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Introduction:
This has been a long time coming. I've lusted after E30 Tourings ever since I got into these things. I promised myself after I sold my last E30 (for nearly nothing 5 years ago - almost to the day) that if I ever could get into another E30, it would be a wagon.
I started thinking about getting another E30, in fact it probably was a thought that consumed too much of my mind in recent years. Seeing that E30 prices were rising - I realized if I was going to get one - it might as well be what I truly want: a wagon. To do this, I had to be an adult and sell off the expensive car that was in my hands for less than a year (which is odd for me, as I keep my cars generally for a long time.) The expensive car was my incredible "do-it-all" car, a Honda Civic Type R (FK8 Chassis). I still think it's one of the best vehicles out there, but something was missing, or maybe I'm cheap. I didn't have any buyers remorse, honestly, but I felt like I could have two cars for the cost of it - better cars? Probably not, but two is greater than one? So that's what I did, thankfully due to the FK8 market being what it is, having a low mileage excellent example, I actually broke even on it after I enjoyed for around 9 months.
So, after that, the search began for the E30. After talks, with many people with tourings and people in this community in general, I came across the one. It checked all of the right boxes, including AC and rust free. The car is originally from Italy, then was in Poland for a few months, then came to New York. The kilometers/ miles seem accurate backed up by previous service records. I honestly can't thank all of the people who were able to help me in my search, questions, and giving advice enough - especially the seller. I ended up buying my touring from one of our very own members. Miguel rest assured, she is in good hands. Turns out I replied to his email on 3/18. Seems like fate looking back at that now.
This car is going to stick with me forever, and if it is my last gas vehicle, I'm ok with that. I've bought and sold too many E30s 10-15 years ago, no more selling for me, should have just mothballed a few of them, hindsight being 20/20 and all that. The long term goal this car will likely get an engine swap, but AC and all creature comforts will remain. While this isn't a daily, I want to be able to enjoy it year round, even in the middle of Phoenix summer. In the short term, the car will be getting a few minor cosmetic issues addressed then suspension upgrades, and wheels - still deciding on a few things on those fronts.
Also on the lookout for either sport seats or aftermarket but classic front seats (Recaros, etc)... or a design edition interior - please message me if you have details on either.
Full photoshoots to come. I'm just beyond happy to be fortunate enough to get my unicorn.
========================///========================
Links:
Many pictures will flood my instagram.
Spreadsheet, a little bit of service booklet + wish-list, always changing.
Project: Engine Swap + Other Things --- 24V Thread Link
11.17.2022 --- Engine and Transmission Purchased. (meme format)
11.17.2022 - TO - 11.27.2022 --- Many parts purchased. With more to purchase.
11.27.2022 --- Engine / Trans / Exhaust / Driveshaft / Other stuff removed, first pass at cleaning engine bay. LINK TO POST
------ Stuff happened, but not much to show. More posts to show details later.
05.17.2023 --- Progress, teasers. LINK TO POST
05.17.2023 --- Need a source for Wire Diagrams, maybe a way to trace wires from your Z4 harness? LINK TO POST
05.17.2023 --- Header appreciation post. LINK TO POST
05.26.2023 --- Headers back from ceramic coating LINK TO POST
05.29.2023 --- C101 finally some progress LINK TO POST
05.29.2023 --- Oil Pan completed LINK TO POST
Project: Air Ride --- Pending
??.??.???? ---
??.??.???? ---
??.??.???? ---
Project: Interior --- Pending
??.??.???? ---
??.??.???? ---
??.??.???? ---
Project: _________________
??.??.???? ---
??.??.???? ---
??.??.???? ---
??.??.???? ---
Project: _________________
??.??.???? ---
??.??.???? ---
??.??.???? ---
========================///========================
How it came to me / first "this is what it is, list":
1993 318i Touring
Laguna Green Metallic
Slicktop / No Sunroof
New Black Headliner
M40B18, 5 speed
123+K Kilometers /// 76K+ miles
Power Steering
Power Front Windows
Rear Crank Windows (with power rear window hardware included)
Power Mirrors
Factory AC
15" Euro Weaves - Fresh Powder Coat in Nogaro Silver with matching center caps
New Brakes
New Tires
Freshly installed IS side skirts
IS front lip
Map Light Mirror
========================///========================
Teaser photos:
========================///========================
Initial / First shots:
Also recreated a shot I did some ~15ish years ago with a previous E30. Slightly better camera this time.
