The BMW E30 across all years and models is the greatest and most beautiful vehicle to ever be created by humans as a collective (the manuals in particular)
Man, this is insane. I have a 318is too with some upgrades like exhaust, k&n filter, chip, bilstein, etc. But your car feels so much better! How many upgrades do you have?
@@chemagb5559 the only “engine” upgrade is Schmiedmann headers. Other than that it’s stock. The car is also on ST suspensions springs and dampers. How do you mean it feels better? 😁
It has Schmiedmann exhaust manifold and no cat and no center muffler. Other than that the engine is stock. Car is also lowered on ST Suspensions springs and dampers.
How reliable are these E30s today? Especially the lower engine spec ones like the 316i or 318i? Very curious to hear how they hold up today because theres not a lot of info bout these smaller engine variants.
"Reliable" is a funny word for an E30 or any car of this age! But when it comes to engine reliability, you could say they're very reliable. M10s are basically bulletproof, and while M40s are a bit less robust, they're still very good engines. Even if the worst happens and you somehow manage to destroy the engine, replacements are very cheap. In my area, you can find these engines for around 100-300 euros-except for the M42 like mine, which are a bit more expensive, but they have a lot more power.. That said, these cars are old! If the car wasn't regularly driven and maintained throughout the years, be prepared to replace a lot of small things like vacuum hoses, ground wires, the muffler, and suspension components like sway bar bushings, and links. Luckily, they don't really have any electrical issues, though the dashboard can sometimes act funny. All in all, the car will probably never leave you stranded, just like mine never did. These are fun little cars, and with the right approach, they can be enjoyable to work on. I recommend doing the work yourself, at least the easier stuff!
But you have to know that owning an E30 is an experience of its own. Even though they are "reliable," something will always need replacing, and that's just because of their age! Be it a starter motor, alternator, or control arm bushings-there's always something. Just when you think you're good, BOOM, the interior light bulbs for the HVAC system fail, and you need to replace them. Then, fuel starts leaking from one of the original hoses that disintegrated, and next, there's a funny noise coming from the glovebox that you end up chasing down for weeks. It's just the way it is with these cars. But like I said, they will probably never leave you stranded! I just wanted to say it like it is :)
@@OGBemfa Wow thats a very good insight from you. Thank you so much! I was close to purchasing one 316i about 3 years ago and never got around it. I always loved E30s and have always looked out for them but never dared to make one my daily. Now theres another opportunity car and your insight solidified my outlook on these. Really appreciate it!
@@notnvyenvy7171 It has Schmiedmann headers, no cat and a standard muffler. I don’t like the sound tbh, it needs a resonator. Maybe it sounds OK on the video, but irl it’s quite raspy.
