Advice and info on E30 325 convertible

[PPP]

Hi Guys,

I need your help. I'm pondering on getting an E30 325 convertible as a project, I need advice on what I should be aware of in getting one -- those with chrome bumpers and those with plastic bumpers (good luck for me in finding those). Thank you so much.

And between a convertible E30 project car versus a hard top E30, what would you guys choose? Cost of ownership? vs. Fun?

Thanks,
Philip

[Weeman83]

Conventional sedans and coupes are lighter, and zero worries about leaky tops / vandalized tops / faded tops...

even though the cars look the same, the Cabrio actually has considerably different parts than the conventional hard tops (springs, doors, rockers, seats, carpets, etc...) thereby making modding and used parts hunting a bit more more difficult.

To each his own though

[MGuy]

For a project I'd avoid a Cabrio, but if you can find a good one, its fun-factor can be high (if you live where it doesn't rain 25 days every month). A project cabrio will usually have issues with the top, and that's pricey, and not easy DIY. As well, as Weeman says, the lack of parts commonality makes it hard to find used bits.

[evo3]

If you have a reliable wet weather driver, I'd say go for it. If not, I don't think a 20 year old cabriolet would make a good commute/daily car.

Some small things to note:

-The tops leak
-Suspension kits are cab specific (to make up for weight)
-They are a bit heavier, but who cares you can cruise with the top down

Sorry, I forgot to add, in terms of ownership cost... I've never owned a cabriolet, but I don't forsee any added maintenance costs, except of course if you get one with a bad roof.

Both the hard top and cabs would be fun imo, it just depends on what you are looking for. Cabs to me = sunny day cruiser. It would still be fun the rip around in a cab, but I think the hard tops are a better platform to start out with if you are looking for a more performance oriented project car.

[Jason]

I guess I'll chime in since I actually own a cabby. I've also owned an iX and a regular 4-door 325i E30.

I was lucky enough to find a '92 (yes, plastic bumpers) with a pretty new top. No fading or movement issues. Only a small leak when it rains hard but it's on the passenger side so it's my gf's leg that gets wet haha.

Yes they are heavier and you really feel it off the line but they are also nice and stiff so it's not as much of a softy around the bends and on bumps as you might expect.

In terms of fun factor, I'm super happy with the top down experience on sunny days and warm nights. I park under cover so when the weather is good for a stretch of days, the top never comes up, even overnight. It's far from a track tool - but more than adequate for blasting around the lower mainland highways and trips to Seattle, Whistler etc.

As for parts, yes you need cabby-specific suspension bits but they can be found at BavAuto for a reasonable price. I'm not sure offhand but I think the cost is about the same for the equivalent set-up for a hard top E30. I haven't done them yet but will in the future.

Lately though I'm noticing that my car might be burning oil and I don't know why. But I guess that could happen to any car, not cabby specific. Hopefully it's not gonna be a big problem.

That's all I can think of for now

[rkettner]

i have a big smile all day long when i drive mine on days like this.

[DS Rook]

Originally Posted by rkettner i have a big smile all day long when i drive mine on days like this.

I saw you today, and yes..........you were smiling

[Jason]

Originally Posted by rkettner i have a big smile all day long when i drive mine on days like this.

Ja. Me too.

[JimB]

[IMG][/IMG]

Originally Posted by PPP Hi Guys, I need your help. I'm pondering on getting an E30 325 convertible as a project, I need advice on what I should be aware of in getting one -- those with chrome bumpers and those with plastic bumpers (good luck for me in finding those). Thank you so much. And between a convertible E30 project car versus a hard top E30, what would you guys choose? Cost of ownership? vs. Fun? Thanks, Philip

Well, if you are interested we are selling my wife's 325 (and yes it truly is my wife's car).
Second owner.
Complete respray...clear-coat, hand-rubbed, over a totally rust free, straight body, about 5 years ago (Many pics just before new paint).
Professionally reupholstered about 4 years ago.
New top about 4 years ago.
A/C updated.
Many new parts, (shocks, fuel pump, brakes, etc)
Complete maintenance history and binder of all receipts.
Driven to Saskatchewan a few times.
183k klms.
Getting ready for retirement
Let me know if you're interested.

Cheers,
Jim

[Hey-U]

I sure like my vert. The top has been down all summer. I park it underground in the eve and will park it over the winter with storage insurance. As a practical, summer, toy car, I don't think I could find better value than an e30 convertable. If I was tracking I would have bought a sedan. If I was driving my vert 12 months of the year I would make the removable hard top a priority...... Good luck with it. The red one above looks pretty sweet.

[Weeman83]

If my source is correct, the E30 318i Cab is actually a very rare car in North America...less than 6000 units in the US...making it almost M3 rare hahaha.

Hang on to it if you have one!

[MC Hammered]

I thought the e30 320ic is the most rare in NA.

[Cacciatore08]

I took this pic on wednesday

ahaha
Cheers

[Weeman83]

http://www.e30ic.com/prod.htm

I was able to verify these numbers by extracting data from BMW materials. These are both euro and US market, combined. The information wasn't easily accessibly and I had to make a couple of assumptions. I have verified that my method produces the same figures as documented elsewhere: for example, the M3 Cabrio - my numbers match the number published in the May 2004 Roundel. I will continue to check my method against other documented sources of production figures to ensure they are correct. At this point, I'm fairly confident they are correct.

Model Dates Total Built
325i Convertible 03/86-01/93 85,246
320i Convertible 07/86-01/93 32,686
318i Convertible 07/90-04/93 24,706
M3 Convertible 05/88-06/91 786



US Market E30 convertible production figures Model Dates Total Built
US 318iC 07/1990 - 12/1992 4,069
US 325iC 10/1986 - 01/1993 19,136
US 325iC (Auto) 11/1986 - 10/1992 29,880
US 325iC M-Technic * possibly 04/91 only rumored to be between 140 and 250
US 325iC M-Technic Appearance *


* - See the differences on the M-Technic Page.

[DS Rook]

Originally Posted by MC Hammered I thought the e30 320ic is the most rare in NA.

Yes its the most rare. That's because it was never offered for sale in N/A.