*UPDATED 318IS PHOTOS 10/22
Nearly a year ago my love affair with E30s started. I have owned quite a number of cars (more than two dozen), but nothing struck me like the E30 - the perfect clash of modernization with all the class of an older car. They were much better drivers than the 240zs and classic muscle cars I owned previously.
I was first introduced to E30s on my birthday last year at a New Year's party. I remember talking to this guy at this party about cars - I was on the hunt for a new daily driver, and he recommended E30s. I laughed him off. A Bimmer? Let alone an old Bimmer? Nah, I didn't want to have to pay for speciality tools, parts, etc... But the idea stuck with me. I researched it more and I soon liked the prospect of an E30 - you guys know the general reasons. I was especially enamored by the 318is (DOHC + timing chain FTW) but was immediately turned off by how rare they seemed to be.
February rolled around and I became desperate for a car. My budget was low, and only wrecked/ghetto E30s were within my reach - I was pretty turned off. I found a 2003 Ford Focus with low miles and the right amount of pedals, and I decided I would buy it. After the test drive went well I went to the bank. I was still upset that I wasn't getting an E30 and so I checked craigslist one last time - Bam! A 1991 318is was posted just 5 minutes prior to my search. It was $1,000, in mechanically sound condition, but interior/paint was shot. I called the guy immediately and begged him to hold onto the car until the next morning, which he agreed. Around 10pm that night, I get a call from him - he really needed me to come down that night. I grabbed a grumpy girlfriend and drove 2.5 hours south and found myself with a gorgeous 318is - straight body and mechanically sound as promised - perfect starting point for a project. $900 later the title was signed over and finally made it home around 3am. This thread isn't about that particular car, but I can post more pictures of it upon request. I put a lot of time, love, and of course money into the car. Here are before and after pictures (plates were swapped because old ones were in bad shape):
Before (and During):
After:
Wait... What's that parked next to me?
Yep, it's big brother. I picked this up in similar luck with the 318is. I religiously typed in 'E30' into SF Bay craigslist every day for a few months - just seeing what was out there. Two days before my 5 week vacation I found a 1990 DS M3 in my price range. I emailed the seller and told him I am an E30 enthusiast with cash in hand. He called me immediately and the rest is history. I lusted for this car the entire time I was gone - it was painful.
Nearly a year ago my love affair with E30s started. I have owned quite a number of cars (more than two dozen), but nothing struck me like the E30 - the perfect clash of modernization with all the class of an older car. They were much better drivers than the 240zs and classic muscle cars I owned previously.
I was first introduced to E30s on my birthday last year at a New Year's party. I remember talking to this guy at this party about cars - I was on the hunt for a new daily driver, and he recommended E30s. I laughed him off. A Bimmer? Let alone an old Bimmer? Nah, I didn't want to have to pay for speciality tools, parts, etc... But the idea stuck with me. I researched it more and I soon liked the prospect of an E30 - you guys know the general reasons. I was especially enamored by the 318is (DOHC + timing chain FTW) but was immediately turned off by how rare they seemed to be.
February rolled around and I became desperate for a car. My budget was low, and only wrecked/ghetto E30s were within my reach - I was pretty turned off. I found a 2003 Ford Focus with low miles and the right amount of pedals, and I decided I would buy it. After the test drive went well I went to the bank. I was still upset that I wasn't getting an E30 and so I checked craigslist one last time - Bam! A 1991 318is was posted just 5 minutes prior to my search. It was $1,000, in mechanically sound condition, but interior/paint was shot. I called the guy immediately and begged him to hold onto the car until the next morning, which he agreed. Around 10pm that night, I get a call from him - he really needed me to come down that night. I grabbed a grumpy girlfriend and drove 2.5 hours south and found myself with a gorgeous 318is - straight body and mechanically sound as promised - perfect starting point for a project. $900 later the title was signed over and finally made it home around 3am. This thread isn't about that particular car, but I can post more pictures of it upon request. I put a lot of time, love, and of course money into the car. Here are before and after pictures (plates were swapped because old ones were in bad shape):
Before (and During):
After:
Wait... What's that parked next to me?
Yep, it's big brother. I picked this up in similar luck with the 318is. I religiously typed in 'E30' into SF Bay craigslist every day for a few months - just seeing what was out there. Two days before my 5 week vacation I found a 1990 DS M3 in my price range. I emailed the seller and told him I am an E30 enthusiast with cash in hand. He called me immediately and the rest is history. I lusted for this car the entire time I was gone - it was painful.
Interior is mostly out, the glass will follow in the next few days. 
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