Introduction:
This has been a long time coming. I've lusted after E30 Tourings ever since I got into these things. I promised myself after I sold my last E30 (for nearly nothing 5 years ago - almost to the day) that if I ever could get into another E30, it would be a wagon.
I started thinking about getting another E30, in fact it probably was a thought that consumed too much of my mind in recent years. Seeing that E30 prices were rising - I realized if I was going to get one - it might as well be what I truly want: a wagon. To do this, I had to be an adult and sell off the expensive car that was in my hands for less than a year (which is odd for me, as I keep my cars generally for a long time.) The expensive car was my incredible "do-it-all" car, a Honda Civic Type R (FK8 Chassis). I still think it's one of the best vehicles out there, but something was missing, or maybe I'm cheap. I didn't have any buyers remorse, honestly, but I felt like I could have two cars for the cost of it - better cars? Probably not, but two is greater than one? So that's what I did, thankfully due to the FK8 market being what it is, having a low mileage excellent example, I actually broke even on it after I enjoyed for around 9 months.
So, after that, the search began for the E30. After talks, with many people with tourings and people in this community in general, I came across the one. It checked all of the right boxes, including AC and rust free. The car is originally from Italy, then was in Poland for a few months, then came to New York. The kilometers/ miles seem accurate backed up by previous service records. I honestly can't thank all of the people who were able to help me in my search, questions, and giving advice enough - especially the seller. I ended up buying my touring from one of our very own members. Miguel rest assured, she is in good hands. Turns out I replied to his email on 3/18. Seems like fate looking back at that now.
This car is going to stick with me forever, and if it is my last gas vehicle, I'm ok with that. I've bought and sold too many E30s 10-15 years ago, no more selling for me, should have just mothballed a few of them, hindsight being 20/20 and all that. The long term goal this car will likely get an engine swap, but AC and all creature comforts will remain. While this isn't a daily, I want to be able to enjoy it year round, even in the middle of Phoenix summer. In the short term, the car will be getting a few minor cosmetic issues addressed then suspension upgrades, and wheels - still deciding on a few things on those fronts.
Also on the lookout for either sport seats or aftermarket but classic front seats (Recaros, etc)... or a design edition interior - please message me if you have details on either.
Full photoshoots to come. I'm just beyond happy to be fortunate enough to get my unicorn.
========================///========================
Links:
Many pictures will flood my instagram.
Spreadsheet, a little bit of service booklet + wish-list, always changing.
Project: Engine Swap + Other Things --- 24V Thread Link
11.17.2022 --- Engine and Transmission Purchased. (meme format)
11.17.2022 - TO - 11.27.2022 --- Many parts purchased. With more to purchase.
11.27.2022 --- Engine / Trans / Exhaust / Driveshaft / Other stuff removed, first pass at cleaning engine bay. LINK TO POST
------ Stuff happened, but not much to show. More posts to show details later.
05.17.2023 --- Progress, teasers. LINK TO POST
05.17.2023 --- Need a source for Wire Diagrams, maybe a way to trace wires from your Z4 harness? LINK TO POST
05.17.2023 --- Header appreciation post. LINK TO POST
05.26.2023 --- Headers back from ceramic coating LINK TO POST
05.29.2023 --- C101 finally some progress LINK TO POST
05.29.2023 --- Oil Pan completed LINK TO POST
Project: Air Ride --- Pending
??.??.???? ---
??.??.???? ---
??.??.???? ---
Project: Interior --- Pending
??.??.???? ---
??.??.???? ---
??.??.???? ---
Project: _________________
??.??.???? ---
??.??.???? ---
??.??.???? ---
??.??.???? ---
Project: _________________
??.??.???? ---
??.??.???? ---
??.??.???? ---
========================///========================
How it came to me / first "this is what it is, list":
1993 318i Touring
Laguna Green Metallic
Slicktop / No Sunroof
New Black Headliner
M40B18, 5 speed
123+K Kilometers /// 76K+ miles
Power Steering
Power Front Windows
Rear Crank Windows (with power rear window hardware included)
Power Mirrors
Factory AC
15" Euro Weaves - Fresh Powder Coat in Nogaro Silver with matching center caps
New Brakes
New Tires
Freshly installed IS side skirts
IS front lip
Map Light Mirror
========================///========================
Teaser photos:
========================///========================
Initial / First shots:
Also recreated a shot I did some ~15ish years ago with a previous E30. Slightly better camera this time.
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