Well, my initial intent was to have a blog dedicated to the restoration of my e30 M3. That fell apart quickly, because frankly I'm too usually too busy working on the car than to take pictures let alone write about it. I also like to tinker on all my vehicles which makes it hard to keep track of every little bit of work I do. So, I'm hoping maybe this can be a bit update when I do take pics and upload them.
A bit of history of the vehicle.
Good
Bad
I bought the car a little over a year ago. I believe June 8th was the actual date. I had a buddy of mine contact me about a guy thinking of selling his e30 M3 in Maryland. I got his number, got some pics, and talked for a long while. I told him I was interested in coming up to see it in a few weeks. Within that time I had to jump on it due to some potential offers on the vehicle. After punching numbers I decided to pull the trigger and make an offer. Luck have it my cousin was getting married in PA the weekend I wanted to see the car. So, I hitched a ride with another cousin and we had a brief rest in Maryland while I did a test drive. Drove it, liked it, saw things that needed work and made a slightly adjusted offer from the one over the phone. We settled and decided I'd pick it up on my way back from the wedding.
Here is a picture of the day we agreed on a purchase price. The wheels are off an e38 for those wondering.

I picked up the vehicle on a Sunday (I had Monday off from work) thanks to my buddy who told me about the car. After a brief cruise down some back roads he took some pictures prior to my night drive back.


Like I said, I decided to head back home that night. I live in North Carolina and enjoy doing night drives. I also didn't want to deal with DC traffic on a Monday morning/early afternoon. Screw that shit.
First fill up in VA (couldn't be helped...the fill up that is)

I made it back and started to work on title transfer and titling. Like all my cars a name was necessary. Talking with my girlfriend one night she suggested the name Elsa. I liked it and after trying to think of alternatives I thought it was fitting. A pretty name for a pretty car.
A bit of history of the vehicle.
Good
- Original registration date 1988.02.17
- Zinnoberrot exterior, Natur leather interior
- ~135,000 original miles (odometer still works)
- 1,200 mile service inspection record at 1,362
- There is documentation from 51,637 in 1995 all the way to 100,631 in 2000.
- All electronics work
- AC was converted to R134a from R12
- Original radio with code
- Original OEM wheels included
- Extra OEM spoiler
- OEM Style 4s, I didn't like them original, but they've grown on me. New tires on them as well.
- Clutch feels good, a lot better than the e30 clutch pedal feel.
- Aftermarket cup holder that sits below the radio. Really handy for long trips
Bad
- Primarily Pennsylvania owned (I don't hate PA, but there is this thing called rust that sucks).
- No documentation between 1,362 and 51,637 miles
- No documentation between 100,631 and 117,xxx miles. During which there were Pennsylvania inspection stickers on the vehicle
- Rust behind passenger wheel arch. It looks superficial and not structure related
- Busted exhaust hanger(s)
- Needs a suspension refresh
- Rust by driver's side front window (common)
- Surface rust on corners of doors, etc. nothing major - More on this later.
- One or both half shafts are toast. Luckily I have at least one good one laying around.
- Repainted on one side, not by the Previous Owner, but perhaps the one before him?
- Rear spoiler is ugly, but there is a backup
- Interior needs a cleanup along with new floor mats that don't slide
- General cosmetic issues (needs new roundels, etc.)
- Needs to be buffed.
I bought the car a little over a year ago. I believe June 8th was the actual date. I had a buddy of mine contact me about a guy thinking of selling his e30 M3 in Maryland. I got his number, got some pics, and talked for a long while. I told him I was interested in coming up to see it in a few weeks. Within that time I had to jump on it due to some potential offers on the vehicle. After punching numbers I decided to pull the trigger and make an offer. Luck have it my cousin was getting married in PA the weekend I wanted to see the car. So, I hitched a ride with another cousin and we had a brief rest in Maryland while I did a test drive. Drove it, liked it, saw things that needed work and made a slightly adjusted offer from the one over the phone. We settled and decided I'd pick it up on my way back from the wedding.
Here is a picture of the day we agreed on a purchase price. The wheels are off an e38 for those wondering.

I picked up the vehicle on a Sunday (I had Monday off from work) thanks to my buddy who told me about the car. After a brief cruise down some back roads he took some pictures prior to my night drive back.
Like I said, I decided to head back home that night. I live in North Carolina and enjoy doing night drives. I also didn't want to deal with DC traffic on a Monday morning/early afternoon. Screw that shit.
First fill up in VA (couldn't be helped...the fill up that is)

I made it back and started to work on title transfer and titling. Like all my cars a name was necessary. Talking with my girlfriend one night she suggested the name Elsa. I liked it and after trying to think of alternatives I thought it was fitting. A pretty name for a pretty car.
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