Just look at the E30 BMW – isn’t it just one of the most fantastic looking cars ever made? With its boxy good looks and effortlessly retro styling, it somehow never looks dated.
The E30 was the second generation of the BMW 3-series, replacing the by-then dated looking E21. Its timeless design was spearheaded by Claus Luthe, with exterior styling done by Boyke Boyer (on behalf of all E30 lovers… thank you Claus and Boyke!). The car came in a range of body styles including a two-door coupe, four-door sedan and even a convertible. It’s the two door models that are most desirable with the enthusiasts today.
Most BMW E30’s carried the incredible inline-six M20 engine (available in a range of different capacities from 2.0 up to 2.7). Despite the fact the M20 was used in the first generation 3-series, for the E30 it was treated a Bosh K-Jetronic fuel injection system (LE-Jetronic on post 1982 cars) which increased it’s power output significantly, but also made it more responsive, fuel efficient, and easier to use. With a redline north of 6000rpm, you have to experience one of these great engines to truly understand what all the fuss is about.
The BMW E30 was a hugely successful car and sold over 2million units worldwide. The holy-grail of course is the E30 M3 (and the even rarer E30 M3 Evo) and prices for these cars are now sky-high. This has of course subsequently pushed values up for other models such as the 325i’s, and 320i’s.
We love what Kane has done to his E30. As you can see from the pictures he’s managed to get it sitting beautifully low, and the wheels are really different to what you usually see on these cars… and they REALLY work in our opinion. Kane has had to do a lot of work to get the car looking like this (more on that below) and as most classic car owners will sympathise with, he describes his car as the “never ending project”. Sounds familiar, right?
Photo Credit: Aired Out Media – Check out their Instagram page here!
BMW E30 320i (1988)
Modifications
- The suspension has BC Racing coil-overs with 8kg springs. Polybushed front bushes with new arms, and camber adjustable top mounts.
- The bodywork has undergone a full strip back to repair all the corrosion. It's then been rust treated and resprayed.
- Fitted an M-TECH 2 style front valance along with an A/C Schnitzer rear valance and E36 M3 style side skirts with a custom shotgun style exhaust to suit.
- Wheels are new imported "Borbet A Classic" alloys completely stripped back and polished lips with custom white paint. 9J at the front and rear with 195/40 tyres fitted to allow fitment without catching the bodywork
Interview with the owner
- When did you first purchase the car?2 years ago, back in 2019.
- What made you buy this make and model in particular?The E30 for me has always been a dream car.I love the styling and simplicity of it, as well as the individual quad headlights. It comes from an era of iconic cars and every car enthusiast can identify an E30!
- What's it like to drive?It drives really well being lowered on BC Racing Coilovers with polybushed suspension.Because of how simple they were designed there is plenty of feedback through the steering which gives the confidence of always feeling in control
- Has the car been restored / rebuilt?Yeah to some extent. I originally bought the car without viewing it (bad mistake) when I got the car home I found multiple rust holes in the bodywork, half the car had been sprayed by rattle can and the rear quarters had repair panels over the original bodywork. The repair work to get it back to the condition it's in now took 8 months and it then had a full respray and rust prevention. The car is a never ending project as I'm sure all classic car owners will agree there's always something else that could be done.
- Ok let's talk modifications, what areas have you made changes to?The suspension, wheels and tyres, and the bodywork!
- What have you done to the suspension?The suspension has BC Racing Coilovers with 8kg springs. Polybushed front bushes with new arms etc, and camber adjustable top mounts!
- What have you done to the bodywork?The bodywork has undergone full strip back to repair all the corrosion. It's then been rust treated and resprayed. I've also fitted an MTECH 2 style front valance along with a A/C schnitzer rear valance and E36 M3 style side skirts with a custom shotgun style exhaust to suit.
- What have you done with the wheels & tyres?Wheels are new imported Borbet A classic alloys completely stripped back and polished lips with custom white paint. 9j front and rear with 195/40 tyres fitted to allow fitment without catching the bodywork!
- Do you plan to do any further modifications to it?No, it's just how I want it right now.
- Is the car a "keeper" or will you sell it one day?She's a keeper!
- Do you own any other interesting cars?I also have a 1989 BMW E30 Coupe which is next on the list to restore back to its former glory!
- Ok final question – ignoring cost, and assuming you couldn’t go and sell it for profit… what’s your dream car and why?If money was no option and I was able to come across a clean example I would love an E30 BMW 325i sport coupe with a M-tech 2 kit fitted.
