E30 325i Rag-Top

That's true Gavin's little 318i gets along pretty well with the S38(?), in it with the great fabrication work that he has done with Dan Slater it goes round corners pretty good as well. It would be interesting to compare the lap times of this beast with, say, Conrad's E30 M3 DTM, or one of the other S14 powered M3s.. Something for me to look up at the week-end. Don't happen to have a spare S14 in your shed do you Brent?

Bugger, sorry to hear that Glenn - thanks for the update. Please pass on my best wishes - is there anything you can think of that we can do that would help Brian make the most of his time with us?

Power, yes, handling, no. Too much weight up front, and in-front of the steering axle. All very well going fast in a straight line, but as we're not in the US of A going fast round corners is more of a priority. 300hp from an S14 is more than plenty for an E30, particularly one that is stripped and lightened.

Funny you should say that Brent, the original M3 test mules had M88 engines, then some clever German realised it was an even BETTER car with two cylinders cut-off the M88 to make the S14 plus a car that handles!

Cheers Josh, Pm received. Phil75 - I saw that one pop up on TradeMe as well, shame it's all the way down in Wellytown, would be good to compare the two cars. -Oli- any chance you could have a look at it for me and give me a report??

If you're interested in an E46 330d M-Sport touring let me know...

That would be a CSL then... CS was intended as a compromise between the "full on" CSL and the "luxury" of the Std M3, so has a few go-faster bits, but retains the useability of the standard car. Not sure it's worth that kind of money, and if it is then probably better examples to be had ex-UK.

Same guy, TWR, but different car I think. Brought 10 or so into the country from Japan and kept this one as the best of the bunch. Sold one to Tony Robinson(?) which is now the green Alpina / Michelin race car as Bruce said. Brings in lots of metal, Alfas, Lancias, these M3 and some early M635s.I agree with what you say Phil, my intention is to turn it into a race car rather than a show car, so not looking for an immaculate example. This one is almost too good to turn into a track car.

Went for a look around this car last evening, and I would certainly not call it rusty by any means. Whilst it was in the garage and not under the best light I couldn't find any evidence of rust in the usual spots (couldn't really see the firewall) on E30s or M3s. Corners under the front screen looked good, around the rear tail-lights, all four wheel arches. Even the sun-roof had no paint bubbles on it!! Whilst the car is by no means immaculate, it appears very solid. Tony was very good to talk to and very open about the car and it's history,etc. Only downside is that he knows what the car is worth and is pretty firm on his price (and in no rush to sell) so I wasn't in a position to low-ball him on it. I need to have a look for some more change down the back of the sofa, or try to decide what to sell (wife's car, race car, convertible, children??) to try and fund this. Has anyone from on here been to look at the red one in Nelson as a comparison? Glad yours is progressing well Bruce, let me know when to come up to the Winterless North for you to take me for a spin!

And when they plant the right boot into the carpet, the exhaust makes some wonderful farts and bangs under load with the two twin scroll turbos.It's not meant to be a boy-racer fart cannon the annoys you after 5 mins of driving, but a proper performance exhaust!

When did the produciton of the CSL finish? Regulations in most countries state that manufacturers must support a vehicle for a certain MINIMUM number of years after it ceases production, I know Aussie was 7 years and EU I think is 10. Possibly the supply of an alternative part, ie the steel roof, can still be classed as supporting the vehicle? Usual practice is that an All Time Buy (ATB in the industry) is made on the supplier a year or so before the time is up, and once all those parts are sold, then the NLA flag goes on the part. However, many parts suppliers still retain tooling etc. on specialist parts long after the ATB. It might be worth trying to track down the company that originally made the roofs (is the Carbon Tech company in the US that BMW have just bought up??) and see if they have any stock - or how many would need to be ordered to get them to run another batch. Alternatively, there must be a CF company out there that would take a mould off an existing roof and produce some? Not an OE part but better than a steel roof? Lucikly there are still a few good craftsmen left in NZ that can make things out of no. 8 wire and some smarts for things like this.

I don't need encouragement Bruce, going to look at it tomorrow evening. I guess it all comes down to how much he wants for it and what the Financial Controller and Bank Manager say about it... How's your coming along, ready for a skid yet? Is Shuey helping you put it all back together ?

Cool, I love a good sleeper. Great for showing up expensive posers in their cars at traffic lights.

NOTE: Must also be from one of the OEM suppliers - Mahle, etc. check the regs carefully! Cheap Chinese copies are not permitted due to the variability in their manufacturing!!

Could be the same car, I know these guys have had a few black E30 M3s over the years. If the VIN & Plates tie up, then it checks out and has managed to get it to the stage of passing a WoF. Could be worth a nosey this week-end I think..

I'm not a moderator, but I'm sure you know what the rules say about the "For Sale" section?

Got a photo up, now all we need is a price??

That really sucks - scum bags! Any more deets on the wheels - what tyres,etc. on them. Will keep an eye out, safer communities together through Bimmersport, etc..

"Soon to be week-end car"?? What happened to the wife's driving lessons then??

If you think this is dodgy, you should see how cars get "pulled" during a Race meeting... an X5 40d and Silver Fox 7.5t truck springs to mind!

Tell me more...Been thinking of going to make a silly offer on this to make into a race car..

^^ I know he performed a few miracles, but I reckon even he would struggle to make a decent car out of that mess!!

Hmmm.... that 'vert is a dead-ringer for mine. Even down to the seats.. Looks to be in great shape as well, where did you see it, I'll keep an eye out for it around.

Pretty sure Ashkan did one on his 'very befor he sold it. Offer him some beers and I'm pretty sure he will help you out..

I would put the 300C and the SRT in particular in the same bracket at the HSV / FPVs, great bang for buck, good for a hoon - but sadly lacking in terms of refinement, build quality and long-term enjoyment. The fact that the one in the advert isn't even a V8, it's the 3.5ltr asthmatic V6. As for the comparison with a Roller...