have heard a few people that say they like them, but I don't think they are the majority. I still think they are ugly as hell. :p

There are probably more aftermarket parts now, and more services for repairing things like computer modules and instrument clusters. But OEM parts straight from BMW are definitely less plentiful than they were 10 years ago. It's been a while since I looked but it seemed like every other month something else was going NLA.

Blunt was selling parts back in the day and still is. I'd still choose them for the relationship and service alone. Newer BMW forums hang off the ECS Tuning nut sack pretty hard, but I think they are probably just stupid and like pretty pictures - the prices are not good, the shipping is really expensive and the service is awful. Not to mention the whole Turner debacle.

You know what's really crazy? Smiley lights are basically impossible to find new. Even the original Depo lights with glass lenses are all gone (and honestly, they aren't as bad as the newer stuff). I got one of the last sets of new smoked Hella's when they were already out of production.

M20s are definitely having a resurgence. It's sad because now it's actually kind of hard to find a good M20B25, back then people would just take them to the dump practically - when realistically the M50's that they were swapped out for should have been the ones taken to the trash bin.

Thanks! I have noticed that there seems to be a lot of supporting items now for the M20 and 4 lugger’s. I checked out how much a e30M3 5 lug and it was CRAZY. I am watching smiley’s on eBay and they are high priced. I’m about to place my first Blunttech order. I learned back then not to do non-OEM exterior body kits. They always seem to have something not right about them.

I’d love to do a (reliable) stroker/ITB setup and/or maybe add a little boost but haven’t done ANY major research on things (like what’s the best size of stroker kit to do).

The E30 is on its way. Thus far I have rear head rests, euro grills, rear shocks mounts, and just won some Kopis on eBay. So well on its way to be a sporty cruiser.

[rturbo 930]

I have stock projectors. Even if my car came with sealed beams, I'd just get new OEM US projectors though. I checked recently to see what options are still available, and new OEM US projectors are still available for ~$700 a set. I'd rather just get those over smileys, which will be harder to get, and more expensive. I'm not sure if they're still available in Europe, but I think I saw a couple new OE sets on eBay from European sellers.

[nando]

Not only are things going NLA, everything is also more expensive, sometimes much more expensive. I think door seals, if available at all, are at least double what I paid for one several years ago, just as an example.

Euro parts generally I think are harder to get, since IIRC, they now require you to prove you own a euro car to get euro parts, ie, headlights, bumper trim, etc. I've never understood the smiley craze. I guess they look kinda cool? I just don't see the point. Euro-coolness aside, it's just city lights, which are kinda pointless. Not worth it IMO. Same with euro grills, they look barely any different.

Maybe you forgot what it's like to have stock sealed beam headlights. A new set of projectors with an HID kit is a huge improvement. The city light thing is totally irrelevant, although I do think they look cool.

[e30austin]

A lot has changed in the last ten years. The older I get, the more I appreciate these cars in closer to stock form. 100% reversible modifications are fine, like suspension and wheels, etc, but I am all for leaving the M20 in and doing something cool with it. My last three E30s are the last ones I'll own, and only one of them has an engine conversion - the other two are staying M20 powered.

That being said, I miss buying lots of decent, usually running E30s for under a grand. Those were great times - now they're long gone.

My vote - keep it OEM+

[rturbo 930]

There are probably more aftermarket parts now, and more services for repairing things like computer modules and instrument clusters. But OEM parts straight from BMW are definitely less plentiful than they were 10 years ago. It's been a while since I looked but it seemed like every other month something else was going NLA.

You know what's really crazy? Smiley lights are basically impossible to find new. Even the original Depo lights with glass lenses are all gone (and honestly, they aren't as bad as the newer stuff). I got one of the last sets of new smoked Hella's when they were already out of production.

Not only are things going NLA, everything is also more expensive, sometimes much more expensive. I think door seals, if available at all, are at least double what I paid for one several years ago, just as an example.

Euro parts generally I think are harder to get, since IIRC, they now require you to prove you own a euro car to get euro parts, ie, headlights, bumper trim, etc. I've never understood the smiley craze. I guess they look kinda cool? I just don't see the point. Euro-coolness aside, it's just city lights, which are kinda pointless. Not worth it IMO. Same with euro grills, they look barely any different.

[nando]

Welcome back!

Regarding 5 lugs, I think one reason is the cost/benefit just isn't there. I think the primary draw was 5-lug wheels are a lot cheaper than 4-lug equivalents (BBS-001 etc). Well now you would probably spend $5k+ on an E30 M3 setup (I don't even know, it could be even worse than that), or you could go with a cheaper, goofier looking, poor geometry E36 setup for cheap. But I don't think that ever truely caught on. Plus now there are tons of 4-lug brake kits that are way better than what you get on a stock M3, while also being significantly cheaper.

