This was back when BMWs were genuinely well built, capable machines that handled like no other and weren’t just bought as a prestige sign. This is my kind of car.
It wasn't at all, these suck. They were and are slow, handle moderately and are frankly what young hipsters think as good because people told them. The E36 and future 3 series were way better. I remember these when I was young, they were just sad as it was obvious that the drivers were poor and trying to look successful.
Good review. One of the most iconic front ends in automotive history. The E30 M3 took this look to the next level. I had two opportunities to buy an E30 M3 in the early 2000. One for $3500, the other $5500. The $3500 was at a local dealership that took donated vehicles and sold them to raise money for charity. I hesitated to buy them because the M3 engines are expensive to work on. Many back then used to talk about how much better the E36 M3 was, so I passed on both. Obviously I regret not buying either.
Thank you very much. Yeah, most of us have some M cars that got away stories. It almost adds to the mystique of these machines…and the prices we are now paying to secure one currently.
Very passionate and realistic review. I've got 2 for 18 years and won't sell them. For me it's all about the passion and history they have with family and friends. Money doesn't buy back memories once we sell them!
My dad bought one back in 1994. Yesterday I just drove up to my old hometown and picked it up. He gave it to me, for free. The cloth top needs replaced, the gas tank has a leak (will replace), and a few other maintenance needs.
I love the E30. I had a brilliant red 318i executive. I drove it to 263,000kms without any major problem. It was super reliable and was an amazing drive.
Lots of people say "I want one" , "I will never sell mine" - I have one very similar to this one - not quite as nice - that I will sell for under $10K. 88 with plastic bumper upgrade, Bronzit (recent respray), 4 dr, 5 sp, (professionally converted from auto) leather with rear headrests, no cracks in dash, 14" real BBS with fresh powdercoat, H&R, BIlstein. Recent maintenance, working A/C and cruise. Nice driver. I am a spec E30 racer and this is one of three E30s that I own. I simply do not need it anymore
Fully agree. recently sold my 325i automatic convertible in original black from 1988 in condtion 3, but original. owned also an 318is from 1989 in black. Both cars nice looking, classic and nice to drive. convertible was soft in the body, you fee the time past since 1985 when it appeared on market. the 318is is nicer to drive, but the engine is quite loud on german autobahn,but it ran 225km/h with about 250.000 k run. the convertible did about 215km/h, but it was extremely loud driving faster than 130 km/h. They both loved mountain roads and nice crusing. Prices are now far to high in my eyes, sometimes you spot an pre facelift bmw online, never cheap. These cars got some rust issues meanwhile, also the engines are not that cheep to rebuild. But I love them and happy to have spend over 7 yrs with BMW E30 with no real probleme (maybe fuelpump, hydraulic clutch cylindre, nothing that matters...)
These are some of the most well built BMWs of all time. Some minor maintenance items are all par for the course. They are straightforward to maintain and a joy to drive.
Good example looks better in red silver black and best in Alpine White with tinted windows. Convertibles ended in the U.S. in 1993. Donna on 90210 and Jeffrey the butler on Fresh Prince of Bel - Air drove the convertible versions.
Best of luck to you my friend. They are getting hard to find in stock condition. Unfortunately when they were cheap they fell into the wrong hands at times and weren't upkept as they should have been. Keep hunting, you will find one eventually that fits your need.
@@autoobsessivegarage thanks. Only time will tell. I don't necessarily want a 100% STOCK condition. I don't mind after market upgrades as long as it doesn't look like it came out of a Fast N Furious casting 😂
Epic car I have one like that and one woner car it's have 120k miles and I'm the second owner to the car I'm from Libya 🇱🇾 And I will never sell it 😁 it's my dream car ❤️
