Oldest e30? How many left?

[Dr. Anthony]

I've been searching for this for the past few months and haven't really come across much.

Is there a way to find out how many E30s are still registered prior to mine? I have a very early e30 (Dec 1, 1983 build date) and according to my vin there are only about 40 built before this.

With the vin, is there a way I can find out if my E30 is in fact the 40th made?

[djjerme]

You should look in to that Brooklands book "E30 Restoration Bible." It's a few years old, but in the first chapter he discusses the disposition of the earliest examples.

From what I can recall, many of the first ones produced in Germany where used by the press and ended up getting sold. I thought the same happened in the US.

Now, there is many Grey market cars that came to the US before the official release of the E30. One of our racecars is being built on one of these grey market cars (a 316) that was too far gone to restore. It was actually built 04/83..

I used to have the vin plate and some parts from another '83 shell that was cut up and crushed as well.

[stonea]

Well I believe the e30 was initially released in Europe in 82 so you're not the oldest, but maybe the oldest North American example still around.

[kway]

^ ... or not. And I'm sure there are earlier ones out there. I know I've had at least 2 other '83 build 318s over the years but I forget what months they were.

[djjerme]

And unless you have one of the first couple produced, a low serial number won't really affect it's value.

What will, is keeping it low miles and original. Unless you perform tasteful mods, but even that is always debatable (think M50 swap vs M52.)

And even then, there's nothing set in stone. Take touring's, before they hit the 25 year mark, you saw even rust buckets trading for 10k, now as more and more come over, the prices have come down and become a little more reasonable.

[MR 325]

My 323i was built in 9/83.

[e30austin]

PDXSeth had an 05/82 build 323i a few years back...IIRC.

[djjerme]

PDXSeth had an 05/82 build 323i a few years back...IIRC.

Yeah, that's the one that got cut up and I have the vin tag from. Still got the doors from it..

[Dr. Anthony]

Thanks for the reply guys.
My vin# is 1000043. The car has been sitting for a few years, and I'm not really looking to do much to it. The motor went on it, and so I have a rebuilt m20b25 that I'm throwing in it. Body is in really nice shape.

Depending on its value/"rarity", I was thinking of changing the color, or going with different mods. Originally, I purchased this vehicle sight unseen for a parts car. Once I got it, I was amazed with its condition. It had VERY ugly seat covers, but under those seat covers, it was nearly perfect.

I ended up ordering new suspension, and coilovers as well this weekend. My wife thinks its "needed" to make the car safe :)

here are some pics.

[Stanley Rockafella]

Nice pics
When I saw them I almost thought you have my old cosmosblau 325es (since mine was missing it's cowcatcher front spoiler). I sold it almost two decades ago to a buyer in Lethbridge AB. The interior was similar, but the blue cloth sport seats were houndstooth

[Dr. Anthony]

Nice pics
When I saw them I almost thought you have my old cosmosblau 325es (since mine was missing it's cowcatcher front spoiler). I sold it almost two decades ago to a buyer in Lethbridge AB. The interior was similar, but the blue cloth sport seats were houndstooth

Nice, I'd love to find out more info on this one.

[djjerme]

That's a great starting point, and you'd be well off to keep it in decent shape.

It's not going to be a huge money getter in the current market with the eta, but if you want to improve it's look maybe do some Euro mods (front valance, bumpers..etc.) and it will turn a few heads.

[Dr. Anthony]

That's a great starting point, and you'd be well off to keep it in decent shape.

It's not going to be a huge money getter in the current market with the eta, but if you want to improve it's look maybe do some Euro mods (front valance, bumpers..etc.) and it will turn a few heads.

Thanks. I'm not looking to make a mint, but any increase in "value" is always nice.

I have a rebuilt m20b25 going in. (excuse the mess around the floor)
Ordered new: coilovers, control arms, end links etc to freshen up the suspension. Euro grill And I do have mtech front / rear and sides with an mtech spoiler.

[noypi2]

Mine is 84 M10. Build date is 06/83 if I remember...
Missing the bumper...

Sent from my SM-G930T using Tapatalk

[Pdxseth]

Oldest e30? How many left?

I believe mine was 9/82 but I could be mistaken, I thought I scrapped the doors, I don't remember them being in great shape.

I would like to think mine was the first on us soil, as it was brought over in 11/82.

I also seem to remember something about a handful of e30's being made in 81, around 10k made in 82, and after that who knows.