Mtech kits are definitely something I think people still like, but the cost is extremely prohibitive. I mean, 10-15 years ago you could still order Mtech-2 all new from BMW, which isn't possible now. and the aftermarket kits are still total garbage.

Diving boards, I think I have heard a few people that say they like them, but I don't think they are the majority. I still think they are ugly as hell. :p

There are probably more aftermarket parts now, and more services for repairing things like computer modules and instrument clusters. But OEM parts straight from BMW are definitely less plentiful than they were 10 years ago. It's been a while since I looked but it seemed like every other month something else was going NLA.

Blunt was selling parts back in the day and still is. I'd still choose them for the relationship and service alone. Newer BMW forums hang off the ECS Tuning nut sack pretty hard, but I think they are probably just stupid and like pretty pictures - the prices are not good, the shipping is really expensive and the service is awful. Not to mention the whole Turner debacle.

You know what's really crazy? Smiley lights are basically impossible to find new. Even the original Depo lights with glass lenses are all gone (and honestly, they aren't as bad as the newer stuff). I got one of the last sets of new smoked Hella's when they were already out of production.

M20s are definitely having a resurgence. It's sad because now it's actually kind of hard to find a good M20B25, back then people would just take them to the dump practically - when realistically the M50's that they were swapped out for should have been the ones taken to the trash bin.

[Mastrcruse]

I have an early model convertible with plastic bumpers, custom euro cloth interior, stock sport steering wheel, H&R sports, billie shocks (tho I'd like a set of Koni's eventually), e36 rack, all suspension refreshed, motor stock but cleaned up and refreshed, running bottle caps. The theme is a nice, classic cruiser, with a good deal of heritage and effort. I've done different things to it over the years but this is the setup I'm happy with and is what makes sense for my needs as a comfortable and sharp daily driver or road trip car.

Perfect cruiser setup. I’ve always wanted Alpina wheels so thinking I’d do that and, most likely, going to try and find some kopi’s.

[Das Delfin]

I have an early model convertible with plastic bumpers, custom euro cloth interior, stock sport steering wheel, H&R sports, billie shocks (tho I'd like a set of Koni's eventually), e36 rack, all suspension refreshed, motor stock but cleaned up and refreshed, running bottle caps. The theme is a nice, classic cruiser, with a good deal of heritage and effort. I've done different things to it over the years but this is the setup I'm happy with and is what makes sense for my needs as a comfortable and sharp daily driver or road trip car.

[Massive Lee]

This exact thought crossed my mind while driving home last Friday. "Do people think I'm a hipster douchebag!?!"

I calmed myself down and told myself that I'm a enthusiast who enjoys driving an engaging vehicle.

PHEW!

Don't feel bad if you have an urge to grow a thick beard and carry an axe around town wearing timber boots and plaided wool shirt. Yeah. Urban lumberjacks drive e30s these days and they wear sunglasses at night too... ;-)

[Mastrcruse]

This exact thought crossed my mind while driving home last Friday. "Do people think I'm a hipster douchebag!?!"

I calmed myself down and told myself that I'm a enthusiast who enjoys driving an engaging vehicle.

PHEW!

This probably supports my “mature” side saying to “keep it OEMish”. I’d rather keep it classic and non-douchey

Thinking keep it simple. HR spring/shocks, Kopis/Alpina wheels, smiley’s, Mtech 1 rear spoiler, “normal” exterior stuff, rear headrests, and some little engine tidbits.

[Mastrcruse]

And no more cheap parts. And no more junkyard e30s.

I’m discovering the “no more cheap parts” thing. Haha. Things that were not very expensive are now CRAZY. But it does sound like there is a lot more available parts available.

[laidback93]

The e30 is now a hipster icon. Who would have seen that coming 10 years ago? ;-)

This exact thought crossed my mind while driving home last Friday. "Do people think I'm a hipster douchebag!?!"

I calmed myself down and told myself that I'm a enthusiast who enjoys driving an engaging vehicle.

PHEW!

[spiDmang]

Yeah, everything hasnt changed too much with the exception of the following:

-S54 is the new gold standard for 24v M motors
-Cheap parts are non-existent nowadays
-cheap cars can still be had, but they are far and few. Get one while you still can

I miss the good ol' days though, when things weren't super inflated, and building a car was a "cheaper" endeavor than it is now.